Are polypropylene sutures absorbable or non-absorbable?

• A. Absorbable
• B. Non-absorbable
• C. Partially absorbable
• D. Not used in suturing

Answer: (B)

Polypropylene sutures are non-absorbable. They’re a synthetic, monofilament material that the body does not break down over time, so they retain most of their tensile strength long after placement. This makes them ideal for tissues requiring prolonged support, such as skin closures or areas under sustained stress, and they typically provoke only a minimal tissue reaction. In contrast, absorbable sutures are designed to be gradually dissolved by the body, losing strength as healing progresses, which is why they wouldn’t be used when long-term support is needed. Partial absorbables combine both properties and aren’t a match for polypropylene. Non-absorbables can often be left in place permanently or removed if accessible, depending on the site.