Two Stitches Broken After Surgery: Should You See a Doctor Now?

Two sutures have broken after the surgery?

Hello, I had a surgery to remove a plantar wart at the end of February, and I was scheduled to have my stitches removed this Friday.
However, today while applying medication, I noticed that two of the sutures have broken.
The wound does not feel painful or uncomfortable, and only a small portion remains unhealed.
Should I seek medical attention immediately, or can I wait until my follow-up appointment on Friday?

Xiao Wei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/08

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

I apologize for the late response.
Based on your description, the wound should be fine, and it should have already healed after the stitches were removed.

Reply Date: 2016/03/08

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a concerning situation with your surgical site. After surgery, especially for something like the removal of a viral wart, it is crucial to monitor the healing process closely. The fact that you have noticed two stitches have broken is certainly something to take seriously, even if you are not currently experiencing pain or discomfort at the site.

In general, stitches (or sutures) are used to hold the edges of a wound together to promote healing. If stitches break before the wound has fully healed, it can lead to complications such as delayed healing, increased risk of infection, or even reopening of the wound. While it is a good sign that you are not feeling pain or discomfort, the integrity of the wound is still paramount.

Here are some considerations regarding your situation:
1. Assess the Wound: If the wound appears clean, with no signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge), it may be less urgent. However, the fact that two stitches have broken could still compromise the healing process.

2. Follow-Up Appointment: Since you have a follow-up appointment scheduled for this Friday, it might be reasonable to wait until then if the wound looks stable and you are not experiencing any symptoms of infection. However, if you notice any changes or if the wound starts to bleed, you should seek medical attention sooner.

3. Signs of Complications: Be vigilant for any signs that might indicate a problem. If you experience increased pain, swelling, or any discharge from the wound, these could be signs of infection or complications that would necessitate an earlier visit to your healthcare provider.

4. Consulting Your Doctor: If you are feeling anxious about the situation or if you have any doubts, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Contacting your doctor or the surgical team for advice can provide peace of mind and ensure that you are taking the appropriate steps for your recovery.

5. Wound Care: Continue to follow the wound care instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Keeping the area clean and dry is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing.

In conclusion, while it may be acceptable to wait until your scheduled appointment if the wound appears stable, do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you have any concerns or if the situation changes. Your health and recovery are the top priority, and your healthcare provider is there to help guide you through this process.

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