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What is a Nylon Suture?

Erica Stratton
Erica Stratton

A nylon suture is a needle threaded with nylon thread used to join two edges of a wound together. Nylon is a non-absorbable suture, meaning that it doesn't dissolve in the body like other types of suture threads. Its durability makes a nylon suture particularly useful when closing wounds in the skin or internal organs.

The use of surgical sutures has a long history in medicine. Catgut and silk were used in the middle ages, while alcohol-based and synthetic fibers are commonly used in the modern era. Nylon has been used for sutures since its invention in 1930, when it was first developed as a substitute for silk.

Nylon sutures are used in some surgical procedures.
Nylon sutures are used in some surgical procedures.

Though nylon has a strength and durability that makes it different from other materials, all sutures share some common characteristics. For example, all sutures need to be sterilizable, resistant to infection if left in the body for long periods, easy to handle, strong, and to be able to hold a knot securely.

The technique for placing a nylon suture is the same as that used for all sutures. The nylon is first threaded on a specially curved and sharpened needle used for piercing the skin. The wound site is then cleaned and treated with a numbing antiseptic for the comfort of the patient. The number and placement of stitches depends on the type of wound and the discretion of the surgeon.

A nylon suture is a needle threaded with nylon thread used to join two edges of a wound together.
A nylon suture is a needle threaded with nylon thread used to join two edges of a wound together.

One of nylon's particular attributes is that it can retain its strength for years. Some wounds are located in parts of the body which undergo a great deal of movement and stress, such as vital organs. The heart, brain, arteries, and bladder are good examples of places where these sutures would be used. In some cases, sutures would be left in the wound permanently to provide strength and support.

Nylon sutures are also often used to close wounds in the skin. Such wounds require flexibility as well as strength. A nylon suture is often the best choice for such a wound, since nylon is particularly pliable when moist.

Nylon is one of the most common materials included in suture kits to close wounds in the skin.
Nylon is one of the most common materials included in suture kits to close wounds in the skin.

Since it does not absorb into the body, this type of suture will have to be removed by a doctor once the wound has begun to heal. Sutures are typically removed by clipping the end of the knot, then pulling out the threads using forceps. Since a wound is usually only 5% to 10% healed when sutures are removed, the suture will often be replaced with adhesive strips to keep the wound clean and to help avoid scarring.

Discussion Comments

anon307128

Apparently, nylon sutures lose up to 20 percent tensile strength per year.

While this can be advantageous if the body's repair and scar are expected to hold repairs after a few years, it seems polyester is a better material in cases where the body isn't expected to create a strong enough hold.

babylove

@ShellM89 - It is true that nylon sutures are easier to get and less expensive than the silk sutures, but there are a few other advantages for using nylon instead of silk.

Nylon suture of any size is stronger than the silk suture and has very good handling qualities. It also holds knots better than silk and nylon sutures and has the ability to withstand contamination far better than any other suture material.

ShellM89

Are nylon sutures better than silk sutures or are they just more popular because nylon suture material is less expensive and easier to get?

HappyDay45

I found this article really interesting. I thought that when they stitched up internal wounds that the suture material used was always the absorbable kind.

I had no idea that sometimes they use permanent sutures inside the body. The reasoning, as explained in the article, makes sense. It is just something I was unaware of.

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    • Nylon sutures are used in some surgical procedures.
      By: Katerina Amchentseva
      Nylon sutures are used in some surgical procedures.
    • A nylon suture is a needle threaded with nylon thread used to join two edges of a wound together.
      By: dacasdo
      A nylon suture is a needle threaded with nylon thread used to join two edges of a wound together.
    • Nylon is one of the most common materials included in suture kits to close wounds in the skin.
      By: Nancy Hjxson
      Nylon is one of the most common materials included in suture kits to close wounds in the skin.
    • Nylon sutures are not absorbable, meaning they must be manually removed.
      By: Sherry Young
      Nylon sutures are not absorbable, meaning they must be manually removed.
    • A numbing agent is typically administered before stitches are performed on a patient.
      By: dpyancy
      A numbing agent is typically administered before stitches are performed on a patient.
    • Skin closure tape may be used in place of sutures for patients who have fragile skin.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Skin closure tape may be used in place of sutures for patients who have fragile skin.
    • Nylon sutures may be used in the bladder.
      By: pankajstock123
      Nylon sutures may be used in the bladder.
    • Doctors may use different types of surgical scissors to remove specific types of sutures.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Doctors may use different types of surgical scissors to remove specific types of sutures.