What is unique about absorbable sutures compared to nonabsorbable sutures?

Absorbable sutures are distinguished from nonabsorbable sutures primarily due to their ability to undergo hydrolysis or enzymatic degradation, allowing them to be absorbed by the body over time. This biological process means that after a certain period, usually weeks to months depending on the specific material used, absorbable sutures lose their tensile strength and are eventually broken down into harmless products that are then absorbed by the body.

This characteristic is particularly important in surgical applications where the tissue will heal adequately without the need for suture removal, thereby reducing the risk of infection and minimizing patient discomfort. Nonabsorbable sutures, on the other hand, remain intact and necessitate removal after the tissue has healed.

The choice of absorbable sutures is often made for internal suturing in areas where it may not be convenient or possible to remove sutures afterward, like in facial surgeries or when closing deep tissues. This makes their capability to "disappear" over time a significant advantage in certain surgical situations.