Sutures, ligatures and staples

After any operative procedure (assuming there is no tension and a good blood supply), careful approximation of the tissues will allow healing by primary intention. The method for the approximation of the tissue edges varies depending on the site and tissue, but the mainstay in the UK is the suture. This contribution examines the classification of suture material, the physical and chemical characteristics of suture materials, knot tying, suture needles, suturing techniques and surgical staples and stapling techniques.