Industry Knowledge
What Are Surgical Sutures?
Surgical sutures are medical devices used to hold body tissues together, most commonly to close wounds or surgical incisions and to promote healing. They help restore the integrity of the tissue, stop bleeding, prevent infection, and support the healing process by keeping the edges of a wound or incision in close approximation.
Founded in 2002, Suzhou Texnet is a China-based supplier specializing in high-quality disposable medical products, including a wide range of surgical suture materials. Located in Suzhou Industrial Park, just an hour’s drive from Shanghai, Suzhou Texnet has become a trusted name in global healthcare supply chains due to its commitment to quality and compliance with international standards.
Types of Sutures
1. By Material Type
Absorbable Sutures : These are broken down by the body over time through processes like hydrolysis or enzymatic degradation.
Examples: Polyglycolic acid (PGA), Polylactic acid (PLA), Polydioxanone (PDS), Catgut
Used for internal tissues where long-term support isn't needed
Non-Absorbable Sutures : Must be manually removed unless left permanently in the body.
Examples: Nylon, Polyester (e.g., Ethibond), Polypropylene (e.g., Prolene), Silk
Often used for skin closure or in tissues requiring long-term tensile strength (e.g., cardiovascular)
Suzhou Texnet offers a variety of both absorbable and non-absorbable suture options, ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to reliable, high-performance materials tailored to different clinical needs.
2. By Structure
Monofilament Sutures : Single strand; less reactive and cause less bacterial adherence
Example: Polypropylene, Nylon
Multifilament/Braided Sutures : Multiple strands braided together; offer better handling and knot security but may harbor bacteria
Example: Silk, Polyester
With decades of experience in manufacturing and exporting medical disposables, Suzhou Texnet ensures that all suture structures meet stringent quality control standards, including CE and ISO 13485 certifications awarded by TÜV. The company is also FDA registered, guaranteeing compliance with global regulatory requirements.
3. By Origin
Natural Sutures : Derived from animal sources (e.g., catgut from sheep intestines)
Synthetic Sutures : Made from man-made polymers (e.g., polypropylene, polyglycolic acid)
As a comprehensive one-stop solution provider, Suzhou Texnet offers both natural and synthetic suture lines, serving hospitals, pharmacies, and nursing homes across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, North America, and South America.
Suture Sizes
Suture material comes in various sizes , denoted by numbers with zeroes (e.g., 6-0, 4-0, 3-0, up to #5). The size determines the thickness and tensile strength :
Smaller sizes (like 6-0 or 7-0): Used for delicate tissues (e.g., eyes, face)
Larger sizes (like #2 or #5): Used where high tensile strength is needed (e.g., abdominal wall closure, orthopedics)
Suzhou Texnet provides a full spectrum of suture sizes, catering to diverse surgical procedures and specialties. Over the past three decades, the company has grown from a small startup into a key player in the global medical supply industry, achieving significant increases in yearly turnover thanks to its consistent product quality and responsive service.
Clinical Applications
Surgical sutures are used in nearly all surgical specialties , including:
General Surgery-Abdominal incisions, bowel repairs
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery-Emphasis on cosmetic outcomes
Orthopedic Surgery-Repairing tendons, ligaments
Cardiovascular Surgery-Vessels and heart structures
Obstetrics/Gynecology-Episiotomies, cesarean sections
Dermatology-Minor excisions and biopsies
They are also widely used in emergency medicine and trauma care for managing lacerations and injuries.
Complications and Considerations
While Surgical sutures are critical for healing, they can also pose risks:
Infection – Especially with braided or natural materials
Foreign Body Reaction – Some patients react to certain suture types
Wound Dehiscence – Premature opening of the wound
Keloid or Hypertrophic Scarring – More common in certain skin types
Suture Sinus/Spurious Tracts – Chronic drainage from buried knots
Proper suture selection , technique , and post-op care help reduce these risks — something Suzhou Texnet emphasizes through rigorous quality assurance and customer education.
Recent Advancements
Modern developments have improved the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of sutures:
Antimicrobial-Coated Sutures : Reduce infection risk (e.g., triclosan-coated Vicryl Plus)
Barbed Sutures : Eliminate need for knots; distribute tension evenly (e.g., Quill, Stratafix)
Tissue Adhesives & Staples : Alternatives in some cases, especially for skin closure
Smart Sutures : Under development — embedded sensors to monitor healing, temperature, strain
Suzhou Texnet continues to innovate and adapt to emerging trends in medical technology, staying ahead of the curve in delivering cutting-edge disposable solutions to global markets.
Post-Operative Care
After suturing, proper wound care is crucial:
Keep the wound clean and dry initially
Avoid excessive movement or tension
Follow instructions for cleaning and dressing changes
Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, pus, fever
Know when to return for suture removal (usually 5–14 days depending on location)
Healthcare providers around the world rely on Suzhou Texnet's high-quality suture products to ensure optimal post-operative outcomes for their patients.