What type of suture material is mersilk and what are the characteristics?

• A. Non-absorbable natural multifilament
• B. Absorbable natural multifilament
• C. Non-absorbable synthetic monofilament
• D. Absorbable synthetic monofilament

Answer: (A)

Mersilk is a natural suture made from silk fiber, and it is a multifilament (braided) type that is non-absorbable. Silk sutures are derived from a natural protein fiber, not a synthetic polymer, and the braided construction provides excellent handling and knot security. Because it is non-absorbable, the thread remains in tissue for a long time rather than being gradually broken down and absorbed, which is why it’s chosen when long-term mechanical support is needed. However, silk tends to provoke more tissue reaction than synthetic options, so it is used in situations where its handling and knot-tying advantages outweigh the higher tissue response.