Halvatusnähte

Halvatusnähte refers to sutures used in surgical procedures to temporarily close an incision or wound. The term itself is derived from Finnish, where "halva" means "half" or "partial," and "nähte" translates to "sutures" or "stitches." These are not permanent stitches meant for long-term tissue approximation but rather for a specific purpose during surgery.

The primary function of halvatusnähte is to secure dressings or drains in place, or to facilitate access to a surgical site without fully closing the incision. They may be used to keep a wound partially open for drainage purposes, to allow for the insertion of a drain, or to hold a graft in place temporarily before permanent closure. In some instances, they might be employed to create a temporary closure over a surgical instrument or device that needs to be removed later.

Halvatusnähte are typically made of absorbable or non-absorbable suture materials, depending on the duration they are intended to remain in place and the specific surgical need. The technique involves placing a limited number of sutures, often just a few, to achieve the desired temporary effect. Once their purpose is served, these sutures are either removed or allowed to dissolve naturally. They are a surgical tool that aids in managing complex procedures and optimizing patient recovery by providing a flexible approach to wound management during and immediately after surgery.