Which synthetic absorbable suture has the shortest half-life (about 1-2 weeks) and is used for subcuticular closures?

Study for the NPLEX II Minor Surgery Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, offering hints and explanations for each task. Master your exam confidently!

Multiple Choice

Which synthetic absorbable suture has the shortest half-life (about 1-2 weeks) and is used for subcuticular closures?

Explanation:
Absorption timing matters for closures: you want enough strength early on, then the suture should disappear to avoid long-term foreign material under the skin. Monocryl, a poliglecaprone 25 suture, has the fastest absorption among common synthetic absorbables, with most strength lost in about 1–2 weeks and complete absorption in a couple of months. Its monofilament nature also reduces tissue drag and infection risk, making it ideal for subcuticular closures where you want a neat cosmetic finish without leaving a long-lasting suture in the skin. In contrast, Vicryl is braided and lasts longer, PDS is very slow to absorb, and Dexon is also longer-lasting, so they aren’t as well suited for rapid, superficial closures.

Absorption timing matters for closures: you want enough strength early on, then the suture should disappear to avoid long-term foreign material under the skin. Monocryl, a poliglecaprone 25 suture, has the fastest absorption among common synthetic absorbables, with most strength lost in about 1–2 weeks and complete absorption in a couple of months. Its monofilament nature also reduces tissue drag and infection risk, making it ideal for subcuticular closures where you want a neat cosmetic finish without leaving a long-lasting suture in the skin.

In contrast, Vicryl is braided and lasts longer, PDS is very slow to absorb, and Dexon is also longer-lasting, so they aren’t as well suited for rapid, superficial closures.

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