Which of the following sutures is not absorbable?

Nonabsorbable sutures are designed to remain in the body indefinitely unless removed surgically. This characteristic makes them ideal for applications where long-term support is necessary, such as in orthopedic surgeries, some types of hernia repairs, and in closing skin wounds that may be at risk of reopening due to movement. Nonabsorbable sutures are made from materials like nylon, polypropylene, and silk.

In contrast, absorbable sutures, such as surgical gut or ribbon gut sutures, are intended to be broken down by the body over time. They gradually lose their tensile strength and do not require removal, making them suitable for internal use where the body can heal without needing the suture materials in place indefinitely.

Thus, the nonabsorbable suture is distinctly different because it does not break down, emphasizing its role in surgical procedures that necessitate prolonged stability or support of tissue.