What is the primary goal of using a purse string suture during surgery?

The primary goal of using a purse string suture during surgery is to create a watertight closure. This technique is often employed in situations where it is crucial to prevent any leakage of fluids, such as in intestinal surgery or during the closure of certain types of wounds. The purse string suture gathers the edges of the tissue and draws them together tightly, effectively sealing the area to maintain sterility and prevent the escape of contents, which could lead to complications.

While the other options may serve various purposes in surgical procedures, creating a watertight closure is the most critical reason for using purse string sutures. For instance, securing a tissue flap may involve different types of suturing techniques that do not specifically ensure complete fluid containment. Enhancing visualization or facilitating drainage are goals achieved through other surgical methods and interventions rather than the specific purpose for which a purse string suture is intended.