Suture Removal

Sutures and staples are applied to wounds post-surgery in order to close the incision. They should be removed in around 7-10 days after surgery or as directed by your doctor. Using the right tools and techniques for suture/stitch removal is critical to proper wound healing.

Stitches are a common occurrence in the medical field yet they should be cared for properly for them to heal faster. While removing stitches the signs of wound infection, proper healing and wound closure should be kept in mind. Never try to remove the stitches prematurely or you might encounter infections or scarring. It is best to visit the doctor’s office to get your sutures removed or have a medical professional come over your place to carry out the task.

Do’s and Don’ts of Suture Removal

Do’s

Explain the patient about a bit of discomfort and sting they might feel during the removal process
Wash your hands thoroughly and put on a pair of sterile gloves before removing the dressing
Check the wound for signs of infections and edge approximation
Moisten the crusts with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Clean the suture line with antimicrobial cleanser before and after removal process.
In case of sutures a pair of sterile forceps (tongs or pincers kit) like the Dynarex Suture Removers are used to pick each of the knots of sutures, following which a small surgical blade or scissors are used to cut the suture. Forceps remove the loosened suture by pulling the thread from the skin.
In case of staples the medical professional will back out each staple with a remover like the Sterile Skin Staple Remover from Medline. A gentle pressure is applied to the handle that bends the staple, resulting in straightened ends of the staple so that it can be removed from the skin. The patient may feel a little pinch or slight pull.
These almost painless steps are undertaken until all the sutures or staples have been removed and the wound is cleansed again.
Adhesive wound closure strips are then applied on the wound in order to allow it to continue strengthening.

Don’ts

Don’t lift the staple remover when the handle is in the squeezed position
If Wound dehiscence occurs do not open the remaining staples/sutures.
Dehiscence is a surgical complication where a surgical incision reopens.

Where to buy suture removal kit online?

HPFY brings to you a range of sterile instruments, trays and kits for removing surgical sutures and staples. Scissors and tweezers style staple removers help in fast and easy removal. Find here cost-effective products from well-known makers like Dynarex, 3M, Cardinal Health, and many more that help you carry out medical procedures with efficiency and protect incisions from external contamination.