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

What is the primary concern when using silk sutures in specific organ surgeries?

1. Potential for excessive bleeding

2. Risk of tissue reactiveness

3. Formation of stones

4. Difficulty in suture removal

The correct answer is: Formation of stones

The primary concern when using silk sutures in specific organ surgeries is the risk of tissue reactiveness. Silk is a natural fiber that can provoke an inflammatory response in surrounding tissues. This reactiveness can lead to complications such as adhesion formation, which can be particularly problematic in surgeries involving organs such as the intestines or other structures where smooth gliding surfaces are crucial. The body may react to the silk by producing excessive scar tissue, which can further complicate surgical outcomes and create long-term issues. While silk sutures have positive attributes, such as excellent handling characteristics and knot security, their tendency to elicit a foreign body response makes them less desirable in sensitive areas. Conversely, concerns regarding excessive bleeding, stone formation, or difficulty in suture removal relate to other suture material properties or surgical contexts, but they do not represent the primary issue specifically associated with silk sutures.