Which suture type is preferred for ligating vessels?

Which suture type is preferred for ligating vessels?

• A. Monofilament (PDS, Monocryl, Prolene)
• B. Braided silk
• C. Stainless steel wire
• D. Cotton thread

Answer: (A)

For ligating vessels, you want a suture that minimizes tissue reaction and infection risk while allowing secure knots and smooth passage through tissue. Monofilament sutures have a smooth surface and low capillarity, so they drag less through tissue and wick fewer bacteria along their fibers. This makes them especially suitable for vessel ligatures, where you’re aiming to minimize inflammation and infection around a critical structure. Examples like PDS, Monocryl, and Prolene illustrate this category: PDS and Monocryl are absorbable and maintain strength long enough for vessel healing, while Prolene is nonabsorbable and provides lasting support if a permanent ligature is desired. Braided silk, in contrast, has interstitial spaces that can wick bacteria and harbor a greater tissue reaction, increasing infection risk around vessels. Cotton thread is reactive and lacks reliable knot security and durability, and stainless steel wire isn’t used as a standard suture for ligating vessels. So the monofilament option is preferred for its combination of smooth handling, low infection risk, and appropriate durability for vessel ligation.

For ligating vessels, you want a suture that minimizes tissue reaction and infection risk while allowing secure knots and smooth passage through tissue. Monofilament sutures have a smooth surface and low capillarity, so they drag less through tissue and wick fewer bacteria along their fibers. This makes them especially suitable for vessel ligatures, where you’re aiming to minimize inflammation and infection around a critical structure. Examples like PDS, Monocryl, and Prolene illustrate this category: PDS and Monocryl are absorbable and maintain strength long enough for vessel healing, while Prolene is nonabsorbable and provides lasting support if a permanent ligature is desired.

Braided silk, in contrast, has interstitial spaces that can wick bacteria and harbor a greater tissue reaction, increasing infection risk around vessels. Cotton thread is reactive and lacks reliable knot security and durability, and stainless steel wire isn’t used as a standard suture for ligating vessels. So the monofilament option is preferred for its combination of smooth handling, low infection risk, and appropriate durability for vessel ligation.