Suturing

When a patient undergoes surgery, he or she may be cut open by the doctor so that the right treatment can be administered. When the physician has completed his or her work, the patient’s skin and internal tissues will need to be sewed back together. This process of stitching up the human body is known as suturing.

Suture Types

There are two main types of sutures that doctors can use during an operation. Depending on the injury, the patient may necessitate absorbable, non-absorbable, or both types of sutures. They are characterized by the following:

• Absorbable Sutures: This type of stitch is typically used on internal reparations and treatment, since they dissolve after a certain period of time and are absorbed by the body. However, for more serious injuries that require robust stitching, non-absorbable sutures may be used, despite the need to re-open the patient to remove them.
• Non-Absorbable Sutures: These are used on external cuts or on internal organs that see a significant amount of stress, such as the bladder or the heart. They are also utilized internally when their disappearance through absorbance is unwanted or dangerous.

Sutures, when inserted improperly, may pose a serious health threat to the patient. He or she may develop dangerous infections, suffer heavy blood loss, or develop heavy scarring.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more about suturing and the consequences of improper suturing, the Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. can answer your questions. Contact our offices today at 215-238-1130 to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.