What does seton mean?
A seton is a thread, suture, or wick placed through tissue to keep a wound or abscess open long enough for fluid to drain. In surgery, the material remains in place for a period rather than being used simply to close or join tissue. The technique can allow an abscess or other infected area to drain while reducing the risk that the passage will seal prematurely. “Seton” is therefore a precise clinical term rather than a general name for every kind of stitch. The word is used in both British and American medical writing, especially in discussions of abscess management and fistula treatment. Its unusual sound conceals a straightforward idea: placing a deliberately retained thread through tissue to preserve drainage during healing.
nounA thread or suture passed through tissue to keep the passage open and allow fluid to drain from a wound or abscess.
- A thread, suture, or similar strip of material passed through tissue to prevent the wound from closing prematurely and to facilitate drainage.
- A drain or wick of material passed through a wound or abscess to allow fluid to escape.
"The surgeon inserted a seton to maintain drainage while the abscess healed."
"A seton was left in place to allow the wound to drain adequately."
"The physician explained that the seton would remain until drainage had finished and the tract had healed."
Used when referring to more than one thread or drain of this kind.
"Two setons were placed to ensure adequate drainage."
A seton is a thread placed with a purpose: it keeps a passage open so fluid can escape as the body heals.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seton come from?
The word comes through French séton from Medieval Latin seto, ultimately from Latin seta, meaning “silk, thread, or bristle.” Its medical sense developed from the use of thread passed through tissue to maintain drainage. The same Latin root survives in words such as seta, setaceous, and setiform, which relate to bristles or bristle-like structures.
How seton is actually used
This is chiefly a medical and surgical term. It is more specific than the general words “stitch” or “suture,” because it is used to maintain drainage or keep a passage open.