How does infection affect surgical gut sutures?

• A. Infection increases absorption rates
• B. Infection decreases absorption rates
• C. Infection has no effect on absorption
• D. Infection enhances suturing properties

Answer: (A)

Infection speeds up the breakdown of gut sutures because these sutures are made of collagen and are absorbed by the body through proteolytic enzymes released during the inflammatory response. When a wound is infected, immune cells flood the site and release more enzymes that digest collagen, so the suture dissolves and loses strength more quickly. That’s why absorption rates are increased in the presence of infection.

This isn’t about the suture becoming stronger or the infection helping the stitch hold better. In fact, infection can undermine wound healing and shorten the time the suture can provide support, which is why surgeons consider the environment when choosing suture materials.