Learning about Sutures

Specialties Operating Room

Published

I am new to the OR as a circulator and I am looking for more information about sutures. The hospital I work for does not train the circulators on how to scrub so I don't get to see close ups on what's going on. Does anyone have any recommendation as how to learn about what types of sutures are used for the different areas of the body. I want to be able to anticipate what type of suture is going to be needed. silk, vicryl, ect. Thank you very much.

Lee

This is awesome!!! Im here two years and never had a breakdown that good on suture. So thank you!!! Are you in eduction? Where abouts do you work?

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Specializes in OR - Trauma/Transplant/Vascular/General.

Thanks so much for taking the time with your post. Definitely printing a copy!

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chessepotato you are awesome

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Specializes in OR and Midwifery.

Great work!!!! Going to give this to the new nurses who start in our theatre all the way down here in Australia! You summed up what took me months to learn.

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Thank you.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Can this be a sticky???!

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Specializes in APRN, ACNP-BC, CNOR, RNFA.

Absolutely amazing post! I went from surg tech to circulating nurse to Surgical NP, and I know my sutures, but your knowledge is impressive! You should write a book on sutures.

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2-0 (delicate suture for delicate work. Not too weak, not too strong) Silk (non absorbable). On an SH (Taper needle: atraumatic. Won’t do me a lick of good I’m slashing my bowel to bits to try to sew it together, ya know? P.S. This needle is also called a GI needle by some scrubs)

I just saw this one thing that may be a little confusing. The SH is a GI needle, the PS is a cutter. Thank you for taking so much time to help our new colleagues.

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That was awesome! Not being an O.R. Nurse, I usually just bring over the boxes of sutures and let the surgeons pick...lol...

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.
Can this be a sticky???!

CheesePotato's post is now officially a sticky, can be found at the bottom of the Operating Room Nursing forum.

Thanks for the suggestion, CaliLvr000!

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Specializes in Surgical Services.

That is an awesome overview of suture. Now to actually learn & memorize it. Haha

I think circulating only does hurt one's memory on suture.

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I have a surgeon that asked for a 3-0 vicryl tie, can someone explain to me what this is! I need to order.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I have a surgeon that asked for a 3-0 vicryl tie, can someone explain to me what this is! I need to order

It's a strand of suture without a needle on it. You should be able to order it from whoever supplies your current stock of sutures.

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