Post-Circumcision Concerns: Stitches, Healing, and Discoloration Explained

Circumcision issues?

Hello Dr.
Sun! Three weeks ago, I underwent a circumcision at Enzhugong, and I have some questions I would like to ask you!
1.
I noticed that my sutures are purple; are they a type of catgut suture?
2.
An elder in my family mentioned that since the sutures are not easily absorbable, I should remove them myself.
Is this advisable?
3.
Currently, there is still a bit of yellowish discharge on the glans, which is not pink.
Normally, it should be pink, but after my follow-up appointment, the attending physician told me it is normal.
I am unclear about this, so I would like to ask Dr.
Sun if this yellowish discharge could be tissue fluid? There is no pain.
Thank you for your assistance!

Kevin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/12

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology

Hello, the sutures used for circumcision are generally absorbable sutures, commonly referred to as catgut.
There is no need for suture removal; once the wound has healed and there is no risk of infection, soaking in a bathtub will naturally soften the suture ends.
If the suture ends have not fallen off after two weeks, please visit a hospital for a specialist to remove them.
If the glans appears yellow instead of pink, it may be due to prolonged bandaging, similar to how your fingers may appear yellowish after being pressed for a long time due to lack of blood flow.
If you still have concerns, please consult a urologist.

Reply Date: 2016/08/12

More Info

Post-circumcision concerns are common, and it's important to address them with accurate information. Let's break down your questions regarding stitches, healing, and discoloration after your circumcision.

1. Stitches and Their Material: The purple stitches you are observing are likely to be absorbable sutures, which can be made from various materials, including polyglycolic acid or polyglactin. These materials are designed to dissolve over time as your body heals. While some absorbable sutures may resemble gut (sheep intestine) sutures, they are not the same. If you have concerns about the type of sutures used, it's best to consult your surgeon for clarification.

2. Removing Stitches: It's generally not advisable to remove stitches on your own unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider. Absorbable sutures are designed to dissolve and do not require removal. If your stitches are non-absorbable, your doctor will typically schedule a follow-up appointment to remove them. Self-removal can lead to complications such as infection or improper healing, so it’s best to follow your doctor's guidance.

3. Discoloration and Healing: The yellowish discharge you are noticing is likely a normal part of the healing process. After circumcision, it’s common for the area to have some discharge, which can be a mixture of serum (the clear fluid that seeps from wounds), dead cells, and other healing materials. This discharge can appear yellowish, especially if it dries. As long as there is no accompanying pain, increased redness, or foul odor, this is typically not a cause for concern. However, it’s always good to keep an eye on the healing process and report any changes to your healthcare provider.

In summary, your observations about the stitches and the yellow discharge are likely normal parts of the healing process after circumcision. It’s essential to follow your surgeon's post-operative care instructions and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms change, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected.

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