What is a purse-string suture primarily used for?

A purse-string suture is primarily used for closing the anus in surgeries, particularly in procedures such as anal fistula repairs or rectal resections. This type of suture involves placing a circular stitch around the opening, allowing the surgeon to pull the ends of the suture to gather and close off the opening securely. This technique enables precise control over the closure and helps to minimize tension on the tissue, which is crucial in delicate areas like the anal sphincter where maintaining function and integrity is important.

In contrast to the other options, which may involve different closure techniques or sutures, the purse-string suture's specific design and application are tailored for situations where a circular or tubular closure is necessary. For example, while closing wounds on the abdomen is typically accomplished through linear or continuous sutures, and securing blood vessels involves techniques like ligation, a purse-string suture uniquely addresses the needs of anal closures. Stitching deep tissue layers generally relies on deeper closure methods using absorbable sutures, rather than the specialized approach of a purse-string suture.