nonabsorbable

Nonabsorbable is an adjective used to describe materials or substances that do not break down or become absorbed by living tissue within a clinical time frame. The term is used across medicine, surgery, and related fields to distinguish these materials from absorbable or degradable ones.

In surgery, nonabsorbable sutures are designed to retain their tensile strength over extended periods and may be left in place permanently, or removed if necessary. Common nonabsorbable suture materials include nylon, polypropylene, polyester, silk, and stainless steel. These materials are chosen for durability, biocompatibility, and the specific tissue context where long-term support is needed.

Nonabsorbable implants or prostheses are intended to remain in the body for long durations, often for life. They include metals such as stainless steel and titanium, as well as durable polymers used in joint replacements, dental implants, and certain reconstructive devices. Attention to wear, corrosion, and mechanical compatibility is important in their ongoing performance.

In wound care and related applications, nonabsorbable materials may be used when it is desirable to avoid fluid absorption or when planned removal is part of the treatment protocol. Nonabsorbable radiopaque or inert substances are also used in diagnostic contexts, such as barium sulfate, which remains within the GI tract for imaging purposes and is not absorbed into the bloodstream.

Overall, nonabsorbable describes substances that resist degradation and are not absorbed by the body in the intended use, contrasting with absorbable or resorbable alternatives.