Lab 3 Introduction

In surgery, there are various ways that you can close the incisions made.  
However, some work better depending on the tissue and the species. 

In this lab, you will learn how to recognize and perform the common and classic suture patterns.  You also need to learn what effect each has on the edges of the incision and the blood supply to the healing tissues.  You will also learn when and how to bury the knot. 

Objectives

When you have completed this lab, you should be able to:

1. Perform the common suture patterns
2. Choose an appropriate pattern, given a specific scenario
3. Describe the effect that different suture patterns have on
   • the apposition of the incision edges
   • local wound tension
   • the local blood supply

Overview

There are a variety of suture patterns that can be used to close surgical wounds. As well as being able to perform the basic patterns, it important to be familiar with their basic properties so you will be able to decide when their use is appropriate.

Basic properties

1. 1. Interrupted or continuous
   2. Effect on the edges of the incision
      • appositional
      • everting
      • inverting
   3. Ability to manage tension acting on the incision’s edges
   4. Effect on the local blood supply to the incision

Realize that there is often several appropriate patterns to close a specific incision.

• one may be appropriate for one species but not another
• individual patient factors may influence selection
• personal preference plays a major role in the final selection between appropriate alternatives

• Introduction
• Lab 3 . Part 1 - Suture Patterns
• Lab 3 . Part 2 - Interrupted suture patterns
• Lab 3 . Part 3 - Continuous patterns
• Lab 3 . Part 4 - Chinese finger knot (Roman sandal tie)
• Lab 3 . Part 5 - Burying the knot
• Lab 3 . Part 6 - Self Test