Concerns About Stitches After Vasectomy: What to Expect?

I had a vasectomy, and it's been 10 days since the procedure, but the suture ends are still present?

Hello, I underwent a vasectomy on October 7, 2005.
After the surgery, the doctor stitched the incision with absorbable sutures and mentioned that they would fall out in a week.
However, it has now been 10 days, and they have not yet fallen out.
Is this normal? Should I wait a few more days?

Xiao Zeng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/10/17

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, generally, sutures will fall out in about 1-2 weeks.
However, some individuals take better care of their wounds, keeping them very dry, which can make the sutures less absorbable.
In some cases, they may not be absorbed even after 14 days.
At this point, I personally recommend visiting the outpatient clinic to have the sutures removed rather than waiting for them to dissolve on their own.

Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Hsu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2005/10/17

More Info

After a vasectomy, it is common for patients to have concerns about the stitches used during the procedure. In your case, you mentioned that the doctor used a type of suture that was expected to dissolve within a week, but it has now been ten days and the stitches have not yet fallen out.
Firstly, it is important to understand that there are different types of sutures used in surgical procedures, including absorbable and non-absorbable stitches. Absorbable stitches are designed to dissolve over time, typically within a few days to weeks, depending on the material used. Non-absorbable stitches, on the other hand, require removal by a healthcare professional. If your doctor indicated that the stitches were absorbable, it is possible that they may take longer than expected to dissolve, especially if they are made from a material that has a longer absorption time.

In general, if the stitches are not causing any discomfort, swelling, or signs of infection (such as redness, warmth, or discharge), it is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, or if the stitches remain intact for an extended period without any signs of dissolving, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They can assess the situation and determine if any intervention is necessary.

It is also worth noting that individual healing times can vary based on several factors, including the patient's overall health, the specific surgical technique used, and how well the body responds to the healing process. Some patients may experience a longer duration for stitches to dissolve or may have a different healing timeline altogether.

In the meantime, here are some general care tips for your surgical site:
1. Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean the area around the stitches with mild soap and water. Avoid scrubbing the site to prevent irritation.

2. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the wound. If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor.

3. Avoid Strenuous Activities: It is important to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities that could put strain on the surgical site until you have fully healed.

4. Follow-Up Appointments: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns you may have.

5. Pain Management: If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers may help. However, consult your doctor before taking any medication.

In conclusion, while it is not uncommon for absorbable stitches to take longer than expected to dissolve, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and ensure that your recovery is progressing as it should. If you have any further questions or if the situation changes, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for guidance.

Similar Q&A

Managing Post-Vasectomy Complications: Skin Inflammation and Suture Issues

Hello Doctor, I previously inquired about the stitches being expelled from the skin after a vasectomy. Recently, I have experienced two occurrences of inflammation and swelling of the scrotal skin, with raised lumps. The first time, squeezing resulted in pus discharge, and it lat...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: If there is severe pain upon touch, it may indicate the presence of pus. You should return for a follow-up to address this, whether it involves drainage or at least ensuring that the pus is completely cleared. Wishing you good health.

Post-Vasectomy Complications: Thread Ejection from Testicular Skin

Doctor, I had a vasectomy 9 months ago, and I noticed a hard lump on the side of one testicle for 3-4 days. I initially thought it was a spermatocele, but today when I checked the lump, I felt something protruding. When I pulled on it, I discovered it was a knot of suture about 0...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It will not affect you. I have encountered this as well; some individuals may gradually expel superficial subcutaneous sutures due to their body constitution. It is important to note that theoretically, there should be a small wound now, so you should pay attention to disi...

Post-Varicocele Surgery: Concerns About Stitches Left Inside

Hello, Doctor Hsu: I had varicocele surgery two days ago and had one stitch. After four days, the stitch area became very itchy, so I cut the thread, but a small segment of about 0.5 cm was left inside. I would like to ask if this will affect the healing of the wound? Is the stit...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, if non-absorbable materials are used for sutures, individuals who are more sensitive may experience local irritation, and in severe cases, it could lead to local inflammation and the formation of granulation tissue as side effects. Some individuals may expel the suture end...

Concerns About Stitches After Circumcision: What You Need to Know

I'm sorry to bother the doctor again. It's been 1 month and 1 day since I had my circumcision, but the stitches have not yet dissolved. A few days ago, the stitches irritated the skin on the shaft of my penis, causing a small wound, but it has healed. Today, I felt some...

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
Don't worry! It's all good! If you're not feeling "comfortable," just let the surgeon take care of it for you!