Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth: - IAWG

C-52 Operative care principlesSUTURE• Select the appropriate type and size of suture for the tissue (TableC-7). Sizes are reported by a number of “0”s:- Smaller suture has a greater number of “0”s [e.g. 000 (3-0)suture is smaller than 00 (2-0) suture]; suture labeled as “1” islarger in diameter than “0” suture.- A suture that is too small will be weak and may break easily; asuture that is too large in diameter will tear through tissue.• Refer to the appropriate section for the recommended size and typeof suture for a procedure.TABLE C-7Recommended suture typesSuture Type Tissue Recommended Number ofKnotsPlain catgut Fallopian tube 3 aChromic catgut Muscle, fascia 3 aPolyglycolic Muscle, fascia, skin 4Nylon Skin 6Silk Skin, bowel 3 aaBecause these are natural sutures, do not use more than three knots because thiswill abrade the suture and weaken the knot.DRESSINGAt the conclusion of surgery, cover the surgical wound with a steriledressing (page C-53).POSTOPERATIVE CARE PRINCIPLESINITIAL CARE- Place the woman in the recovery position:- Position the woman on her side with her head slightlyextended to ensure a clear airway;