Which of the following is a monofilament suture?

Monofilament sutures are made from a single strand of material, which gives them unique characteristics that enhance their performance in various surgical settings. Prolene, the correct answer, is a synthetic monofilament suture made from polypropylene. Its structure allows it to pass through tissue smoothly, reducing the risk of tissue trauma and infection due to its minimal surface area for bacteria to adhere to. This also means that Prolene is less likely to gauge tissue as it is inserted or tied.

In surgical applications, monofilament sutures like Prolene are often preferred for their strength and memory, making them particularly useful in certain types of procedures where minimal reaction to tissue is desired and where it must withstand tension without compromising integrity.

The other options, such as silk and cotton, are multifilament sutures, composed of multiple strands twisted or braided together. Although they may offer benefits like increased knot security, they also harbor more bacteria due to their construction, which can lead to a higher chance of infection. Ethibond, while commonly used and effective, is also a multifilament suture, made from braided polyester, and shares similar characteristics regarding infection risk. The characteristics of Prolene distinguish it as a preferred choice in many suturing scenarios, particularly