In minor surgical practice, which type of wound should generally not be sutured?

• A. Contaminated wounds such as bite or puncture
• B. Clean, well-vascularized lacerations
• C. Superficial abrasions
• D. Minor skin tears without infection

Answer: (A)

When deciding to suture, how contaminated a wound is and how healthy the tissue is guide the decision. Contaminated wounds, like bites or puncture wounds, carry a high bacterial load and often have debris or devitalized tissue. Closing such a wound traps bacteria inside and creates a closed pocket where infection can flourish, leading to abscesses or cellulitis. Because of that, these wounds are usually left unsutured or closed later after thorough cleaning, debridement, and sometimes antibiotic therapy—allowing them to heal by secondary intention or with delayed primary closure once the risk of infection has been reduced.

In contrast, clean, well-vascularized lacerations have good blood supply and viable tissue edges, so suturing helps realign the tissue, restore function and appearance, and promote reliable healing.

Superficial abrasions and minor skin tears involve shallow damage with edges that aren’t suitable for precise closure; they heal well with simple wound care without suturing.