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

Which method minimizes tissue trauma during surgery?

1. Sutured swaged to a needle

2. Use of absorbable sutures

3. Continuous suture technique

4. Placement of drains

The correct answer is: Sutured swaged to a needle

The method that minimizes tissue trauma during surgery involves sutured swaged to a needle. This approach is beneficial because a swaged needle is designed to have the suture attached to it, eliminating the need for knots that can create additional bulk and potentially cause more trauma to the tissue. The seamless connection also allows for smoother passage through the tissue, reducing friction and minimizing injury to the surrounding structures. When using a swaged needle, surgeons can maintain better control and precision in their suturing techniques, which further decreases the risk of damaging delicate tissues. This is particularly important in sensitive areas where preserving tissue integrity is crucial for optimal healing and recovery. The other options, while they each have their merits in specific situations—such as absorbable sutures reducing the need for additional surgeries or continuous suture techniques allowing for quicker closures—do not inherently prioritize minimizing tissue trauma as effectively as using a swaged needle. The placement of drains can be important for managing fluid accumulation post-surgery but does not directly relate to the trauma experienced during the suturing process.