Sutures

Chart

Area	Percutaneous (Skin)	Deep (Dermal)	Days to Removal (Percutaneous Only)
Scalp	Staples or 4-0, 5-0 Prolene/Ethilon	4-0 Vicryl/Chromic Gut	5-8
Ear	6-0 Prolene/Ethilon see note below		5-7
Eyelid	6-0, 7-0 Prolene/Ethilon If low on lid, consult ophtho		5-7
Eyebrow	5-0, 6-0 Prolene/Ethilon	5-0 Vicryl/Chromic Gut	5-7
Nose	6-0 Prolene/Ethilon see note below	5-0 Vicryl/Chromic Gut	5-7
Lip	6-0 Prolene/Ethilon	5-0 Vicryl/Chromic Gut	5-7
Oral mucosa
Face	5o,6o		3-5 days
Chest/abdomen	3o,4o		7-10 days
Back	3o,4o		12-14 days
Upper extremity	4o,5o		8-10 days
Lower extremity	3o,4o		8-12 days
Foot	3o,4o		10-12 days
Joint (extensor surface)	3o,4o		10-14 days
Joint (flexor surface)	4o,5o		8-10 days

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Technique

• Horizontal Mattress
  • Spreads tension over wound
  • Useful for high tension wounds
• Vertical Mattress
  • Great for wound eversion, closure of both sup and deep layers: contraindication to deeps

• Types
  • Absorbable for deeps
    • Never if high risk for infection
    • Good for hard to reach places (kid's mouth)
  • Vicryl
  • Lasts longer
  • Chromic
    • Faster, good for oral mucosa
  • Braided
    • Stronger but higher infection risk

See Also

Laceration Repair

Source

Lampe