Wound reopened after stitches removed. Wound Dehiscence: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention After Stitch Removal
What are the signs of a wound reopening after stitches are removed. How can you prevent wound dehiscence following surgery. What factors increase the risk of surgical incisions reopening.
Understanding Wound Dehiscence: When Surgical Incisions Reopen
Wound dehiscence is a serious postoperative complication that occurs when a surgical incision reopens, either partially or completely. This condition, also known simply as dehiscence, can affect both internal and external surgical sites. While it can happen after any surgical procedure, wound dehiscence is most commonly associated with abdominal and cardiothoracic surgeries.
Typically, wound dehiscence occurs within 3 to 10 days following surgery. It’s often linked to surgical site infections, which can compromise the healing process and weaken the wound closure. Understanding the signs, risk factors, and preventive measures for wound dehiscence is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Wound Dehiscence
Identifying wound dehiscence early is vital for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. The most common symptoms include:
- Sudden, pulling pain at the incision site
- Visible separation of the wound edges
- Formation of holes or gaps in the healing wound
- Bleeding from the incision
- Fever
- Redness and swelling around the surgical site
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if your stitches, staples, or surgical glue have split apart, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
How can you distinguish normal healing from wound dehiscence?
A properly healing wound typically forms a straight line with minimal space between the edges. In contrast, a wound experiencing dehiscence may show visible gaps, separation, or even exposure of underlying tissues. Regular inspection of your surgical site during recovery can help you spot potential issues early.
Risk Factors Contributing to Wound Reopening
Several factors can increase the likelihood of wound dehiscence. These can be categorized into preoperative and postoperative risk factors:
Preoperative Risk Factors
- Obesity
- Malnutrition
- Smoking
- Preexisting medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders)
- Advanced age (over 65 years)
- Gender (men are at higher risk for certain surgeries)
- Use of steroid medications
Postoperative Risk Factors
- Surgical site infections
- Surgeon inexperience
- Emergency surgery or surgical re-exploration
- Increased abdominal pressure (from coughing, vomiting, or sneezing)
Understanding these risk factors can help patients and healthcare providers take appropriate precautions to minimize the chance of wound dehiscence.
The Impact of Obesity on Wound Healing
Obesity significantly affects the wound healing process, increasing the risk of dehiscence. Excess adipose tissue can impair healing in several ways:
- Reduced blood flow: Fat cells have less efficient blood circulation compared to other tissues, limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery to the wound site.
- Increased tissue tension: Excess weight puts additional strain on surgical incisions, potentially compromising wound closure.
- Impaired immune function: Obesity can negatively impact the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections that may lead to dehiscence.
- Longer surgical times: Procedures on obese patients often take longer, increasing the risk of complications.
For obese patients undergoing surgery, it’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to optimize wound healing and minimize the risk of dehiscence.
Nutritional Factors in Wound Healing and Dehiscence Prevention
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in wound healing and can significantly impact the risk of dehiscence. Key nutritional factors include:
- Protein intake: Adequate protein is essential for tissue repair and wound closure.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin is crucial for collagen synthesis and immune function.
- Zinc: Important for cell division and protein synthesis during wound healing.
- Vitamin A: Supports epithelial tissue formation and immune response.
- Hydration: Proper fluid intake is necessary for optimal circulation and nutrient delivery to the wound site.
Malnutrition, particularly hypoalbuminemia (low levels of the protein albumin), is strongly associated with an increased risk of wound dehiscence. Patients preparing for surgery should work with their healthcare providers to ensure optimal nutritional status before and after the procedure.
How can patients improve their nutritional status before surgery?
To enhance wound healing and reduce the risk of dehiscence, patients can:
- Consume a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Consider nutritional supplements as recommended by their healthcare provider.
- Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to surgery.
- Address any existing nutritional deficiencies prior to the procedure.
The Role of Infections in Wound Dehiscence
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant risk factor for wound dehiscence. These infections can compromise the healing process in several ways:
- Weakening of wound closure: Infections can break down sutures and weaken the tissue around the incision.
- Increased inflammation: Excessive inflammation can impair the normal healing process.
- Delayed healing: Infections divert the body’s resources from wound repair to fighting the infection.
- Tissue necrosis: Severe infections can lead to tissue death, further compromising wound integrity.
Preventing surgical site infections is crucial for reducing the risk of wound dehiscence. This involves proper preoperative preparation, sterile surgical techniques, and appropriate postoperative care.
What measures can be taken to prevent surgical site infections?
To minimize the risk of SSIs and subsequent dehiscence, healthcare providers and patients can:
- Ensure proper hand hygiene for all individuals involved in patient care.
- Use appropriate preoperative antibiotics when indicated.
- Implement strict sterile techniques during surgery.
- Properly clean and dress the wound postoperatively.
- Monitor the surgical site for signs of infection during recovery.
- Educate patients on proper wound care and hygiene at home.
Preventing Wound Dehiscence: Best Practices for Patients
While not all cases of wound dehiscence can be prevented, patients can take several steps to minimize their risk:
- Follow postoperative instructions carefully
- Avoid lifting heavy objects (typically anything over 10 pounds)
- Be cautious during the first two weeks of recovery
- Gradually increase physical activity as recommended by your healthcare provider
- Monitor your incision site regularly for signs of complications
- Maintain good nutrition and hydration
- Quit smoking before surgery and avoid tobacco use during recovery
- Manage underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) effectively
It’s crucial to communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. Early intervention can often prevent minor issues from developing into more serious complications like wound dehiscence.
What should patients do if they suspect wound dehiscence?
If you notice any signs of wound reopening or other concerning symptoms:
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately
- Avoid touching or manipulating the wound
- Keep the area clean and covered as instructed
- Follow any additional instructions provided by your healthcare team
Complications of Wound Dehiscence: Beyond Reopening
While wound dehiscence itself is a serious complication, it can lead to even more severe issues if left untreated. Potential complications include:
- Evisceration: A severe condition where internal organs protrude through the reopened wound
- Systemic infection: Bacteria entering through the open wound can lead to widespread infection
- Delayed healing: Reopened wounds often take longer to heal, prolonging recovery time
- Scarring: Dehiscence can result in more extensive scarring than a properly healed incision
- Need for additional surgery: Some cases of dehiscence may require surgical intervention to close the wound
These potential complications underscore the importance of prevention and early detection of wound dehiscence. Patients should remain vigilant during their recovery period and seek medical attention at the first sign of any issues with their surgical site.
How is wound dehiscence treated?
Treatment for wound dehiscence depends on the severity and extent of the reopening. Options may include:
- Conservative management: For minor cases, cleaning the wound and applying new dressings may be sufficient
- Negative pressure wound therapy: This technique can help promote healing in some cases of dehiscence
- Surgical repair: Severe cases or those involving evisceration typically require immediate surgical intervention
- Antibiotics: If infection is present, antibiotic treatment may be necessary
The specific treatment plan will be determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual patient’s situation and overall health status.
Long-term Outcomes and Recovery from Wound Dehiscence
The long-term prognosis for patients who experience wound dehiscence can vary widely depending on several factors:
- Severity of the dehiscence
- Presence of complications (e.g., infection, evisceration)
- Timeliness of intervention
- Patient’s overall health and healing capacity
- Effectiveness of treatment
In many cases, with proper treatment and care, patients can recover fully from wound dehiscence. However, the healing process may be prolonged, and there may be a higher risk of scarring or other long-term effects.
What can patients expect during recovery from wound dehiscence?
Recovery from wound dehiscence often involves:
- Extended healing time compared to uncomplicated surgical recovery
- More frequent follow-up appointments with healthcare providers
- Possible need for additional treatments or procedures
- Careful monitoring of the wound site for signs of proper healing
- Gradual return to normal activities as the wound heals
Patients should work closely with their healthcare team throughout the recovery process to ensure optimal healing and minimize the risk of further complications.
Advancing Research and Techniques in Wound Dehiscence Prevention
As surgical techniques and wound care practices continue to evolve, researchers and healthcare professionals are constantly seeking new ways to prevent and manage wound dehiscence. Some areas of ongoing research and development include:
- Advanced wound closure techniques: Exploring new suture materials and closure methods to enhance wound strength
- Tissue adhesives and sealants: Developing improved products to supplement or replace traditional sutures
- Bioengineered skin substitutes: Creating advanced materials to promote faster and more effective wound healing
- Targeted nutritional interventions: Investigating specific nutritional strategies to optimize wound healing
- Personalized risk assessment tools: Developing more accurate methods to identify patients at high risk for dehiscence
These advancements hold promise for reducing the incidence of wound dehiscence and improving outcomes for surgical patients.
How might future developments impact wound dehiscence prevention?
Potential impacts of ongoing research and development include:
- Reduced rates of wound dehiscence across various surgical procedures
- More personalized approaches to wound care based on individual patient risk factors
- Improved healing times and reduced complications for high-risk patients
- Enhanced early detection methods for potential wound problems
- More effective non-surgical interventions for managing minor cases of dehiscence
As these advancements continue to emerge, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to stay informed about the latest evidence-based practices in wound care and dehiscence prevention.
The Psychological Impact of Wound Dehiscence on Patients
While the physical aspects of wound dehiscence are well-documented, the psychological impact on patients is often overlooked. Experiencing this complication can have significant emotional and mental health consequences, including:
- Anxiety about the healing process and potential further complications
- Depression related to prolonged recovery and limitations on daily activities
- Body image concerns, especially if dehiscence results in more extensive scarring
- Fear of future surgical procedures
- Stress related to additional medical expenses and potential loss of income during extended recovery
Healthcare providers should be aware of these potential psychological effects and be prepared to offer appropriate support and resources to patients experiencing wound dehiscence.
How can healthcare providers address the psychological impact of wound dehiscence?
To support patients’ mental health during recovery from wound dehiscence, providers can:
- Provide clear, honest communication about the condition and treatment process
- Offer referrals to mental health professionals when needed
- Encourage patients to express their concerns and emotions
- Connect patients with support groups or peer counseling services
- Educate patients on stress-reduction techniques that won’t interfere with wound healing
Addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of wound dehiscence can contribute to better overall outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention & More
Wound Dehiscence: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention & More
- Health Conditions
- Featured
- Breast Cancer
- IBD
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
- Acid Reflux
- ADHD
- Allergies
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Cold & Flu
- COPD
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Heart Disease
- High Cholesterol
- HIV
- Hypertension
- IPF
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriasis
- Skin Disorders and Care
- STDs
- Featured
- Discover
- Wellness Topics
- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Skin Care
- Sexual Health
- Women’s Health
- Mental Well-Being
- Sleep
- Product Reviews
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Sleep
- Mental Health
- Nutrition
- At-Home Testing
- CBD
- Men’s Health
- Original Series
- Fresh Food Fast
- Diagnosis Diaries
- You’re Not Alone
- Present Tense
- Video Series
- Youth in Focus
- Healthy Harvest
- No More Silence
- Future of Health
- Wellness Topics
- Plan
- Health Challenges
- Mindful Eating
- Sugar Savvy
- Move Your Body
- Gut Health
- Mood Foods
- Align Your Spine
- Find Care
- Primary Care
- Mental Health
- OB-GYN
- Dermatologists
- Neurologists
- Cardiologists
- Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
- Weight Management
- Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
- Are You a Workaholic?
- How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
- Health News
- Find a Diet
- Find Healthy Snacks
- Drugs A-Z
- Health A-Z
- Health Challenges
- Connect
- Breast Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Migraine
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Psoriasis
Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. O. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 5, 2021
Wound dehiscence occurs when a surgical incision reopens either internally or externally. It’s also known simply as dehiscence.
Although this complication can occur after any surgery, it tends to happen most often following abdominal or cardiothoracic procedures. It’s commonly associated with a surgical site infection.
Dehiscence usually takes place within 3 to 10 days of surgery.
Dehiscence can be identified by the feeling of a sudden pulling pain. If you’re concerned about possible dehiscence, check how your wound is healing.
A clean wound will have minimal space between the edges of the wound and will commonly form a straight line. If your stitches, staples, or surgical glue have split apart, or if you see any holes forming in the wound, you’re experiencing dehiscence.
Other symptoms you may experience include:
- bleeding
- fever
- redness
- swelling
There are several preoperative and postoperative risk factors for dehiscence, including:
- Obesity. Obesity slows the healing process because fat cells have less efficiency in blood flow and oxygenation compared to other tissues.
- Malnutrition. Malnutrition can also slow healing due to a lack of the vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients needed for recovery. Hypoalbuminemia, a lack of the protein albumin, is associated with dehiscence.
- Smoking. Smoking reduces oxygenation in the tissues that are necessary for quick healing.
- Peripheral vascular, respiratory, and cardiovascular disorders. Peripheral vascular, respiratory, and cardiovascular disorders all affect oxygenation, as do anemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.
- Cancer. Surgery to treat cancers such as head and neck cancer or colorectal cancer may result in dehiscence.
- Age. Adults over 65 years old are much more likely to have other conditions that slow the wound healing process.
- Sex. Men are more likely than women to experience dehiscence in certain types of surgeries, including some abdominal surgeries.
- Steroids. The use of steroid medications slows down wound healing.
- Infection. Wounds with an infection will take longer to heal, which makes you more susceptible to dehiscence.
- Surgeon inexperience. If your surgeon is less experienced, you may have a longer operating time, or sutures may not be applied properly. This can lead to wounds reopening.
- Emergency surgery or re-exploration. Unexpected surgery or the surgeon going back into a previously operated area can lead to further unexpected complications. This includes the reopening of an original wound.
- Strain from coughing, vomiting, or sneezing. If abdominal pressure increases unexpectedly, the force could be enough to reopen a wound.
It’s important to keep an eye on the healing progress of your wound, as any openings can lead to infection.
In addition, an opening could lead to evisceration, which is a much more severe condition that occurs when your wound reopens and your internal organs come out through the incision.
The best way to prevent dehiscence after your operation is to follow your doctor’s instructions and surgical recovery best practices. Some of these are:
- Avoid lifting anything greater than 10 pounds, as this may increase pressure on the wound.
- Be extremely cautious in the first 2 weeks of recovery. You should walk around in order to avoid blood clots or pneumonia, but in most cases you shouldn’t push yourself much more than this.
- After 2 to 4 weeks, start slightly more rigorous physical activity at your own pace. If you start to feel pressure, consider taking 1 to 2 days of rest and trying again another time.
- After about 1 month, start pushing yourself a little more, but make sure you’re listening to your body. If something really doesn’t feel right, stop.
The average time for an abdominal incision to fully heal is roughly 1 to 2 months. If you think your wound may be reopening, or if you notice any symptoms of dehiscence, contact your doctor or surgeon immediately.
You may also need to place yourself on bed rest and stop any activity or lifting. These may make the condition worse and may be the cause for reopening.
Although it may only be a small opening or one suture that’s broken, wound dehiscence can quickly escalate to infection or even evisceration. Call your surgeon if you notice any symptoms.
If you’re experiencing evisceration, immediately seek emergency medical attention. Don’t try on your own to push any organs back inside your body.
Last medically reviewed on May 5, 2021
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- A to Z: Wound dehiscence. (n.d.).
kidshealth.org/Nemours/en/parents/az-wound-dehiscence.html - Getting life back to normal after surgery. (2018).
healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_jcd5tg17 - Ghiam MK, et al. (2018). Head and neck cancer patients: Rates, reasons, and risk factors for 30-day unplanned readmission.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29787349 - Gould L, et al. (2015). Chronic wound repair and healing in older adults: Current status and future research.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4582412 - Sandy-Hodgetts K, et al. (2013). Determining risk factors for surgical wound dehiscence: A literature review.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/iwj.12088 - Shanmugam VK, et al. (2015). Postoperative wound dehiscence: Predictors and associations.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4587566 - Söderbäck H, et al. (2019). Incidence of wound dehiscence after colorectal cancer surgery: Results from a national population-based register for colorectal cancer.
link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00384-019-03390-3
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
May 5, 2021
Written By
Scott Frothingham
Edited By
Ashley Williams
Medically Reviewed By
Stacy Sampson, D.O.
Copy Edited By
Stassi Myer – CE
Dec 5, 2018
Written By
Scott Frothingham
Edited By
Isabel Spahn
Medically Reviewed By
Nancy Moyer, MD
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 5, 2021
Read this next
- What to Expect During the 4 Stages of Wound Healing
Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN
Wound healing involves a number of complex processes in the body. We’ll talk about the four stages and what to expect with each.
READ MORE
- Surgical Wound
Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D.
READ MORE
- How to Tell If You Have an Infection Following Surgery
Medically reviewed by Vincent J. Tavella, DVM, MPH
The signs of infection after surgery need immediate treatment. Learn about the signs and symptoms of infection so you’re prepared and can visit your…
READ MORE
- Why You May Have a Rash After Surgery
Medically reviewed by Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C
Twenty percent or more of people may have a rash after surgery. Post-surgical rash may be caused by drugs or exposure to substances used before…
READ MORE
- Managing Constipation After Surgery
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
Constipation is a common problem after surgery, but there are ways to manage or prevent it. Get some tips here on precautions and treatment.
READ MORE
- What’s Causing My Swollen Fingertip and How Do I Treat It?
Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D.
There are numerous causes of fingertip swelling, and a few are potentially serious or life-threatening. Here’s when you should see a doctor and when…
READ MORE
- Causes of Head and Skull Shape Abnormalities and How to Treat Them
Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M.D.
While it’s common for the shape of people’s skulls to vary, a dent or irregularity in your skull can indicate a serious health condition. Learn about…
READ MORE
- Whiplash Injury Overview
Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP
Whiplash occurs when a person’s head moves backward and then forward very suddenly with great force. This injury is most common following a car…
READ MORE
- Everything You Need to Know About Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a breakdown of muscle fibers that occurs due to muscle injury. Learn more about this condition.
READ MORE
- Head Injury
Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M.D.
A head injury is an injury to your brain, skull, or scalp. This can range from a mild bump or bruise to a traumatic brain injury. Common head injuries…
READ MORE
Wound Dehiscence: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Options
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on April 14, 2021
- Signs of Wound Dehiscence
- Causes of Wound Dehiscence
- Complications of Wound Dehiscence
- Treatment for Wound Dehiscence
Wound dehiscence is a surgery complication where the incision, a cut made during a surgical procedure, reopens. It is sometimes called wound breakdown, wound disruption, or wound separation.
Partial dehiscence means that the edges of an incision have pulled apart in one or more small areas. Complete dehiscence is when the entire cut reopens through all layers of skin and muscle.
Wound disruption is most common within 3 to 10 days after a surgery. Symptoms at the incision site start getting worse instead of better and may include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Drainage of other fluids
You may also have a fever. You or your doctor might be able to see broken stitches or a gap where the edge of the incision used to meet.
Wound healing involves three phases:
- Inflammatory: The body rushes fluid and healing cells to the incision site, causing swelling, redness, and pain. The goal is to clear out dead cells and bacteria so that repair of the wound can begin.
- Proliferative: Special cells called fibroblasts pull the edges of the wound together. The body makes new tissue to repair the cut.
- Maturation: The new tissue gets stronger and less fragile.
Wound separation can happen at any phase and can be caused by one or more of the following.
Infection. When a wound is infected, healing cannot move past the inflammatory phase. The body must focus on clearing bacteria from the area. Infection also limits the number of fibroblast cells that are able to move to the area. Any repair tissue that is able to develop will be weak and fragile.
Pressure on sutures. Vomiting, severe coughing, or heavy lifting can strain the stitches or staples used to hold the wound closed while it heals. If one or more of the sutures break, the incision may pull apart at that spot.
Poor suture technique. Wound disruption may be caused by stitches or staples that are improperly applied. Sometimes wound separation will occur when sutures are removed too early in the healing process.
Decreased blood flow. Good blood flow is important to move oxygen and healing cells to the wound and to clear away bacteria and dead cells. Anything that decreases blood flow puts you at a higher risk of wound breakdown. This includes smoking and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Even minor wound disruption needs to be treated right away to keep it from getting worse. An open wound is easily infected, and infection can lead to further separation.
Complete wound dehiscence is a medical emergency, as it can lead to evisceration, where internal organs protrude through the wound.
Call your doctor if you notice signs of wound breakdown. Possible treatment options include:
Pain management. Your doctor may prescribe medication if you are in pain because of the wound disruption, dressing changes, or infection. They may tell you to use a different kind of dressing or explain how to care for the wound in a way that causes less pain.
Antibiotics. If you have an infection or are at high risk of infection because of the open wound, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. This is a kind of medicine that stops or slows the growth of the germs that cause infection.
Management of risk factors. Your doctor will work with you to improve any risk factors that helped cause the wound separation. For instance, if you have diabetes, they will help you get your blood sugar levels under control. If the wound breakdown was caused by blood or pus collecting under the sutured area, the doctor can put in a small plastic tube to drain the fluid.
Removal of dead tissue. Dead or damaged cells can keep the wound from healing properly and increase your risk of infection. Your doctor may give you a special kind of wound bandage to help the body remove dead cells. If there is a lot of dead tissue and the wound separation is deep, you may need further surgery to remove it.
Negative pressure wound therapy. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is used to treat wounds that are not healing well, especially if there is a lot of fluid draining from the wound. It can help prevent infection, increase blood flow, remove extra fluid, and encourage the growth of new tissue. The wound is covered with a special dressing that has a small opening. A tube is attached to this opening and hooked up to a pump. When the pump is turned on, it gently draws fluid and infection out of the wound.
Closure. The doctor may close the wound separation with new stitches, or they may allow it to heal as it is. If a wound disruption is deep or complete, you may need another surgery to repair the wound.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Top Picks
Sutures came apart after tooth extraction: what to do
Contents of the article
- Indications for suturing after tooth extraction
- Pain after suturing the socket: pathology and norm
- Types of suture materials in surgical dentistry
- How long does it take to walk with stitches
- Complications: what to look out for
- How to prevent stitches coming apart after tooth extraction
- Why did the stitches come apart after the removal of a wisdom tooth
Suturing after tooth extraction is a standard procedure. The doctor sutures the hole when indicated or at the request of the patient. Tightly fixed edges of the wound accelerate the healing process, relieve pain, and reduce the risk of complications. Immediately after the surgical operation, the dentist-surgeon explains the rules of hygiene – tells how to care for the hole, what to do if the seams open after tooth extraction.
Indications for suturing after tooth extraction
In oral surgery, it is customary to suture the socket of the removed unit if:
extraction of a wisdom tooth, removal of eights was carried out;
there is a risk of severe bleeding – according to the patient’s examinations or as a preventive measure;
extirpation of impacted and dystopic teeth was performed;
, the extraction was difficult – the crown part of the tooth was severely destroyed or the roots of the extracted unit were significantly curved.
All surgical removal operations, when the dentist cuts the gum and injures the jaw tissues, involve suturing the edges of the formed hole.
Also, the socket of the extracted tooth is sutured after the implant is placed in it. The procedure is carried out as part of a one-stage implantation with delayed prosthetics. The implantologist-surgeon combines two operations. After extracting the tooth and evaluating the state of the socket according to the control x-ray, the doctor implants a dental implant, which will subsequently become a support for a fixed dental crown. The operation is performed only after preliminary preparation, since the patient must undergo a complete examination and hardware diagnostics.
Pain after suturing the socket: pathology and norm
Pain in the sutures is normal. Injury to the gums due to a serious surgical intervention causes pain – especially in the first days.
The patient must understand that tooth extraction is damage to the ligaments that hold the tooth in the gum, rupture of nerve fibers and blood vessels. During the operation, the pain is blocked by an anesthetic, but after the anesthesia wears off, discomfort is observed at the suturing site.
The following sensations should not cause concern:
aching pain in the first 24 hours after removal;
slight tissue swelling in the area of operation
discomfort and slight soreness when opening the mouth;
short-term increase in body temperature.
In rare cases, after complex removal, the patient may experience chills, swelling of the face, purulent discharge, cough, nausea. These signs should not be ignored – it is better to immediately seek help from a specialist.
Types of suture materials in surgical dentistry
Dental clinics use different types of threads to fix the edges of the sockets during tooth extraction:
Synthetic, self-absorbable by hydrolysis reaction. These are hypoallergenic threads that guarantee reliable fixation of the wound edges for about a month.
Enzyme-based natural absorbable surgical suture. The stitches disappear in 10-100 days, and the thread segments are safely removed from the human body.
Synthetic regular threads. Made from silk, nylon, polyester. Require mechanical removal after complete healing of the hole.
How long does it take to walk with sutures
The patient’s actions depend on the type of suture material used by the doctor. If the doctor used a non-absorbable option, a control appointment is prescribed after 7-10 days. During the examination, the surgeon evaluates the healing rate, the condition of the wound. Makes a decision on the need to remove sutures.
The procedure is fast and atraumatic. The thread is cut into small segments and painlessly removed from the gum. In case of discomfort and worries of the patient, the doctor can use topical anesthesia.
Self-absorbable sutures fall apart on their own after approximately three weeks. The patient may not notice the disappearance of material from the wound. Especially if healing is going well, and the hole does not bother.
Complications: what to look out for
Even a sutured socket can become a source of problems or inflammation. The patient monitors the condition himself and should consult a doctor if any alarming symptoms appear:
Severe bleeding – for a day or more.
Incessant pain – throbbing, especially severe at night or while eating.
Edema – flux in the area of tooth extraction.
Redness is not only a change in the color of the gums, but also redness on the face in the projection of the removal zone.
Blood in saliva – in the first three days after surgery.
Increase in body temperature.
The listed symptoms indicate pathological processes and require urgent medical advice. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe treatment, decide on re-suturing.
How to prevent stitches coming apart after tooth extraction
To prevent the stitches from coming apart prematurely, the patient needs to follow a few simple rules. Among them:
Do not pry, touch or try to pull out the seams with your hands, toothpicks, improvised objects.
Avoid food intake for the first 2 hours after surgery, do not smoke for 3-24 hours.
Perform all mandatory oral hygiene procedures, while brushing your teeth with increased caution.
Refuse to eat hard, hot and cold foods in the first days after removal.
Replace rinsing with antiseptic baths, when the medicinal composition is kept in the mouth for 1-1.5 minutes and spit out.
Compliance with all recommendations guarantees rapid and successful healing. Ignoring advice can provoke infection of the wound, suppuration and divergence of sutures, and the development of an inflammatory process.
Why did the seams come apart after the removal of a wisdom tooth
Suture separation after dental surgery is due to many factors:
Development of periostitis, inflammation of the periosteum. The process is accompanied by an increase in the volume of tissues, the formation of pus under the seams, which leads to the divergence of the seams. Also, the patient is worried about severe pain, putrid smell and taste in the mouth. Periostitis requires mandatory treatment, taking antibiotics, which are prescribed by the attending physician after examining the patient.
Sloppy work of a doctor. Sometimes the seams diverge due to poor placement, so the operation to remove a tooth should be performed by an experienced dentist.
Violation of hygiene and doctor’s recommendations. Sudden movements when brushing your teeth, malnutrition, active training can cause sutures to separate and re-bleed.
Swelling of the hemostatic sponge. With severe bleeding and a significant increase in the volume of hemostatic, the sponge can rise above the level of the hole, partially damage the sutures.
In most cases, open sutures do not pose a threat to the patient’s dental health. But a surgeon’s consultation is required. The doctor assess the condition of the hole, the rate of healing. Re-suture the wound if necessary.
The risk of suture separation is minimal if the tooth extraction is performed by an experienced doctor in a good dental clinic. Special ratings help patients choose a doctor and a medical center. According to them, you can evaluate the professionalism, experience and knowledge of a dentist-surgeon – read reviews, compare comments. And also learn about the quality of services of a particular dentistry – prices, promotions, offers.
The materials posted on this page are for informational purposes and are intended for educational purposes. Site visitors should not use them as medical advice. Determining the diagnosis and choosing a treatment method remains the exclusive prerogative of your doctor! The company is not responsible for possible negative consequences resulting from the use of information posted on the site https://100zubov.ru/
Suture treatment after cat sterilization: doctor’s advice in Moscow
Published in
Castration and sterilization
Author
Mikhail Shelyakov
Rate the material
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
(2 votes)
The appearance of sutures awaits all animals that are operated on in the classical way.
Let us remind you that we practice minimally invasive sterilization methods, otherwise known as puncture operations. After such techniques, the seams are not superimposed, their processing and removal is not required.
Therefore, this material is more of an informational nature for owners choosing cavity techniques. We also note that with any methods of performing sterilizations, the uterus and ovaries are always removed by surgery. The choice of the operation technique is determined by the experience of the surgeon, the availability of clinic equipment and the preferences of the owner of the animal.
For an animal, postoperative recovery is a somewhat worrying period. But a lot depends on the owner, as soon as the animal recovers, gets on its feet, and returns to its usual way of life. Here, competent and timely processing of the seam after the sterilization of the cat is important.
The experience of doctors, sterile conditions, modern equipment play an important role in the operation. But complications often arise due to poor-quality care of the animal after surgery. Therefore, veterinarians are asked to strictly follow all the recommendations, to take good care of your pet, and he will soon get better.
The first two weeks after surgery are critical. At this point, the wound heals and needs to be monitored as much as possible. The treatment of the seam after the sterilization of the cat occurs daily. The damaged surface is treated with an antiseptic without alcohol. Control the cleanliness and dryness of the seam. The animal is isolated from the wound by putting on a collar, blanket.
Possible complications in a cat after sterilization in the suture area
Complications in the first few days after the operation are a normal situation:
- incision bleeding;
- refusal of food and toilet;
- drowsiness, lethargy;
- bumps have formed in the seam area;
- high or low temperature.
Seek immediate medical attention if the suture does not look as it should and the animal has problems:
- bleeding;
- sore abdomen;
- discharge of pus from a wound;
- abnormal discharge from the loop;
- divergence of seams;
- has a high temperature for more than five days;
- inadequate condition of the animal.
It happens that the animal licks the seam after sterilization, if the owner did not take care of the blanket in time or the cat tore it, chewed it. In this case, you should immediately go to the vet. There is a high risk of infection and inflammation.
Removal of sutures in a cat after sterilization
Stitches are removed at least 10 days after surgery. The maximum is 2 weeks. You should not delay too much with this: the wound heals and begins to itch a lot, plus the surgical threads grow into the skin and create additional discomfort.
Veterinarian removes stitches. At the same time, the seam after sterilization of the cat is completely healed, clean, dry, without redness, swelling, blood, dried crust. If the scar looks suspicious, the procedure is postponed, the animal is examined, examined and the causes of the protracted inflammatory process are found out. As a rule, wounds heal quickly and without complications.
Mikhail Shelyakov
Latest post from Mikhail Shelyakov
- Anesthesia for dogs
- Lipoma in cats
- Tumor of the spleen in cats
- Cancer in cats
- Dental care for a dog
More in this category:
“Cryptorchism.