Suture material is used for a number of purposes during surgery. There is no ideal suture material for all purposes. If there were, the surgeon would only have to choose the correct size. To make a rational choice of the most appropriate suture material, the surgeon must understand the properties of the material and the nature of the wound. This chapter looks at the following: Suture material production and characteristics; Types of suture material; Rational selection of suture materials; Suture needles; Handling and use of suture material and needles; Tissue adhesives for wound closure; and Suture material monographs.