Presented by Angel Sheridan FNP Basic Suturing Presented by Angel Sheridan FNP
Objectives Identify important components in evaluating lacerations and wound healing. Identify and demonstrate proper selection and use of instruments used in suturing. Discuss types of anesthetics and methods of administration. Discuss various types and sizes of suture material and their indications. Discuss and practice basic wound closure techniques. Discuss safe handling techniques for sharps. Identify common complications associated with wound closure. Discuss and practice alternative skin closure methods. Discuss appropriate wound care and followup.
Wound Evaluation Location Size Depth Shape MOA Time elapsed Foreign body/contamination Circulatory/Motor/Sensory Patient dependent factors Tetanus
Risk Factors Delayed presentation Foreign bodies Contaminated wounds Bites Puncture wounds Crush wounds Open fracture Tendons
Selecting/Handling Equipment Face shield Syringe/needle Anesthetic Suture Forceps Scissors Needle Holder
Anesthesia Lidocaine 1% Lidocaine 2% Lidocaine with epi Topical Buffering
AnesthesiaTips Avoid letting them watch injection Always aspirate before injection Start with topical dripping of anesthetic Inject within wound
Suture Material Absorbable Non-absorbable Braided/Non-braided Types of needles Curved/Straight Cutting/Tapered Size
Suture Size Face: 6-0 Scalp: 4-0 (blue) Back/torso: 3-0, 4-0 Extremities: 4-0, 5-0
Wound Preparation Cleaning Irrigating Debridement Foreign Body Hair
Basic Wound Closure Simple interrupted Continuous (running stitch) Vertical Mattress Horizontal Mattress
Tips Comfort Lighting Wound eversion Rule of halves Equal distance Corners Landmarks
SHARPS!!!
Complications Swelling Pain Fever Infection Wound dehiscence Scarring
Alternative Skin Closure Methods Steri-strips Adhesive Glue Staples
Followup Care Cleaning Dressing Splinting Antibiotics Clean and dry Recheck Suture removal
Suture Removal Face 3-5 days Neck 4-6 days Scalp 7-10 days Trunk 7-10 days Arms/Legs 7-14 days Joints 14 days
Bibliography Wound care manual- Johnson& Johnson Wounds and lacerations-emergency care and closure. Mosby 2005 Basic laceration repair. New England Journal of medicine. Oct 355:17 Essentials of skin laceration repair. Http://www.aafp.org/afp Basic suturing workshop for Family Practitioner students. www.slideshare.net/umiami/basic