Subsequent to a colon resection, the peritoneum is typically sutured with what?

After a colon resection, the peritoneum is typically sutured with absorbable material. This is primarily because the peritoneum is a tissue that generally heals over time and does not require long-term support. Suturing with an absorbable suture minimizes the risk of foreign body reaction and complications that can arise from having non-absorbable materials left in situ.

A #1 absorbable suture is commonly used as it provides sufficient tensile strength during the initial healing phases when the tissue is still fragile. In addition, using absorbable sutures ensures that the patient does not need a second procedure to remove sutures, which is particularly advantageous in the surgical management of the abdomen, where access can be complicated. The choice of absorbable sutures in this case reflects both the nature of the tissue involved and the healing process expected following the surgical intervention.