Appendectomy Recovery: When to Remove Stitches?

Post-appendectomy

Hello Doctor: I underwent laparoscopic appendectomy on September 4th, with no rupture or drainage.
I was discharged three days later, and a week after the surgery, the wound hardly hurts and is healing well.
I searched online and found that it is generally said that stitches can be removed in 7-9 days, but the doctor mentioned that it normally takes 2 weeks to remove the stitches.
Is it okay to wait that long for stitch removal? Why is there a discrepancy between the doctor's timeline and the information found online?

Xiao Huang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/13

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

The typical time for suture removal after surgery ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on various factors such as the patient's physical condition (nutrition, chronic diseases like diabetes), the location of the wound, and the degree of contamination of the surgical site.
For laparoscopic appendectomy, a suture removal time of 7 to 14 days is considered reasonable.

Reply Date: 2022/09/13

More Info

After undergoing an appendectomy, particularly a laparoscopic one, it is common to have questions regarding the recovery process, especially concerning when to remove stitches. Your experience of having minimal pain after three days post-surgery is a positive sign, indicating that your body is healing well.
Typically, the timeline for stitch removal can vary based on several factors, including the type of stitches used, the location of the incision, and individual healing rates. The general guideline for dissolvable stitches is that they may not need to be removed at all, as they will dissolve on their own. However, if non-dissolvable stitches were used, the standard practice is to remove them between 7 to 14 days post-surgery.
The discrepancy between the information you found online and your doctor's advice could stem from a few reasons. Firstly, individual healing rates can vary significantly. Some patients may heal faster than others, and your doctor may have assessed your specific situation and determined that a longer duration before stitch removal would be safer to ensure proper healing. Additionally, the type of stitches used can influence the timeline; some stitches may require a longer duration to ensure that the incision is adequately healed before removal.

In general, it is crucial to follow your surgeon's recommendations regarding stitch removal. If your doctor has advised waiting two weeks, it is likely to ensure that the incision has healed sufficiently to prevent complications such as wound dehiscence (the reopening of the surgical wound) or infection.
During the recovery period, it is essential to monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. If you experience any concerning symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly.

As for your recovery timeline, it is also important to consider that while the initial pain may subside quickly, full recovery can take longer. You may still experience some discomfort or tightness in the abdominal area as your body continues to heal. Engaging in light activities as tolerated is encouraged, but you should avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting until your doctor gives you the green light.

In conclusion, while the general guideline for stitch removal is around 7 to 9 days, your doctor's recommendation of waiting two weeks is not uncommon and is likely based on your specific circumstances. Always prioritize your healthcare provider's advice, as they have the best understanding of your individual healing process. If you have any further concerns or questions about your recovery, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team for clarification and support.

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