Post-Surgery Stitch Allergy: When to Consider Removal?

Postoperative suture allergy

Hello, doctor.
I underwent surgery for a breast cyst at the end of January, and since then, the surgical site has been oozing a small amount of fluid, with some sutures protruding.
During my follow-up appointment, an ultrasound revealed a mass (fluid/blood?).
The doctor mentioned that this could be due to suture allergy and expressed concern about infection, suggesting that I may need another surgery to remove the sutures.
I would like to know if it is possible to continue monitoring the situation without surgery if there is no infection.
If the sutures are not removed, will the wound continue to not heal? Thank you for your response.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/04

Dr. Yuan Tianmin reply Breast and Thyroid

If the wound continues to fail to heal repeatedly, the sutures should be removed; otherwise, healing the wound will be quite difficult.

Reply Date: 2019/04/04

More Info

Post-surgery stitch allergy can be a concerning issue, especially after a procedure like cyst removal. It’s understandable that you’re worried about the ongoing discharge and the presence of sutures that seem to be causing an allergic reaction. Let’s break down your concerns and provide some clarity on the situation.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the body can sometimes react to sutures, especially if they are made from materials that the body perceives as foreign. This reaction can manifest as inflammation, discharge, or even the formation of a lump at the site of the surgery. In your case, the ultrasound indicating a mass could suggest fluid accumulation, which might be seroma (a collection of fluid) or hematoma (a collection of blood). The fact that your doctor mentioned a possible stitch allergy is significant, as it can lead to prolonged healing or complications if not addressed.

Now, regarding your question about whether you can continue to observe the situation without surgery if there is no infection: it largely depends on the severity of your symptoms and the advice of your healthcare provider. If there are no signs of infection—such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or fever—your doctor may suggest a watchful waiting approach. However, this is typically only advisable if the discharge is minimal and not causing significant discomfort.
If the sutures are indeed causing an allergic reaction, they may need to be removed to allow the area to heal properly. Leaving the sutures in place could potentially lead to chronic inflammation, which might hinder the healing process and could result in a non-healing wound. In some cases, if the body continues to react to the sutures, it could lead to complications such as abscess formation or persistent discharge, which would necessitate surgical intervention later on.

In terms of healing, if the sutures are causing an allergic reaction, it is likely that the wound will not heal properly until they are removed. The presence of foreign material (in this case, the sutures) can prevent the body from completing the healing process. Therefore, if your doctor recommends removing the sutures, it is generally in your best interest to follow that advice to promote proper healing.

To summarize, while it may be possible to observe the situation if there are no signs of infection, the ongoing discharge and the presence of sutures that may be causing an allergic reaction suggest that surgical removal could be necessary for optimal healing. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and to follow their recommendations regarding the management of your post-operative care. If you have any doubts or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. Your health and recovery should always be the top priority.

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