Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which type of suture is designed to dissolve over time in the body?

1. Absorbable suture

2. Non-absorbable suture

3. Chromic suture

4. Silk suture

The correct answer is: Absorbable suture

The correct answer is absorbable suture. Absorbable sutures are specifically designed to break down and be absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for removal once the tissue has healed sufficiently. They are typically made from materials such as polyglycolic acid or polyglactin, which undergo hydrolysis in the body, gradually losing their tensile strength and eventually being absorbed by bodily tissues. This characteristic makes absorbable sutures particularly beneficial for internal suturing where it may be challenging to return the patient for suture removal, such as in the case of deep tissue repair or in pediatric patients. The body's natural healing process takes over, allowing the sutured area to heal without the presence of foreign material once the suture has dissolved. In contrast, non-absorbable sutures are designed to provide long-term support and are not absorbed by the body, requiring removal once the healing process is complete. Chromic sutures, while classified as absorbable, often have a prolonged absorption time and are typically treated to delay their absorption. Silk sutures are non-absorbable, providing lasting support for long-term wound closure.