Did you know that the suture thread of choice for facial lacerations is polypropylene and nylon? If a patient cannot return to the office to have their stitches removed, a medical provider needs to make the decision to use absorbable thread, like polydioxanone.
Suture threads have different properties, and it is essential that, as a student, you have experience practicing with absorbable and non-absorbable threads. When looking at a suture kit, it helps to have a few things to check off your list. If you aren't sure where to start, we have you covered.
In our complete guide, we will go over everything you need to look for in your new suture kit and why a cheap option off Amazon likely won't benefit you. Keep reading on for more information!
What To Look For in a Suture Kit
When choosing a new suture kit, here are some things to look for on your order:
- Thread
- Suture pad
- Adson forceps
- Needle holder
- Scalpel blades
Many suture kits have minimal toolkits that don't allow you to make additional incisions and practice surgical cuts. Second, they have poor-quality suture pads.
The suture pad is an essential element in your suture practice kit. A high-quality silicone suture pad ensures you have the closest simulation to epidermal stitching.
Choosing a poor-quality pad will make it more challenging to translate your skills into real-life situations. These pads are also more prone to tearing, and you will likely spend more money long-term on multiple practice suture kits.
What Thread Should Your Practice With?
Ideally, your suture practice kit should come with more than one type of thread. There are two main types of suture threads: absorbable and non-absorbable.
Non-absorbable is still the gold standard in most scenarios when suturing wounds. These include materials such as silk or nylon.
Absorbable sutures are often used for gut surgeries or instances where you wouldn't want to remove it. Some examples of absorbable sutures are:
- Polyglactin
- Poliglecaprone
- Polydioxanone
Sutures come in monofilament or multifilament forms. Monofilament requires more expertise and knots but is ideal for regions you want to reduce inflammation since it passes more easily through tissue. Multifilament threads are more pliable and easier to handle.
However, since multifilament sutures have a larger surface area, they can cause more sensitivity and inflammation. If you want to hone your skills, ensure you practice with different threads. Find a seller that allows you to purchase plenty of mixed sutures in different sizes, so you feel comfortable stepping up to the challenge when it arises.
Scalpel Blades and Comprehensive Toolkit
When searching for "suture kit Amazon," you'll likely come across several cost-friendly options. They will lack a few things, such as:
- Scalpel blades
- Toolkits
- Textbooks
These three items are crucial to your success with suturing. Scalpel blades and comprehensive toolkits supply you with all the tools needed to practice incisions, which is often neglected on suture pads.
Suturing Textbooks
Many suture pads do not come with an ebook or instructions. This can make it challenging to start your practice kit and develop your skills. The best suture kit will have the option of purchasing a comprehensive guide.
These medical suturing books should provide you with:
- In-depth suturing techniques
- Step-by-step illustrations
- Questions to test your knowledge and skills
While classroom settings are useful for learning the basics of suturing, these kits and books provide more knowledge to put you ahead of the game. Choosing a textbook with illustrations allows you to easily see how to run and tie various sutures.
Access to Suture Training
One of the benefits of choosing a company specializing in suture kits for students is you get access to medical professionals who can show you how to use your new suture pad. At Medical Creations, we offer free YouTube videos on our website that teaches you how to start suturing like a professional.
You will learn how to start suturing and tying knots with free tips and tricks with Medical Creations' suture pad and materials. One of the most challenging things about suture boards online is you have a steep learning curve and no access to free materials or help.
When shopping around, take into consideration a company's expertise and reviews.
Is a Suturing Kit Worth the Money?
In one word: yes. If you are a medical student, suturing is a necessary skill set that requires extensive practice outside the classroom. A suturing kit provides you with the tools needed to hone your skills and excel in the clinic.
Suturing kits that use high-end silicone pads give you a better feel for how it would be to suture wounds and lacerations. For example, if you suture and tie your knots too tight, you constrict blood flow, or you will break your thread.
If you suture too loose, your threads may break, or you won't have a proper seal to prevent infections. Thread size also plays a role in what you are suturing. A suturing kit will come with multiple types of lacerations and wounds that give you ample practice carefully picking thread size.
Find Your Next Suture Kit
Are you interested in purchasing a suture kit? A high-quality suture kit makes a difference in your skillset as a future medical provider. Now is the time to start practicing so you feel comfortable in real-life situations when you hit the clinic.
Unfortunately, not every suture kit is created equally. Poor pads, lack of supplies, and limited suture thread can make it difficult to practice or improve your skills.
At Medical Creations, we have suture kits, textbooks, and free guides to help you get started. Check out our suture practice kit today!
