Special Surgical Procedures II
LESSON 1: Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT) Surgery
Section I: EYE SURGERY
1-7
1-7. SUTURING TYPES USUALLY USED
Preferences vary among eye surgeons both as to the size and kind of sutures used and the type of stitch used. Therefore, the specialist should carefully check the surgeon's preference card for the procedure before preparing any sutures. In general, the sutures used for eye surgery are much smaller than those used for operations on other parts of the body. Silk, size 6-0, is frequently used, as is plain catgut in small sizes. In addition, double-arm sutures (a suture with a needle swaged on both ends) are used for many operations. The specialist prepares this suture as described for swaged-on sutures, taking care not to exert pull on either of the needles. He must also avoid pricking his gloves with the needles. Both of the swaged-on needles are clamped into needle holders before the suture is handled. Either interrupted or continuous stitches may be taken, depending upon the preference of the surgeon.
