A drawback of using absorbable catgut sutures is:

A drawback of using absorbable catgut sutures is:

• A. It is not strong.
• B. It can cause inflammation.
• C. It is more expensive.
• D. It is thicker than synthetic.

Answer: (B)

Natural sutures like catgut can provoke a noticeable tissue reaction. Catgut is derived from animal tissue, and as it’s broken down by the body, its protein components can trigger inflammation at the suture site. That inflammatory response can lead to swelling, irritation, slower wound healing, and, in some cases, granuloma formation. Because of this, inflammation is the main drawback of using catgut sutures. In contrast, synthetic absorbable sutures tend to be more inert and have more predictable absorption, which is why they’re often preferred when minimizing tissue reaction is important. The other statements aren’t as accurate: catgut can provide adequate initial strength, is typically inexpensive, and suture thickness depends on the specific gauge rather than being inherently thicker than synthetic.

Natural sutures like catgut can provoke a noticeable tissue reaction. Catgut is derived from animal tissue, and as it’s broken down by the body, its protein components can trigger inflammation at the suture site. That inflammatory response can lead to swelling, irritation, slower wound healing, and, in some cases, granuloma formation. Because of this, inflammation is the main drawback of using catgut sutures. In contrast, synthetic absorbable sutures tend to be more inert and have more predictable absorption, which is why they’re often preferred when minimizing tissue reaction is important. The other statements aren’t as accurate: catgut can provide adequate initial strength, is typically inexpensive, and suture thickness depends on the specific gauge rather than being inherently thicker than synthetic.