What type of suture is typically chosen to close the uterus during a C-section?

The choice of suture for closing the uterus during a C-section is critical for ensuring proper healing and minimizing complications. Chromic gut suture is a biodegradable, absorbable suture made from processed collagen. It is preferred for uterine closure because it provides a good balance of tensile strength and absorption time, allowing the tissue to heal without the need for suture removal.

When closing the uterus, it is essential to use a suture that can withstand the tension of the healing process while also being absorbed over time as the tissue integrity improves. Chromic gut meets these requirements, as it is slowly absorbed by the body, generally allowing enough time for the uterine incision to heal before the suture loses its strength.

The reason that the other options are not typically chosen for this purpose is due to their characteristics. For instance, polyglactin and Vicryl are commonly used in other soft tissue closures but may not be the optimal choice for a uterus due to their different absorption profiles and tensile strength characteristics. Silk, while strong and used in certain applications, is non-absorbable and would require removal, which could complicate postoperative care. Therefore, chromic gut is generally considered the most appropriate choice for uterine closure during a cesarean