Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

Which synthetic non-absorbable suture material is the least reactive in tissue?

1. Polypropylene

2. Polyester fiber

3. Nylon

4. Teflon impregnated polyester

The correct answer is: Polypropylene

Polypropylene is known for its low tissue reactivity, making it the least reactive synthetic non-absorbable suture material among the options provided. This characteristic is crucial in surgical settings because a lower reactivity reduces the likelihood of inflammation and complications in the healing tissue. Polypropylene has a smooth surface, which minimizes friction and allows for easy passage through tissue, further aiding in its performance as a suture material. In addition to being less reactive, polypropylene also has excellent tensile strength and is resistant to degradation in biological environments, preserving its integrity over time. This stability is especially important in prolonged wounds where the suture needs to remain functional for an extended period. While other options like polyester fiber and nylon have their own advantageous properties, they tend to elicit a more significant inflammatory response in tissues compared to polypropylene. Teflon impregnated polyester may have reduced friction and handling properties but does not surpass polypropylene in terms of low reactivity. Thus, polypropylene is the preferred choice when seeking a synthetic non-absorbable suture that minimizes tissue reaction, which is paramount for optimal patient outcomes in surgical procedures.