Which qualities of suture affect selection?

Suture selection is critical in surgery, and several qualities play a vital role in making an informed choice. The correct answer encompasses four significant qualities: absorption rate, tensile strength, ease of handling, and tissue reactivity.

The absorption rate of a suture determines how quickly it will be broken down by the body, which can be crucial for specific types of surgical closures. For instance, in internal surgeries where prolonged support is not needed after healing begins, a rapidly absorbable suture may be preferred.

Tensile strength refers to the amount of weight or force the suture can bear before breaking. This quality is essential, particularly for sutures that need to provide structural integrity during the healing process. Sufficient tensile strength helps ensure that the tissue remains approximated for an adequate time, promoting proper healing.

Ease of handling is another important factor. It relates to how well a suture material can be manipulated during the procedure, affecting knot tying and suturing technique. A material that handles poorly can lead to complications, making this a key consideration in suture selection.

Finally, tissue reactivity refers to how much inflammation or foreign body reaction a suture might elicit from the body. Choosing a suture with low tissue reactivity is preferable to minimize