Definition: Surgical sutures, or stitches, are used to sew an incision or a wound closed. Much like sewing fabric, a strand of material is used to connect the edges of a wound, pulling them closer together so that they may heal. Some sutures are absorbable, meaning that they don't need to be removed but are absorbed by the body over time. Other types of sutures, usually those on the outside of the body, are removed a few weeks after surgery on an outpatient basis.
More Information: Incision Care Made Easy
Examples: The incision was sutured closed at the end of surgery, then covered with a sterile dressing.
