How do you properly care for sutures. What are the different types of stitches available. When should stitches be removed. How can you minimize scarring after suture removal. What are the signs of infection to watch for with stitches.

Understanding Sutures: Types and Purpose

Sutures, commonly known as stitches, are medical devices used to hold wound edges together, facilitating proper healing and reducing the risk of infection. They come in various materials and types, each suited for specific wound characteristics and locations.

Types of Sutures

• Non-absorbable sutures: Made from materials like nylon or silk, these require removal by a healthcare professional
• Absorbable sutures: Composed of materials that naturally dissolve in the body over time
• Synthetic sutures: Manufactured from materials such as polypropylene or nylon
• Natural sutures: Derived from materials like silk or catgut

The choice of suture type depends on factors such as the wound’s location, depth, and the patient’s individual healing characteristics. Healthcare providers select the most appropriate type to ensure optimal healing and minimal scarring.

Proper Suture Care: Essential Steps for Optimal Healing

Proper care of sutures is crucial for preventing infection and promoting efficient healing. Following your healthcare provider’s instructions is paramount, but here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Keep the wound dry for the first 24 hours after suturing
2. Gently clean the area around the sutures as directed by your doctor
3. Avoid swimming or soaking the wound until sutures are removed or dissolved
4. Protect the wound from dirt, sand, and other contaminants
5. Avoid scratching or picking at the sutures
6. Apply antibiotic ointment if recommended by your healthcare provider

How often should you clean the area around sutures? Generally, cleaning once or twice a day is sufficient, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Use mild soap and water, and pat the area dry gently with a clean towel.

Recognizing Signs of Infection: When to Seek Medical Attention

While proper suture care significantly reduces the risk of infection, it’s essential to remain vigilant for any signs of complications. Prompt medical attention can prevent more serious issues from developing.

Common Signs of Infection

• Increasing pain or tenderness around the wound
• Redness that spreads beyond the immediate wound area
• Swelling or warmth around the sutures
• Pus or unusual discharge from the wound
• Fever or chills
• Foul odor emanating from the wound

Should you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early intervention can prevent the infection from worsening and ensure proper healing.

Suture Removal: Timing and Process

The timing of suture removal varies depending on the wound’s location, size, and individual healing factors. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate time for removal.

General Timeline for Suture Removal

• Face: 3-5 days
• Scalp: 7-10 days
• Chest or abdomen: 7-10 days
• Arms or legs: 10-14 days
• Back: 10-14 days
• Joints or areas of high tension: 14 days or more

What happens during suture removal? The process is generally quick and painless. Your healthcare provider will use sterile scissors to cut the suture at the knot and gently pull it out. You may feel a slight tugging sensation, but it shouldn’t be painful.

Minimizing Scarring: Post-Suture Care Techniques

After suture removal, proper care can help minimize scarring and promote optimal healing. Consider these techniques to reduce the appearance of scars:

1. Sun protection: Shield the healed wound from direct sunlight for at least six months
2. Silicone-based products: Apply silicone sheets or gels as directed by your healthcare provider
3. Massage: Gentle circular massage can help soften and flatten scars
4. Moisturization: Keep the area well-hydrated to support skin elasticity
5. Vitamin E: Some find that topical vitamin E application helps reduce scar appearance

How long does it take for a scar to fully mature? Scar maturation can take up to 12-18 months. During this time, the scar may change in appearance, often becoming less noticeable.

Special Considerations for Pediatric Suture Care

Caring for sutures in children presents unique challenges. Parents and caregivers must take extra precautions to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Tips for Pediatric Suture Care

• Distraction techniques during cleaning and care routines
• Age-appropriate explanations of the importance of not touching or picking at sutures
• Close supervision during playtime to prevent accidental injury to the sutured area
• Use of protective coverings during messy activities
• Encouragement of good hygiene practices

How can you help a child cope with the discomfort of sutures? Offer plenty of reassurance, use distractions like favorite toys or books, and consider rewards for good behavior during wound care.

Alternatives to Traditional Sutures: Modern Wound Closure Methods

While sutures remain a common method for wound closure, advances in medical technology have introduced alternative options that may be suitable for certain types of wounds.

Modern Wound Closure Alternatives

• Surgical staples: Quick application, ideal for long incisions
• Adhesive strips: Suitable for small, superficial wounds
• Liquid skin adhesives: Forms a protective barrier over the wound
• Zip-style closures: Allows for easy removal and reduced scarring

Are these alternatives as effective as traditional sutures? In many cases, yes. The choice depends on the specific wound characteristics and the healthcare provider’s assessment. Each method has its own advantages and considerations.

Nutrition and Hydration: Supporting Wound Healing from Within

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in wound healing. Ensuring adequate intake of key nutrients can support the body’s natural healing processes and promote faster recovery.

Essential Nutrients for Wound Healing

• Protein: Supports tissue repair and immune function
• Vitamin C: Essential for collagen synthesis
• Zinc: Aids in protein synthesis and cell proliferation
• Vitamin A: Supports epithelial tissue formation
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Help reduce inflammation

How much water should you drink to support wound healing? Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. Proper hydration is essential for nutrient transport and cellular function.

In addition to these nutrients, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide the body with the necessary building blocks for efficient wound healing. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice during the recovery process.

Psychological Aspects of Wound Healing and Scar Management

The psychological impact of wounds and subsequent scarring can be significant, affecting self-esteem and body image. Addressing these emotional aspects is an important part of the overall healing process.

Coping Strategies for Emotional Well-being

• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce stress
• Support groups or counseling for individuals struggling with body image issues
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address negative thought patterns
• Art therapy or journaling as expressive outlets
• Education about the healing process to manage expectations

How can you promote a positive attitude towards scars? Reframing scars as symbols of resilience and survival can help shift perspective. Engaging in activities that boost self-confidence and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals can also contribute to a healthier emotional state.

Advanced Wound Care Technologies: What’s on the Horizon

The field of wound care is continuously evolving, with new technologies emerging to enhance healing outcomes and reduce complications. Understanding these advancements can provide insight into future treatment options.

Promising Wound Care Innovations

• Smart bandages: Equipped with sensors to monitor wound healing progress
• 3D-printed skin grafts: Customized to individual patient needs
• Growth factor therapies: Stimulating tissue regeneration
• Negative pressure wound therapy: Promoting faster healing in complex wounds
• Stem cell treatments: Enhancing the body’s natural healing processes

How might these technologies impact future suture care? These innovations could potentially reduce the need for traditional sutures in some cases, offer more precise monitoring of wound healing, and provide targeted interventions to optimize recovery.

Environmental Considerations in Wound Healing

The environment in which wound healing takes place can significantly impact the recovery process. Factors such as humidity, temperature, and air quality all play a role in creating optimal conditions for healing.

Optimizing the Healing Environment

• Maintain a clean, dust-free environment around the wound
• Keep the ambient temperature comfortable to avoid excessive sweating
• Use a humidifier in dry climates to prevent wound desiccation
• Ensure good air circulation to reduce the risk of bacterial growth
• Minimize exposure to environmental irritants or pollutants

What is the ideal humidity level for wound healing? While there’s no universally agreed-upon perfect level, maintaining relative humidity between 40-60% is generally considered beneficial for wound healing. However, always follow your healthcare provider’s specific recommendations.

Long-term Follow-up: Monitoring Wound Healing Progress

Even after sutures are removed or dissolved, the healing process continues. Long-term follow-up is essential to ensure proper healing and address any lingering concerns.

Key Aspects of Long-term Wound Care

• Regular self-examinations to monitor scar appearance and texture
• Scheduled check-ups with healthcare providers as recommended
• Ongoing sun protection to prevent hyperpigmentation
• Continued use of scar management products as directed
• Attention to any changes in sensation around the healed wound

How long should you continue to monitor a healed wound? While the most critical period is the first few months post-healing, it’s advisable to remain vigilant for at least a year, as scars can continue to change and mature during this time.

By staying attentive to the healing process and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can ensure the best possible outcomes for your wound healing journey. Remember that each individual’s healing process is unique, and patience is key in achieving optimal results.

How to Take Care of Your Stitches

You or your child has a cut. You go to the doctor. They put in stitches. You think everything’s all sewn up now, right?

Not quite. Whether they’re from an accident or even from surgery, you need to know how to take care of these new stitches. That way, you or your little one can heal quickly and properly.

What Are Stitches?

You can think of stitches in your skin like you do those in your clothes — thread that holds things together. They’re made from various materials, such as nylon or silk.

Some, such as the ones used in the mouth, dissolve by themselves. Others will need to be taken out later.

Your stitches are important because they lower your chances of more bleeding or infection. They also reduce scarring.

Tips for Taking Care of Them

After you got your stitches, your doctor or their nurse should have given you instructions on how to care for them and told you when they’ll come out. That may be as little as a few days and probably no more than 2 weeks. It depends on how deep your wound was, where on your body you got it, and the kind of stitches you got.

If you didn’t understand any of the directions you were given, be sure to call your doctor back.

The first day: Keep your wound area dry for the first 24 hours after the doctor sewed in the stitches. You’ll lower your risk of infection.

Follow your doctor’s instructions on when you can start cleaning the area and how to do it. Usually, you have to wait at least a day before cleaning.

Afterwards: You should wash off dirt and the crust that forms around the stitches. That lowers your chances of having a scar. You may need to place a bandage on it if the wound leaks clear, yellow fluid.

After washing, be sure to dry the area with gentle pats of a clean towel.

Here are some other tips on caring for stitches:

• Resist the urge to scratch. You could pull them out.
• Don’t swim. Wait until your stitches are out before you go into the pool or pond.
• Do take showers. If you can, control the spray and protect your wound in a shower. Use a softer setting if you can. When your stitches get wet, pat them dry with a towel.
• Pass on contact sports. You want to avoid bumps and bruises to that tender area.
• Keep your child out of dirty places. It’s a tall order, but try to keep your child out of mud, sand, and paint. That could make the wound get dirty and maybe cause an infection.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Even as you continue to take care of your stitches, watch for any signs of infection. They include:

• Increasing pain
• Redness around the wound that gets worse, not better
• A red streak from the wound traveling upward
• Swelling
• Pus or bleeding
• A bad smell coming from the area
• Fever

Call your doctor if you see signs of infection. You should get treatment as soon as possible.

Getting Stitches Taken Out

Some kinds of stitches dissolve on their own. Other times, you’ll need to return to the doctor to get them taken out.

When you should do this depends on the type of cut and where it’s located. You usually need stitches that are over joints, such as your knees and elbows, to stay in for longer than in other places.

With stitches, it’s harder putting them in than taking them out. Your doctor or nurse will cut the stitch at the knot, and then pull out the little thread. You might feel some tugging, but it shouldn’t be painful. It takes less time to remove them than it does to put them in.

What About Scars?

You or your child may worry about the scar being left behind after your stitches are out. Here are a few things you can do to make them less visible:

• Protect yourself from the sun. Damaged skin is much more likely to be discolored by the sun for up to 6 months after an injury. Keep covered with a hat or clothing as much as you can. Use sunscreen to lessen any darkening of the scar, but don’t put any on until 2 weeks after the cut has healed.
• Silicone sheets or gels. Products with silicone may help soften scars and improve the color if you use them at least 12 hours a day. Talk to your doctor before you do this, though.
• Onion extract. Your doctor might suggest a cream (Mederma) that contains this extract.
• Massage. Use your fingers and rub the scar in circles with medium pressure. This might help your scar to soften and flatten faster.

Caring for sutures | healthdirect

Sutures hold a wound or cut closed so that it can heal. When the cut is healed, the sutures have done their job and are removed (some types of suture will automatically dissolve). Taking good care of the sutures will help the wound heal cleanly and minimise scarring.

What are sutures?

Sutures are little stitches that hold the edges of a wound together while the skin heals. They could be made of natural materials such as silk, or synthetic materials such as nylon.  

Types of suture

Sutures can be:

• regular stitches – these will be removed by a doctor or nurse once the wound has healed
• dissolvable stitches – these are absorbed by the body naturally and don’t need to be removed; they are very useful when stitches are needed under the skin’s surface

Wounds or cuts can also be held together in other ways such as: 

• a special glue for skin, which falls off by itself in a few weeks
• adhesive tape (such as steri-strips), which also falls off naturally
• metal staples, which must be removed by a doctor or nurse

How to care for sutures

It’s important to keep sutures clean and dry. You should only use creams and lotions if recommended by your doctor.

If you have any bandages or dressings, talk to the doctor or nurse about how to care for them. You’ll need to keep them dry, too; if they get wet, change them. If you can’t do that, see the doctor or nurse.  

First 2 days

It’s a good idea to avoid physical activities that might re-open the wound. Children should avoid activities such as playing in sandpits or mud, riding bikes or swimming. 

After 24 hours, you can wash the sutured area gently and quickly, either in a sink or in the shower. Carefully pat the stitches dry. 

It’s best not to soak the wound in a bath or go swimming until it has healed and the stitches have been taken out or have dissolved.

Pain from the wound and sutures can usually be managed with simple pain relief medicine such as paracetamol. 

As the wound heals, don’t pick at the stitches or scab. Picking at it might increase scarring.

Long-term care

At first, the scar will be red and raised, but over time it will become paler and more flexible

For the first year, protect the scar from sun damage which can make it darker. 

How long do sutures take to heal?

Stitches are often removed after 5 to 10 days, but this depends on where they are. Check with the doctor or nurse to find out.

Dissolvable sutures may disappear in a week or 2, but some take several months. 

Removing sutures

If your sutures are not the dissolvable type, see a doctor or nurse when it is time for them to be removed. Do it at the right time – if you have the stitches taken out too soon, the wound might not be healed properly. If you leave them in too long, they can be more difficult to remove and increase the risk of scarring.

When should I get my sutures checked?

You should get your sutures checked if:

• the wound re-opens
• the wound looks the same after 5 days as when it was stitched
• the sutures come out before they should
• the wound becomes more red, swollen or painful
• the amount of ooze or pus increases
• you develop a fever within 48 hours of getting the stitches

Suture Care

Sutures or stitches are used to close wounds. Sutures also help stop bleeding and speed healing. To help your wound heal, follow the tips on this handout.

Types of sutures

Some sutures need to be removed by a healthcare provider. These are called nonabsorbable sutures. Others dissolve on their own and will not need to be removed These are called absorbable sutures. Sometimes strips of tape, staples, or skin glue (adhesives) are used. You’ll be told what kind of sutures you have.

The type of sutures you have are called: ______________________________________

Keep sutures clean

• Don’t do things that could cause dirt or sweat to get on your sutures. If needed, cover your sutures with a bandage to protect them.

• Don’t pick at scabs. They help protect the wound.

• Don’t wash the area around your sutures unless your healthcare provider says it’s OK. Then, follow their instructions for washing and drying.

Keep sutures dry

• Keep your sutures out of water.

• Take a sponge bath to prevent getting your sutures and wound wet, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

• Ask your provider when can you take a shower or bathe.

• Ask your provider about the best way to keep your sutures dry when bathing or showering.

• If sutures get damp, pat them dry.

Changing your dressing

Leave the dressing in place until you are told to remove it or change it. Change it only as directed, using clean hands:

• After the first ___hours, change your dressing every ___hours.

• Change your dressing if it gets wet or dirty. Apply antibiotic ointment again if directed by your provider.

Other tips

• To help wounds on an arm or leg heal, use the affected limb as little as possible.

• To help reduce swelling and throbbing, raise the area with sutures above your heart.

• To help prevent itching, cover sutures with gauze. If sutures itch, try not to scratch them.

• For pain relief, try acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Don’t use aspirin. It can increase bleeding.

• For skin glue or skin tape: Don’t pick or scratch the area. The tape or glue will fall out on its own in several days.

• For absorbable sutures: These sutures dissolve on their own. Your provider can tell you how long this will take. You don’t need to return to have your sutures removed.  

• For removable sutures or staples: You will need to be seen to have your sutures removed. Call your provider or return to have your sutures removed in ________days.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following signs:

• Increased soreness, pain, or tenderness after 24 hours

• A red streak, increased redness, or puffiness near the wound

• White, yellowish, or bad smelling discharge from the wound

• Bleeding that can’t be stopped by applying pressure

• Adhesive strips fall off or stitches dissolve before the wound heals

• Fever of 100. 4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

Revisor médico: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Revisor médico: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Revisor médico: Robert Hurd MD

Última revisión:
6/1/2019

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Caring for Your Wound After Your Skin Procedure With Sutures

This resource cannot be sent to your patient.
You can view and print as a PDF.

This information explains how to care for your wound after your skin procedure with sutures (stitches).

You had a procedure to remove a concerning lesion on your skin. Caring for your wound after your skin procedure is important to help prevent infection and help you heal with little pain or discomfort.

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Caring for Your Wound at Home

• Leave the bandage on your wound for ________ hours after your procedure. Keep it clean and dry.
• Remove your bandage after ______ hours.
• If your doctor or nurse told you to ice your wound, you can put an ice pack on your wound every hour you’re awake for ______ minutes. Do this during the first 24 to 48 hours (1 to 2 days) after your procedure. This will help reduce bleeding, pain, and swelling.
• If you have Steri-Strips^™ (tape strips) over your wound, don’t take them off. They will slowly fall off on their own during the first week after your procedure.
  • The edges of the Steri-Strips will start to curl up on the edges first. Use scissors to trim the edges as they peel up.
  • It’s normal to see dried blood on the Steri-Strips.
  • If your doctor or nurse told you to leave them on until your follow-up appointment, don’t remove them.
• You can shower __________ hours after your procedure. Your healthcare provider may ask you to keep your Steri-Strips dry until your next visit.
  • Let the shower stream run gently over your wound.
  • Pat your wound dry with a clean gauze pad or clean, dry washcloth.
  • Don’t take a bath, go swimming, or go into a hot tub until your wound is healed.

Cleaning your wound

Clean your wound every day. Do this for _____ days/weeks after your procedure, or until your follow up appointment. Follow the instructions below when you clean your wound.

Supplies

You will need the following supplies to clean your wound:

• One package of cotton swabs (Q-tips^®)
• One package of nonstick gauze pads
• Paper tape
• Adhesive bandage (Band-aid^®) cut to fit the wound size
• ______________________________ solution
• ______________________________ ointment
• Clean gauze pad or clean, dry washcloth

Instructions for cleaning your wound

1. Gather your supplies.
2. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Clean your wound with _____________________ solution.
4. Gently pat your wound dry with a clean gauze pad or clean, dry washcloth. Don’t rub the area.
5. Use cotton swabs to put ______________________________ ointment on your wound.
6. Cover your wound with nonstick gauze or an adhesive bandage (Band-aid) cut to the size of your wound. If you use nonstick gauze, keep it in place with paper tape.
7. When you’re done, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Follow these instructions for __________ days/weeks or until your wound is healed.

Additional instructions:

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Managing Pain After Your Procedure

You may have pain or discomfort after your procedure. To help with this, take acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) or extra-strength acetaminophen (Extra Strength Tylenol^®).

• Don’t take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil^®) or naproxen (Aleve^®). These medications make it harder for your blood to clot, which may increase bleeding.
• Follow the dose directions on the package. If this dose doesn’t help with your pain, call your doctor’s office.
• If you’re allergic to acetaminophen or if you can’t take it due to a medical condition, ask your healthcare provider what you can take instead.
• If you’re in a cancer treatment clinical trial, ask your oncologist (cancer doctor) about what pain medications you can take.
• You can also hold an ice pack over your wound to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising. Place an ice pack on your wound for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as told by your healthcare provider.

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Bleeding and Bruising After Your Procedure

• You may have swelling and bruising after your procedure. This usually goes away after ____ days.
• If bleeding does occur, press firmly on your wound with a clean gauze pad for _____ minutes. A cold compress will also help decrease the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure, call ______________ (emergency line).
  • If your wound is above your neck, apply pressure to the site, sit down and raise your head slightly with pillows. If your wound is on your arm or leg, apply pressure to the site, and elevate your arm or leg above your chest level.

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Activities

• Don’t do strenuous exercise, such as running or heavy lifting, for __________ weeks.
• Ask your doctor or nurse when you can lift objects heavier than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms). You may be able to do this right away after your procedure, or you may need to wait until it’s safe for you.
• Check with your doctor or nurses before starting any gym activity such as running, jogging, or lifting weights.
• If your skin procedure was on your neck, face, back, or scalp, don’t repeatedly bend at your waist until your sutures are removed. Your doctor may tell you to wait __________ weeks.
• Don’t let your wound be underwater (such as in a swimming pool, bathtub, or hot tub) until the sutures are removed, and it’s fully healed.

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Sleeping

• If your skin procedure was above your neck, sleep with the head of your bed raised 45 degrees for the first ____ days after your procedure. You can do this by sleeping with 2 pillows under your head.
• If your skin procedure was on 1 of your arms or legs, sleep with that body part raised above the level of your heart. You can do this by resting your arm or leg on pillows.
• Ask your nurse if you need to avoid lying on your wound or putting any pressure on it for the first 48 hours. Doing this can help reduce irritation and bleeding.

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Healing Process

You may have discoloration (pinkness or redness) at the site of your wound for up to 1 year after your procedure. Some people may have it for even longer.

Once your wound has healed, put a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on the area. This will help protect the scar from sun exposure.

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Suture Removal

• If you have non-dissolvable sutures, you will need to go back to your doctor’s office to have your sutures removed. Schedule your suture removal appointment in __________ days/weeks.
• If you have dissolvable sutures, they will dissolve on their own. This may take up to 1 or 2 months.
  • Continue to check the sutures until they’re dissolved. They may look like a small piece of white string at your wound. If the sutures aren’t bothering you, let them dissolve completely. If the sutures start to bother you, call your doctor’s office.

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When to Call Your Healthcare Provider:

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• A fever of 100. 4° F (38 ° C) or higher
• Chills (feeling cold and shivering)
• Any of the following symptoms at your wound or the area around it:
  • Increasing redness or swelling
  • Increasing pain or discomfort
  • Skin that’s hard, warm, or hot to the touch
  • Bright yellow or green drainage
  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop after putting pressure on the area for 30 minutes
  • Bad odor (smell)
  • The wound appears to have opened
  • Rash
  • Blistering
  • Drainage that goes through your bandage
  • Any questions or unexpected problems

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Last Updated

Friday, December 20, 2019

Incision Care After Surgery | Michigan Medicine

Topic Overview

After surgery, you will need to take care of the incision as it heals. Doing so may limit scarring, may help you avoid pain or discomfort, and may help lower the risk of problems like infection.

Your doctor used either stitches, staples, tissue glue, or tape strips to close the incision. And you will need to keep the area clean, change the dressing according to your doctor’s instructions, and watch for signs of infection.

Tips for reducing the risk of infection

To reduce the risk of infection:

• Ask your doctor how long you need to keep the area dry. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.
• Look at the incision every day, checking for signs of infection (see below).
• Change the dressing as your doctor recommends.

Do not:

• Scrub or rub incisions.
• Remove the tape strips (such as Steri-Strips) from incisions unless your doctor tells you to.
• Use lotion or powder on incisions.
• Expose incisions to sunlight.
• Take a bath unless you can keep the incision dry. Instead, take showers or sponge baths until your doctor says it’s okay to take baths. Before you shower, cover the dressing with a plastic bag or use another method of keeping it dry.

You may notice some soreness, tenderness, tingling, numbness, and itching around the incision. There may also be mild oozing and bruising, and a small lump may form. This is normal and no cause for concern.

Signs of infection

Call your doctor if you notice signs of an infection, such as:

• A yellow or green discharge that is increasing.
• A change in the odor of the discharge.
• A change in the size of the incision.
• Redness or hardening of the surrounding area.
• The incision is hot to the touch.
• Fever.
• Increasing or unusual pain.
• Excessive bleeding that has soaked through the dressing.

Changing a dressing

Before you start, make sure you have gauze pads, a box of medical gloves, surgical tape, a plastic bag, and scissors. Then:

1. Prepare supplies by opening the gauze packages and cutting new tape strips.
2. Wash and dry your hands. Put on medical gloves.
3. Loosen the tape around the old dressing.
4. Remove the old dressing.
5. Clean the incision if your doctor told you to do so. (See instructions below.)
6. Inspect the incision for signs of infection.
7. Hold a clean, sterile gauze pad by the corner and place over the incision.
8. Tape all four sides of the gauze pad.
9. Put all trash in a plastic bag. Remove your gloves last.
10. Seal plastic bag and throw it away.
11. Wash your hands.

Cleaning an incision

To clean the incision:

• Gently wash it with soap and water to remove the crust.
• Do not scrub or soak the wound.
• Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine, which can harm the tissue and slow wound healing.
• Air-dry the incision or pat it dry with a clean, fresh towel before reapplying the dressing.

Caring for stitches, staples, tissue glue, or adhesive strips

Stitches or staples normally cause some redness and swelling where the stitch enters the skin, along with mild irritation and itching. Some drainage from the incision may be expected for the first few days after surgery. But if the discharge does not decrease after a few days, becomes bright red with blood, or contains pus, contact your doctor.

The incisions may be protected with tissue glue or small adhesive strips (such as Steri-Strips) instead of a dressing or bandage. If glue was used, be sure to dry the incision area right away if it gets wet. The glue will fall off on its own after a bit of time. If adhesive strips were used, leave them in place until they become loose or fall off on their own.

Other incision care tips

After some surgeries, you may be given special instructions other than these for taking care of the incision. Be sure to follow those instructions carefully. If you are confused by the instructions or you have a question, call your doctor’s office. If the office is closed, leave a message with the answering service. If your pain has increased or you suspect you may have an infection, call your doctor as soon as possible.

Don’t expose your incision to direct sun for 3 to 9 months after surgery. As an incision heals, the new skin that is formed over the cut is very sensitive to sunlight and will burn more easily than normal skin. Bad scarring could occur if you get sunburn on this new skin.

4.4 Suture Removal – Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care

Sutures are tiny threads, wire, or other material used to sew body tissue and skin together. They may be placed deep in the tissue and/or superficially to close a wound. A variety of suture techniques are used to close a wound, and deciding on a specific technique depends on the location of the wound, thickness of the skin, degree of tensions, and desired cosmetic effect (Perry et al., 2014).

There are three types of sutures techniques: intermittent, blanket, and continuous (see Figure 4.2). The most commonly seen suture is the intermittent suture.

Figure 4.2 Types of sutures

Sutures may be absorbent (dissolvable) or non-absorbent (must be removed). Non-absorbent sutures are usually removed within 7 to 14 days. Suture removal is determined by how well the wound has healed and the extent of the surgery. Sutures must be left in place long enough to establish wound closure with enough strength to support internal tissues and organs.

The health care provider must assess the wound to determine whether or not to remove the sutures. The wound line must also be observed for separations during the process of suture removal. Removal of sutures must be ordered by the primary health care provider (physician or nurse practitioner). An order to remove sutures must be obtained prior to the procedure, and a comprehensive assessment of the wound site must be performed prior to the removal of the sutures by the health care provider.

Alternate sutures (every second suture) are typically removed first, and the remaining sutures are removed once adequate approximation of the skin tissue is determined. If the wound is well healed, all the sutures would be removed at the same time. Alternately, the removal of the remaining sutures may be days or weeks later (Perry et al., 2014). Checklist 34 provides the steps for intermittent suture removal.

Checklist 34: Intermittent Suture Removal

Disclaimer: Always review and follow your hospital policy regarding this specific skill.
Safety considerations:  Perform hand hygiene. Check room for additional precautions. Introduce yourself to patient. Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth). Explain process to patient and offer analgesia, bathroom etc. Listen and attend to patient cues. Ensure patient’s privacy and dignity. Assess ABCCS/suction/oxygen/safety.
Steps		Additional Information
1. Confirm physician/nurse practitioner (NP) orders, and explain procedure to patient.		Explaining the procedure will help prevent anxiety and increase compliance with the procedure. Inform patient that the procedure is not painful but the patent may feel some pulling of the skin during suture removal.
2. Gather appropriate supplies.		You will need sterile suture scissors or suture blade, sterile dressing tray (to clean incision site prior to suture removal), non-sterile gloves, normal saline, Steri-Strips, and sterile outer dressing.
3. Position patient appropriately and create privacy for procedure.		Ensure proper body mechanics for yourself and create a comfortable position for the patient.
4. Perform hand hygiene.		Hand hygiene reduces the risk of infection. Perform hand hygiene
5. Prepare the sterile field and add necessary supplies in an organized manner.		This allows easy access to required supplies for the procedure. Prepare sterile field
6. Remove dressing and inspect the wound using non-sterile gloves.		Visually assess the wound for uniform closure of the wound edges, absence of drainage, redness, and swelling. Pain should be minimal. After assessing the wound, decide if the wound is sufficiently healed to have the sutures removed. If there are concerns, question the order and seek advice from the appropriate health care provider. Assess wound
7. Remove non-sterile gloves and perform hand hygiene.		This prevents the transmission of microorganisms. Hand hygiene with ABHR
8. Apply clean non-sterile gloves.		This prevents the transmission of microorganisms. Apply non-sterile gloves
9. Clean incision site according to agency policy.		This step reduces risk of infection from microorganisms on the wound site or surrounding skin. Clean incision Cleaning also loosens and removes any dried blood or crusted exudate from the sutures and wound bed.
10. To remove intermittent sutures, hold scissors in dominant hand and forceps in non-dominant hand.		This allows for dexterity with suture removal. Hold scissors in dominant hand and forceps in non-dominant hand
11. Place a sterile 2 x 2 gauze close to the incision site.		The sterile 2 x 2 gauze is a place to collect the removed suture pieces. Place sterile 2 x 2 gauze close by
12. Grasp knot of suture with forceps and gently pull up knot while slipping the tip of the scissors under suture near the skin. Examine the knot.		The knot should have three ends
13. Cut under the knot as close as possible to the skin at the distal end of the knot.		Cut under the knot Never snip both ends of the knot as there will be no way to remove the suture from below the surface. Do not pull the contaminated suture (suture on top of the skin) through tissue. If using a blade to cut the suture, point the blade away from you and your patient.
14. Grasp knotted end with forceps, and in one continuous action pull suture out of the tissue and place cut knot on sterile 2 x 2 gauze.		Grasp knotted end with forceps
15. Remove every second suture until the end of the incision line.		Assess wound healing after removal of each suture to determine if each remaining suture will be removed.
If wound edges open, stop removing sutures, apply Steri-Strips (using tensions to pull wound edges together), and notify appropriate health care providers.
16. Using the principles of sterile technique, place Steri-Strips on location of every removed suture along incision line.		Apply Steri-Strips
17. Cut Steri-Strips so that they extend 1.5 to 2 inches on each side of incision.		Steri-Strips support wound tension across wound and help to eliminate scarring. Steri-Strips
18. Remove remaining sutures on incision line if indicated.		Only remove remaining sutures if wound is well approximated. Remove remaining sutures
19. Place Steri-Strips on remaining areas of each removed suture along incision line.		The Steri-Strips will help keep the skin edges together. Apply Steri-Strips
Data source: BCIT, 2010c; Perry et al., 2014

Video 4.2

Watch the video Intermittent Suture Removal by Renée Anderson and Wendy McKenzie, Thompson Rivers University.

Checklist 35 outlines the steps to remove continuous and blanket stitch sutures.

Checklist 35: Continuous and Blanket Stitch Suture Removal

Disclaimer: Always review and follow your hospital policy regarding this specific skill.
Safety considerations:  Perform hand hygiene. Check room for additional precautions. Introduce yourself to patient. Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth). Explain process to patient and offer analgesia, bathroom etc. Listen and attend to patient cues. Ensure patient’s privacy and dignity. Assess ABCCS/suction/oxygen/safety.
Steps		Additional Information
1. Confirm physician/NP orders, and explain procedure to patient.		Explaining the procedure will help prevent anxiety and increase compliance with the procedure. Inform patient that the procedure is not painful but the patent may feel some pulling of the skin during suture removal.
2. Gather appropriate supplies.		You will need sterile suture scissors or suture blade, sterile dressing tray (to clean incision site prior to suture removal), non-sterile gloves, normal saline, Steri-Strips, and sterile outer dressing.
3. Position patient appropriately and create privacy for procedure.		Ensure proper body mechanics for yourself and create a comfortable position for the patient.
4. Perform hand hygiene.		Hand hygiene reduces the risk of infection. Perform hand hygiene
5. Prepare the sterile field and add necessary supplies in an organized manner.		This step allows for easy access to required supplies for the procedure. Prepare sterile field
6. Remove dressing and inspect the wound using non-sterile gloves.		Visually assess the wound for uniform closure of the wound edges, absence of drainage, redness, and swelling. Pain should be minimal. Assess wound After assessing the wound, decide if the wound is sufficiently healed to have the sutures removed. If there are concerns, question the order and seek advice from the appropriate health care provider.
7. Remove non-sterile gloves and perform hand hygiene.		This step prevents the transmission of microorganisms. Remove non-sterile gloves
8. Apply clean non-sterile gloves.		This prevents the transmission of microorganisms. Apply non-sterile gloves
9. Clean incision site according to agency policy.		This step reduces the risk of infection from microorganisms on the wound site or surrounding skin. Cleaning also loosens and removes any dried blood or crusted exudate from the sutures and wound bed. Clean incision site
10. Place sterile gauze close to suture line; grasp scissors in dominant hand and forceps in non-dominant hand.		This allows for dexterity with suture removal.
11. Snip first suture close to the skin surface, distal to the knot.		Snip suture distal to the knot   Continuous suture removal guide
12. Snip second suture on the same side.		This action prevents the suture from being left under the skin.
13. Grasp knotted end and gently pull out suture; place suture on sterile gauze.		Never pull contaminated suture underneath the tissue
14. Continue cutting in the same manner until the entire suture is removed, inspecting the incision line during the procedure.		Inspection of incision line reduces the risk of separation of incision during procedure.
If separation occurs, stop procedure, apply Steri-Strips, and notify physician.
15. Apply Steri-Strips to suture line, then apply sterile dressing or leave open to air.		This step reduces the risk of infection. Apply Steri-Strips
16. Position patient and lower bed to safe height; ensure patient is comfortable and free from pain.		This ensures patient safety.
17. Complete patient teaching regarding Steri-Strips and bathing, wound inspection for separation of wound edges, and ways to enhance wound healing.		Instruct patient to take showers rather than bathe. Instruct patient to pat dry, and to not scrub or rub the incision. Instruct patient not to pull off Steri-Strips. Allow the Steri-Strips to fall off naturally and gradually (usually  takes one to three weeks). Instruct patient about the importance of not straining during defecation, and the importance of adequate rest, fluids, nutrition, and ambulation for optional wound healing.
18. Discard supplies according to agency policies for sharp disposal and biohazard waste.		Scissors and forceps may be disposed of or sent for sterilization.
19. Perform hand hygiene.		Hand hygiene reduces risk of infection. Hand hygiene with ABHR
20. Document procedures and findings according to agency policy.		Report any unusual findings or concerns to the appropriate health care professional.
Data source: BCIT, 2010c; Perry et al., 2014

Video 4.3

Watch the video Continuous and Blanket Stitch Suture Removal by Renée Anderson and Wendy McKenzie, Thompson Rivers.

Complications related to suture removal, including wound dehiscence, may occur if wound is not well healed, if the sutures are removed too early, or if excessive force (pressure) is applied to the wound. In addition, if the sutures are left in for an extended period of time, the wound may heal around the sutures, making extraction of the sutures difficult and painful. Table 4.4. lists additional complications related to wounds closed with sutures.

Table 4.4 Complications of Suture Removal

Complication		Solution
Unable to remove suture from tissue		Contact physician for further instructions.
Wound dehiscence: Incision edges separate during suture removal; wound opens up		Stop removing sutures. Apply Steri-Strips across open area. Notify physician.
Patient experiences pain when sutures are removed		Allow small breaks during removal of sutures. Provide opportunity for the patient to deep breathe and relax during the procedure.
Wound becomes red, painful, with increasing pain, fever, drainage from wound		These changes may indicate the wound is infected. Report findings to the primary health care provider for additional treatment and assessments.
Scarring related to sutures		All wounds form a scar and will take months to one year to completely heal. Scarring may be more prominent if sutures are left in too long.
Keloid formation		A keloid formation is a firm scar-like mass of tissue that occurs at the wound site. The scarring tends to extend past the wound and is darker in appearance.
Hypertrophic scars		Hypertrophic scars are scars that are bulky but remain within the boundaries of the wound. These scars can be minimized by applying firm pressure to the wound during the healing process using sterile Steri-Strips or a dry sterile bandage.
Data source: BCIT, 2010c; Perry et al., 2014

1. What is the purpose of applying Steri-Strips to the incision after removing sutures?
2. Which health care provider is responsible for assessing the wound prior to removing sutures?

Steri Strips Vs. Sutures – Pulse-MD Urgent Care

When faced with a serious cut or laceration, the first question that most people ask is: Do I need stitches? It’s a reasonable concern, and one that doesn’t always have a simple answer — especially when blood is pouring out of the wound. That said, there are some basic guidelines you can follow to help make that decision. In general, stitches (otherwise known as sutures) are the preferred option under the following conditions:

• you are unable to stop the bleeding due to the size and nature of the wound
• you are concerned about scarring (especially on the face) and need them for cosmetic purposes (stitched wounds tend to heal more cleanly)
• you notice muscle (dark red) or fat (yellow) exposed through the wound
• your cut is gaping open

Because of the pain and complexity of suturing, most patients will want to avoid stitches if they possibly can. In the case of smaller cuts, steri strips (also called butterfly stitches) may be sufficient. Though not as strong as sutures, these thin adhesive bandage strips can be equally effective as long as you keep them dry and make sure they stay affixed to the wounded area. However, if your laceration occurs in a joint area or another curved section of the body, they might not have the same effectiveness. If you are at all unsure of the proper course of action, it might be most prudent to have a doctor examine the wound.

In most cases, cuts do not need emergency care, and they can be safely dealt with by a doctor within 24 hours. However, it is vital to treat the wound properly on your own if you cannot see a medical professional right away.

Be sure to:

• stop the bleeding as quickly as possible
• wash out the wound thoroughly
• keep the wound moist using saline solution or antibiotic ointment

After the wound has been properly closed, you need to keep it covered and dry — for two days if using sutures and up to five days if using steri strips (to make sure they don’t come off prematurely). You should regularly apply antibiotic ointment and remove any loose scab material. To prevent severe scarring in the area, stay out of the sun and consider applying vitamin E oil to the wound to foster the healing process. Flaxseed oil may be helpful as well.

90,000 Seam processing. Caring for a dog after surgery

After surgery, the animal requires specialized care. Usually, after standard operations, for example, after castration or sterilization, the sutures heal in about 10-14 days. In some cases, the regeneration process takes a little longer. It depends on many factors, for example, the age of the animal, the history of chronic diseases.

Care of seams – practical instructions for use

Sutures after the operation must be processed in any case, because it is imperative to avoid infection, which can lead to serious consequences.What needs to be done?

• Carefully examine the postoperative wound at least once a day. She should look clean and not sore on the outside. Since the regeneration process is underway, the wound may still be reddish, hot to the touch. The presence of pus on the wound should be alerted;
• For surface treatment it is necessary to use antiseptic liquids, such as chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide;
• Often, a cat or dog will begin to show attention to the wound by trying to bite or lick it. In such cases, you can put on a protective collar or a postoperative blanket. This will allow you not to disturb the wound and speed up its healing;
• It is necessary to closely monitor the place where the animal lives. The litter must be dry and clean and must be changed once a day.

You should also try to restrict the animal in movement. Do not let him run or play with other pets.

What should alert any owner?

Be sure to inspect the wound.A strong discharge of pus or cerebrospinal fluid should be alerted, the wound should not constantly tuck. It is necessary to consult a veterinarian for an examination if there are no stitches, a strong tumor around the operated area, if there is an unpleasant odor.
These simple rules will allow your pet to recover quickly. Do not forget to come to the veterinarian in order for him to examine and, if necessary, remove the stitches. True, this should not be done when a cat or dog has absorbable sutures. After the operation, even with good wound healing, you need to monitor the physical activity of your pet.This is important as the wound can sometimes bleed.

Do you want to consult with a specialist on this issue?

To contact the clinic, contact us in the most convenient way:

See also:

Hemovac

drainage tube maintenance

You were discharged with a Hemovac drainage tube installed. A tube is inserted into the wound to remove fluid and is attached to a drainage chamber or manifold.This will aid recovery and reduce the risk of infection. Do not be afraid to see liquid with blood in the chamber. You may feel some burning and pulling pain around the suture that secures the tube. The drainage tube is removed when the volume of fluid being separated is less than two tablespoons per day. A bandage is applied at the exit of the tube. It protects an open wound from infection. The stitches are removed 7-14 days after surgery. Hemovac drainage tube care rules.

General instructions

• Do not sleep on the side of the installed tube.

• Secure the tube and camera under your clothing. This will prevent the tube from falling out.

• Rub the body with a sponge to avoid getting the dressing and tube insertion site wet unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

• Ask your doctor when you can shower or bathe.

• Ask your doctor how best to keep the area dry while showering or bathing.

Emptying the chamber

Empty the chamber at least twice a day.Empty it more often if necessary.

• Wash your hands. If someone is helping you, have that person put on clean, non-sterile gloves after washing their hands.

• Lift up the cover. Do not touch the hole. The camera will expand.

• Turn the camera upside down.

• Drain the liquid into a beaker.

• Whenever you drain the liquid, record the volume. Count the volume daily.Show the notes to your healthcare provider at your next visit.

• Place the empty camera on a hard surface and squeeze it flat.

• Replace the plug.

• Wash your hands again.

Change the dressing

Change the dressing around the tubing every day.

• Wash your hands.

• Remove the old bandage.

• Wash your hands again.

• Moisten a cotton swab and clean around the wound and tube. Use normal saline solution (water and salt) to wet.

• Apply a new dressing to the wound and tube exit site. The dressing should be large enough to cover the entire area around the wound.

• Fix the bandage.

• Wash your hands again.

Follow-up

Follow up with your doctor as directed.

When to Call a Doctor

Call a Doctor Immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Pain, swelling or fluid from the tube site

• Redness, discharge, or fever in the area of ​​the wound

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever over 38 ° C (100. 4 ° F) or chills or as directed by a physician

• Non-healing, infected, or loose suture

• Tube falling out

• Unpleasant odor from the wound site

• The color of the separated fluid changed from light pink to dark red

• Increase in the amount of discharge after the initial decrease

Caring for the dog after sterilization: stitches, nutrition, hazards

How to care for a dog after spaying?

Complete and careful caring for a dog after spaying will help prevent the occurrence of various negative consequences.

Observation and care during the first day

Recovery of a bitch is longer and more painstaking than that of a dog. Sterilization of the female is a long-term abdominal intervention, so the owners will have to pay maximum attention to their pet.

The most important is the postoperative period, namely the first day. Different animals come to life differently after anesthesia. Most do it quickly and without problems, but owners still need to know some rules:

1. After the operation, all vital processes in the bitch’s body are inhibited, and the temperature drops, she freezes and trembles.The animal needs to be covered, and at home, give it a quiet, warm and draft-free place. If your dog is cold, cover it up to protect it from dangerous pneumonia.

2. After anesthesia, incontinence is a characteristic feature, and urine is constantly leaking. If the dog is wet from incontinence, it will lead to dangerous consequences – the animal will get cold and sick. A special diaper, which needs to be changed frequently, will help. If the incontinence persists after the stitches have healed, take the animal to a doctor.

3. Constipation is a common condition in dogs after spaying. If the dog does not go to the toilet “for a large amount” for several days, you need to consult a doctor and give him a laxative.

4. The bitch has a large incision in the abdomen, she is in pain, the stitches are uncomfortable, so she can lick them. It is dangerous for infection and divergence of the seams, so a special blanket is put on the animal. It serves as a mechanical obstacle that does not break the integrity of the seams.Also, a blanket for a dog will not allow the seams to disperse and form hernias.

5. After anesthesia, the dog often does not eat at all. It’s okay, she just doesn’t feel good. You need to worry if the hunger strike lasts more than three days, the animal is lethargic, motionless and clearly suffers.

6. It is impossible to force-feed and water the dog, it can choke, and a piece or drops can get into the lungs and cause inflammation.

7. Owners should carefully observe the bitch’s pulse and breathing, her behavior. Deviations are a reason to call your veterinarian.

In our clinic, the doctor will explain to the owners how to take care of the dog, and how long the rehabilitation will take, and will give the necessary recommendations for emergencies.

Seam processing

After spaying the dog, a fairly large seam remains.The need for treatment depends on the type of suture material. Absorbable sutures do not need special treatment, but the appearance of edema and inflammation will require consultation with a doctor. Various drugs can be prescribed: from the usual methylene blue to chlorhexidine.

If the dog whines after spaying, the doctor may prescribe pain relievers. This will alleviate the bitch’s condition and speed up the recovery. Also, for the well-being of the spayed dog, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent the inflammatory process from developing.

A good seam looks clean and dry. When the wound heals, you can bathe the animal only when it is allowed to do so. This is usually a few days after complete healing, that is, about 20 days after the operation.

Dog food

Since constipation in a dog after surgery is a frequent occurrence, and recovery from anesthesia is accompanied by pain, its nutrition should be light, but sufficiently high in calories. It is better to give food pure or semi-liquid. But you don’t need to force it to eat – if the animal refuses, it means that it has no appetite.Only refusal of food and water for more than three days can excite.

If the dog drinks immediately after he wakes up, that’s fine. But even in that situation, if she refuses to drink at first, this is not a disaster. Give her water from a spoon, pouring a little over the cheek so that she does not choke.

Dangerous signs

Many owners are interested in whether it is possible to spay a bitch after mating. It is undesirable to do this, but if there is no choice, for example, according to vital signs, then an experienced surgeon will perform the operation.

Occasionally, owners worry that after spaying the dog has milk, enlarged mammary glands, or has a heat-like discharge. This is due to the fact that there are still sex hormones in the bitch’s body.

It is much more dangerous if swelling and a lump appear on the seam. It could be a hernia. To prevent this from happening, you need a blanket and a limitation of the dog’s excessive mobility.

It is even more difficult if part of the suture does not overgrow, and a fistula forms. In such a situation, an urgent appeal to a veterinary clinic is necessary.

All owners are frightened if the dog behaves differently than before: it has become aggressive, afraid of everyone, nervous, huddled in a corner. This may be a manifestation of a difficult recovery from anesthesia and should go away on its own. The owners will need to show patience and kindness to their pet.

How the character of the animal changes

Usually, the character of the dog changes for the better after spaying. She becomes calmer, more affectionate, but her appetite may increase. To avoid obesity, you need to carefully monitor your diet and walk your dog often and for a long time.

Neutering a bitch is a complex process, the role of the owners is to help the dog get through this period as easily as possible.

90,000 Absorbable sutures for episiotomy recovery and tears during labor

Approximately 70% of women experience some degree of perineal injury during vaginal delivery as a result of tearing or dissection (episiotomy), which requires subsequent sutures. These lesions can lead to perineal pain for up to two weeks after childbirth, and some women experience pain for a long period and discomfort during intercourse.Perineal injuries have a negative impact on the young mother as she tries to cope with hormonal changes and the needs of her baby, and this can have a long-term impact on her sexual relationship. Most modern materials that are used for suturing the perineum gradually dissolve and do not need to be removed. However, sometimes it is necessary to remove the stitches by a doctor or midwife. A small number of perineal wounds diverge (suture divergence) or do not heal for a long time, and for some of them there is a need for re-suturing.

This review included 18 randomized controlled trials involving 10,171 women and looked at catgut and synthetic materials used for perineal closure after childbirth. This review also includes material that has recently been launched and has been specifically designed to be more rapidly absorbed (resorbable). The main results were that women who had synthetic stitches had less pain during the first three days after giving birth and needed less medication to relieve pain for 10 days after giving birth than women who had catgut seams.There was evidence that synthetic stitches did not always dissolve quickly and some women needed to have them removed. With standard absorbable synthetics, the short- and long-term pain in women was similar and the sutures resolved more quickly. However, in one clinical trial, fewer women who had rapidly absorbable sutures reported using pain relievers within 10 days of delivery, and there was less need to have these sutures removed.When comparing catgut and catgut impregnated with glycerin, the results were similar, but the use of the latter was associated with shorter-term pain. One clinical trial looked at monofilament and standard synthetic sutures, and there were slight differences between the two materials in terms of pain and wound healing. As well as the type of material used, other factors such as the technique used when suturing (using a continuous suture or a series of individual stitches), the experience and skill of the person performing the procedure, can also affect the severity of pain and the healing of the perineal wound.

Suture care after caesarean section

After the baby has been removed (horizontally) during a caesarean section, a neat cosmetic suture is applied in the lower abdomen. The incision in the uterus is sutured with a double-row vicryl suture. The suture with vicryl threads is self-absorbable, and it is practically invisible. However, such a seam also requires some maintenance.

After the operation, the suture cannot be wetted for three days. In the maternity hospital, he will be tied several times (with a self-adhesive bandage) and treated with chlorophyllipt solution or brilliant green.

Also, the hospital can recommend magnetic therapy (it’s free). The device for magnetotherapy is an elongated rectangle with rounded corners, which is powered by electricity. The woman herself puts the magnet on the seam for 10-15 minutes, 2 times a day. During the stay in the hospital, the course of magnetotherapy will be completed.

Magnetotherapy is needed for: rapid healing of sutures, elimination of swelling of soft tissues, pain relief, prevention of thrombosis.Also, magnetotherapy prevents the formation of adhesions, relieves inflammation and improves blood circulation.

After the operation, the seam, of course, hurts, and obstetricians strongly recommend not to endure the pain, but to ask for pain relievers. But already three days after the operation, it is quite possible to do without anesthesia.

Before discharge, the woman will undergo an ultrasound of the suture (through the abdominal wall) to identify possible complications and to determine the strength of the suture. The procedure is unpleasant, but necessary.

After a cesarean section, a woman is advised not to lift weights, not to strain the abs, wear a postpartum bandage, avoid sudden movements and not wear things that can rub the seam. A few days after cesarean it is difficult to walk with a straight back, so it is better if at least the first week after discharge there is an assistant, husband or parents, for example.

It is necessary to process the seam at home within a week with a solution of chlorophyllipt or greenery.Moisten the cotton pad in the solution and process the seam; you do not need to apply a bandage, but you can put a sterile bandage, because the solution stains the laundry.

Some doctors recommend taking medications to heal the scar on the uterus. Later, you can use colloidal ointments that reduce redness, swelling, and reduce the volume of the scar.

There is no need to remove the stitches, they dissolve on their own, and the knot at the end of the seam disappears when it dries up. It is important to monitor the condition of the seam, to prevent divergence of stitches, suppuration, and soaking. Otherwise, you should immediately seek medical attention.

Postoperative suture care

How are sutures formed in the puncture area? Do the threads need to be removed? Proper care of sutures after bariatric surgery.

Skin suture healing takes about 2-3 weeks.

We suture the skin with an intradermal cosmetic suture, which is also a bandage.That is, the seams do not need to be bandaged or glued in any way. Those stickers that we attach in the hospital can be torn off after discharge and no longer glued.

Threads that tightly seal the skin inside the skin, preventing the ingress of dirt, water and infection. They should stay there.

The threads dissolve gradually, providing strength over a long time. After the healing of such a seam, practically no traces remain from it. These are small dots that are difficult to see with the naked eye.

Small antennae protrude outside the seams. They will disappear over time (after about a month). If they cause discomfort and interfere with wearing clothes, they can be carefully trimmed after 2-3 weeks with sterile scissors. But only the upper part, without pulling anything out of the subcutaneous space. Everything inside should remain there.

The longer the thread stays in the fabric, the more beautiful and less visible the scar is.

If you are afraid of cutting off the ends yourself, you can come to our clinic and we will do it ourselves.

Care of seams

The seams do not require special care. Occasionally, in some patients, the seam may become moist in the first two weeks. This usually occurs in the umbilical puncture. This is not to be feared. If there is no temperature, nothing terrible happens. This is the largest surgical puncture, and a ichor can come out of it. In such cases, you just need to treat the seam with an antiseptic solution and not worry.

Right after discharge you can take a shower without stickers and plaster.As stated above: our seams are completely sealed and water resistant.

Rehabilitation of the dog after surgery: care and recovery, suture

Photo: Dog after surgery

Unfortunately, our four-legged friends sometimes get sick and have to undergo operations of varying complexity. To completely cure your beloved pet, it is not enough to entrust it to a competent veterinarian. After a qualified medical intervention, the owner must independently take care of the sick animal properly.We will tell you what stitch means in a dog after surgery, how to properly care for it during the rehabilitation period.

Rehabilitation of a dog after surgery: grooming – general rules

Photo: Rehabilitation of the dog after surgery

Remember the most important thing: always follow the advice of your veterinarian . Strictly adhere to the recommendations of the doctor who performed the operation on your pet. In each case, caring for a dog may differ, so it is possible that your pet will be assigned, for example, a special diet.

Do not question the words of the doctor. And if you are still not sure of the recommendations, do not consult with friends or Internet users, but with another veterinarian who is able to assess the condition of the animal, its analyzes, prescribed medications.

There are general rules for caring for a sick pet.

Rehabilitation period

Photo: Wounded dog

Usually, the rehabilitation period after surgery lasts about 10-14 days. Only after the most complex surgical intervention, special care for the animal can take up to two months.First of all, this applies to older dogs, in which the recovery of the body is much slower, complications may arise.

Some inexperienced owners remember the well-known adage “heal like a dog” and think that after a couple of days after a difficult procedure, their pet will be able to easily, just like before, overcome high barriers and run in the morning. But you shouldn’t count on it. Even if your pet looks completely healthy, do not rush to return it to its usual way of life, as this can lead to complications.If the doctor has prescribed two weeks of “bed rest” – it means that these recommendations must be strictly adhered to, even if you are so “uncomfortable” and it seems that the pet is “he is still a big man.”

Walks

The first day after a complex operation, it is better not to walk the dog, so as not to disturb it once again. Moreover, at this time she is unlikely to want to go to the toilet, since the animal does not eat before and after the operation. Take your pet outside only if he asks, and do it very carefully.

To recover from surgery, the dog needs rest and a minimum of physical activity, but this does not mean that the pet should be outside for only 5 minutes.Take him for longer walks, but don’t force him to run and jump. Walk slowly in familiar areas and at the same time avoid the company of dogs, so that the animals, starting the game, do not harm the sick pet.

Photo: long walks

Carefully observe the behavior of the dog on the street: if it shows with all its appearance that it is difficult for it to walk for a long time, do not force it to do it.

Take your pet outside for a short time, but more often.Please note: if during rehabilitation you give your pet medications with a diuretic effect, you need to walk him at least 4-5 times a day. And, of course, you cannot scold if, not getting on the street in time, he defecates at home.

Do not force the dog to endure for a long time, as the pain of the bladder will negatively affect the general condition of the animal and slow down the process of recovery.

If you have small children, do not forget to warn them that the dog must not be disturbed to play.Firstly, the animal needs to be provided with peace, and secondly, a sick pet that is experiencing discomfort can become aggressive. To protect the dog and children from injury and stress, it is better to ask the little fidgets not to disturb the animal for at least two weeks after the operation.

If your dog has a catheter on its leg, keep it and the protective dressing clean, treat the area regularly with an antiseptic, and wrap it with plastic wrap before every walk to keep dirt or water out of the catheter.Try to clean your home as often as possible.

Feeding

Photo: Dog Food

Follow the feeding advice given by your veterinarian. Even if the new dog diet is too troublesome for you, be patient at least for the rehabilitation period. Taking care of your dog will allow your dog to get better faster.

Power mode may differ depending on the type of operation. But there are general rules as well. For several hours after the operation, the dog should not be fed or watered.This is especially important if the surgery was in the abdominal cavity or the animal has undergone complex anesthesia.

Then you need to give food in very small portions and often (3-4 times a day). In addition, the food should be fresh, light, and preferably runny.

If you are giving your pet dry food, soak it in warm water to avoid chewing and to facilitate digestion.

See also: Super premium dog food rating

If this does not contradict the recommendations of the veterinarian, you can use special canned food, but it is better if they are dietary.Products unfamiliar to the dog should not be given. Many animals have no appetite after surgery, so they are unlikely to want to try new food.

Photo: broth

If you usually feed your pet with natural food, in the first postoperative meal, give him broth, and then feed him cereals with minced meat, cottage cheese, kefir. Unless, of course, the veterinarian gave other recommendations.

In addition, the dog should always have access to clean drinking water. However, in the first days after surgery, it is better to limit the amount of fluid consumed a little.And do not forget to regularly change the water to fresh. If the animal cannot stand up on its own, gently water it from a syringe without a needle, because a dehydrated body will not be able to recuperate.

Return the dog to the usual diet gradually: during the week, mix a little ordinary food with the medicinal food. And with each feeding, increase the portion of your usual food.

Attention! If your dog has any digestive problems, consult a healthcare practitioner.In no case, without the knowledge of the veterinarian, do not give the animal any medications, as they may not be combined with medications with which you restore the pet’s health. Do not be lazy to consult your veterinarian once again, even if you think that you might have dreamed alarming symptoms. Better to play it safe than not to notice the deterioration.

Suture in a dog after surgery. Seam processing

Photo: Chlorhexidine for treating stitches in a dog after surgery

To prevent the dog from licking the stitches, a special blanket or an Elizabethan collar must be worn on it.Postoperative sutures need to be treated with an antiseptic 1-2 times a day. It is better if it is alcohol-free, so as not to provoke additional discomfort in the animal. For example, chlorhexidine is ideal for this purpose.

After treatment with an antiseptic, it is necessary to carefully lubricate the seams with antimicrobial and healing ointment. The drug levomekol has proven itself very well. You can find these simple and inexpensive medicines at any human pharmacy.

If any drugs are prescribed to the animal, they must be given strictly according to the instructions.If you do not follow the schedule, the treatment may not work and you will have to repeat it. Any deviations from the recommendations should be discussed with your doctor. Do not hesitate to ask and clarify: you are not a doctor, you are worried about your animal and you may not figure it out the first time. Your veterinarian should explain your prescriptions so that you can follow them.

Resting place

Photo: Resting place

Provide the animal with the most comfortable conditions for recovery. Make sure that the place where the dog rests is dry, comfortable, warm, but not hot and always free of drafts.

If the house is cool, cover your pet with a blanket to keep it cool. To avoid falling of the pet, do not arrange a bed for him on a hill.

Note : walking away from anesthesia, the animal will move awkwardly, limbs will be lethargic, so make sure that it does not climb onto a sofa or chair. In this case, falling even from such a low object can be dangerous.

If the dog experiences involuntary urination or any profuse discharge after surgery, cover with a waterproof oilcloth and absorbent diapers. Don’t worry, this is normal after anesthesia. And, of course, do not scold your pet for this.

During the first 3-4 weeks, constantly monitor the health of the animal. Check his lips and gums daily . . If their color has changed (become bluish or white), take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Also watch that there are no blood impurities in the animal’s feces . Intense bleeding from a surgical wound, an inflamed appearance of a suture, or an unpleasant odor from the wound is also a sign that the dog is not recovering.

Videos

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