Which is a nonabsorbable suture
The core concept here is the classification of surgical sutures based on their absorption. Nonabsorbable materials include silk, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. Absorbable ones are like catgut, polyglycolic acid, and polydioxanone. So the correct answer is likely one of these nonabsorbable materials.
Now, looking at the options, let's say the options are A. Catgut, B. Polyglycolic acid, C. Polydioxanone, D. Polyester. Then D would be the correct answer. Each of the other options is absorbable, so they're incorrect. The clinical pearl here is to remember that synthetic nonabsorbables like polyester and polypropylene are used for skin closure because they don't degrade and provide long-term support. The high-yield fact is that nonabsorbable sutures are used in areas needing long-term strength and where infection risk is low. So the correct answer is D. Polyester.
**Core Concept**
Nonabsorbable sutures retain their tensile strength indefinitely and require manual removal. They are made from synthetic or natural materials that resist enzymatic or hydrolytic degradation. Common examples include polyester, polypropylene, and silk.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Polyester (e.g., Dacron) is a synthetic nonabsorbable suture material. It provides long-term mechanical support without degradation, making it ideal for cardiovascular or orthopedic procedures. Its inertness and resistance to bacterial colonization reduce the risk of chronic inflammation or infection at the suture site.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Catgut (absorbable) is derived from animal tissue and degraded by proteolytic enzymes.
**Option B:** Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is a synthetic absorbable suture hydrolyzed over weeks.
**Option C:** Polydioxanone (PDS) is a slow-absorbing synthetic polymer degraded by hydrolysis over months.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Nonabsorbable sutures are preferred in high-tension areas (e.g., skin closure) or when permanent support is needed (e.g., vascular anastomoses). Absorbable sutures are used in tissues with self-healing capacity (e.g., peritoneum). **Never use absorbable sutures in skin** to avoid unsightly suture marks post-absorption.
**Correct Answer: D. Polyester**