suture kits

Hi Kris,

They sell these suture kits as part of a "third world" first aid travelers kit in Holland. This kit contains all kinds of sterile products like seringes + needles, blood lancents IV needles suture kits etc.

This is to see to it that you don't get some nasty dissease when you're in need of some medical treatement where they poke needles into you while you travel Africa etc.

I'll look around for them.

By the way I personally would rather use 3M's Steri Strips to close not to big cuts. Two weeks ago while on holiday in the US My son cut his knee on a boxspring spring sticking out of a matress (Super8 motel) and needed "stitching" they closed it using steri strips and did a fine job, only a pitty he couldn't swim for a couple of days and walking did not go to well either.
The cut healed up very nicely.

I asked a pharmacist about the 3M steri strips and he checked it out and told me they are sold in sets of 100 strips + desinfectant/primer capsules they cost about $60-70 for the whole box he said.

Cheers,

Bagheera

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[This message has been edited by Bagheera (edited 08-08-2000).]
 
I agree with Bagheera on the use of 3M steri strips. Actual suturing takes many, many hours of practice and specialized knots to be done correctly. Incorrect suturing can lead to greater chance of infection (especially dangerous in a survival situation) as well as excess scar tissue and delayed or complicattion in healing.
Steri-strips and dermabond (medical superglue) are far easier and safer to use.
I like sharp knives, I am somewhat clumsy, I have experience in self inflicted, foolish wound closure.
Be safe and cut free,
Chad
 
You might consider super glue (0r Maybe you can get a Dr. to write an RX for a similar medical glue used in most emergency rooms). This can be used on straight superficial cuts and will hold for approximately 3 days before you need to apply some more.

Super Glue has been used by members of the Wilderness Medical Society for years. However, for deeper cuts... you are better off with a suture kit.

Good luck.

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Greg Davenport
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I'd heard years ago that superglue was originally developed for the Vietnam "war" as sutureless wound closure agent. Which is why it bonds skin instantly. Idon't know the truth of this or not, but I do know that it works for small cuts and punctures.

Vince

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Stay sharp and be Safe!
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That which does not kill us only makes us stronger.
F.W. Nietzche
 
Dermabond works great, but typically only for smaller wounds. For large wounds (greater than an inch or so), or wounds extending into the subcutaneous tissue greater than 1/4", I would either suture (if properly trained) or use steri-strips.
A little tincture of benzoin & 1/2 inch steris placed approximately 1/4" apart should work reasonably well. Use full length steris, and apply the benzoin to both sides of the wound (don't get it in the wound) so that wherever the steris a going to touoch, they will contact the benzoin.

A note about superglue - while it may work well, the plain cyanoacrylates have by-products when they breakdown, which can cause tissue toxicity. Dermabond (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) doesn't produce these by-products, and is therefor safer for use in tissues.
 
Dermabond (super glue for wounds) can do a great job closing small wounds. Just consider the following info taken from an article in Advance for Physician Assistants.
"There are limitations to the use and effectiveness of tissue adhesives. Contraindications include areas of active infection, mucodal surfaces and across mucotaneous junctions. Ethicon Inc., Dermabond's maker, recommends avoiding areas regularly exposed to body fluids or areas of dense hair such as the scalp. When used across high skin tension, such as knuckles, elbows or knees, Dermabond should be accompanied with splinting to immobilize the joint."
I find it works best on areas that don't bend, tension pops the wound open. Remember also, keep the wound dry after glueing, very important. If you get the glue in the wound, the potental for scarring is greatly increased.
Keep your powder dry!

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Dan
 
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