1. All of the fo llowing are examples of absorbable suture, except which of the fo llowing?

A. Polyglactin
B. Poliglecaprone 25
c. Polypropylene
D. Polydioxanone
1.Answer: C. Prolene (polypropylene) suture is nonabsorbable, as are silk nylon, and poly
ester (Dacron, Ethibond) . The other materials listed are absorbable. PAGE 22
Suture material is broken down into two major types absorbable and nonabsorbable. Absorbable suture
is enzymatically digested and loses tensile strength around 60 days. The most commonly used absorbable
sutures are surgical gut, polyglactin (Vicryl), polydioxa none (PDS II), glycolic acid (Maxon), and poliglecap
rone 25 (Monocryl). Nonabsorbable suture material is not hydrolyzed and maintains tensile strength. The
most commonly used nonabsorbable sutures are silk, nylon, polypropylene (Prolene), and polyester (Dacron,
Ethibond). It should be noted, however, that while silk is referred to as a Hnonabsorbable suture material, it is
a naturally produced fiber and is absorbed by the body after a prolonged period of time.
2. The

most commonly indicated venous thromboembolic prophylaxis in otolaryngology includes which of these
treatments?
A. Early mobilization
B. Pneumatic compression devices
C. Pharmacologic prophylaxis in high-risk patients
D. Calf massage
E. None
2. Answer: B. The risk of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing the majority
of otolaryngologic procedures is low ( < 1%). Pneumatic compression devices are frequently used as a
precaution. PAG E 24
3. Which of the fo llowing is true regarding perioperative smoking cessation therapy?
A. The optimal timing for smoking cessation is 2 weeks before surgery.
B. Smokers are twice as likely to have perioperative complications as nonsmokers .
C. In smokers, lower levels of circulating oxygen are matched by a decreased rate of
consumption.
D. Nicotine replacement therapy does not lead to impaired wound healing.

3. Answer: D. Several studies suggest that nicotine replacement may not result in the com
plications that we have historically attributed it to . Nicotine use in the perioperative period
has not been fully investigated, although current evidence suggests it does not signifi
cantly impair wound healing after surgery. PAG E 337