PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which type of suture is best for maximizing wound eversion?

1. Simple interrupted suture

2. Vertical mattress suture

3. Continuous suture

4. Subcuticular suture

The correct answer is: Vertical mattress suture

The vertical mattress suture is particularly effective for maximizing wound eversion due to its unique technique of placement. This method involves taking a deep bite on the far side of the wound and a superficial bite on the near side. The deep bite anchors the suture deeper within the tissue, while the superficial bite helps to evert the edges of the wound. This combination allows for a more significant elevation of the wound edges, which is crucial in helping to achieve optimal healing and minimizing scarring. In contrast, other suture techniques tend to focus on approximation without providing the same degree of eversion. For example, simple interrupted sutures primarily approximate the wound edges without the ability to significantly roll or evert the edges as effectively as the vertical mattress suture. Continuous sutures provide a uniform tension but lack the targeted eversion effect. Lastly, subcuticular sutures are designed to be placed just beneath the skin surface, which helps to minimize scarring but does not achieve maximal eversion. Thus, the vertical mattress suture stands out as the superior choice for enhancing wound eversion in surgical closure.