Background Surgical sutures are classified as general and implantable medical devices and represent the thread of natural or synthetic material used for ligating blood vessels or stiching of tissue.

Purpose Despite the fact that the market has different types of sutures, and because they can be changed one to another, depending on the current availability, it was necessary to facilitate the planning of acqusition and distribution by making an overview of all manufacturers who are registered.

Material and methods The secondary, qualitative and quantitative analysis of procurement documentation available in 2016 and 2017, the analysis of demands of clinics in terms of delivery schedule, and types and quantities of surgical sutures.

Results The main representatives from the group of polyfilament rapidly resorbable are polyglycolic acid and polyglactin 910; polyfilament medium resorbable is lactomer polydioxanone; and poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and polyglyconate belong to a group of slowly resorbable monofilament threads. Non-resorbable monofilament made of polyester is also an essential part of the surgical suture material. Natural suture materials are rarely used. The thickness of suture, the type, length and curvature of the needles, all brand names that are on the market, as well as the colour of the outer packaging, was all analysed. All results were shown in the table that was forwarded to all operating rooms in both clinical centres.

Conclusion In the institutions of secondary and tertiary health care, pharmacists actively participate in both the procurement and distribution of medicines and medical devices. These activities greatly facilitate the daily work of the hospital pharmacy as well as of the end users, ie. the entire medical staff in clinics and operating rooms.

References and/or Acknowledgements 1. Kudur MH, Pai SB, Sripathi H, Prabhu S. Sutures and suturing techniques in skin closure. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol2009;75:425–34.

2. Chellamani KP, Veerasubramanian D, Vignesh Balaji RS. Surgical sutures: An overview. J Acad Indus Res May 2013;1(12).

No conflict of interest