Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

In which scenario would absorbable suture be contraindicated?

1. Peritoneum

2. Muscle

3. Intestinal anastomosis

4. Vascular anastomosis

The correct answer is: Vascular anastomosis

Absorbable sutures are typically used in scenarios where it is beneficial for the tissue to gradually absorb the suture as the healing process occurs, allowing for natural tissue repair without long-term foreign material left in the body. However, in the case of vascular anastomosis, the use of absorbable sutures is contraindicated. The reason for this is that vascular tissue requires strong, permanent support for the anastomosis to maintain the integrity of the blood flow between the vessels. If absorbable sutures are employed, they may lose their tensile strength before the tissues have adequately healed, potentially leading to complications such as leakage or thrombosis. Thus, non-absorbable sutures or those that maintain their strength longer are preferred in vascular anastomosis to ensure a secure and lasting closure. In contrast, absorbable sutures are appropriate for other tissues such as the peritoneum, muscle, and areas involving intestinal anastomosis, where the sutures can dissolve as the healing progresses. This allows the tissue to heal without the risk of foreign material causing irritation or infection over time.