Suture

Question: What does an internal suture which is coming ot the surface of the skin feel and look like? My dog had internal sutures. Then his incision site got infected. The vet said he may be rejecting an internal suture and that the antibiotics will help push the suture out to the surface. Do you think he meant that it would be pushed up to the skin? Or actually all the way out? I feel something thin and plasticky just under his skin, near where the surgical site was. Thanks Cat... But should it be removed then? Or it will stay there forever?

Answer: That's what it is. If he seems okay otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. It may or may not actually push through the skin. Add: It probably won't push through. If it does, you should be able to get ahold of it with a tweezers & give it a very gentle tug. If it doesn't easily come out just snip off what's already through. Of course, your vet should be glad to do this free of charge since it's all follow up from the surgery.

Question: Why does this mouth suture smell so bad? I just had a tooth extracted last Thursday (one week ago) and had to have a stitch put in because the DMD cut my gum to get the tooth out. I have to go back to have the suture removed. This this STINKS badly. Is this normal? I am on penicillian and it hurts badly. I have already had pain meds and I contacted the Dentist but of course it's the holidays and he is probably not on call. Thanks.

Answer: CHRISTINA, WHEN THE STITCHES MUST BE CUT OFF THEY'RE SILK INDISSOLUBLE SUTURES AND TEND TO PICK UP AND HARBOR ROTTEN DEBRIS AND THIS IS WHERE THE STINK IS FROM. YOU CAN NOW SAFELY SWISH WITH LISTERINE BEFORE THESE ARE REMOVED.

Question: is it possible for a suture to come out years after surgery? It would be an internal suture. And it came out through my incision which has been itchy, red and swollen in the past week. Is this possible?

Answer: Yes. There is usually a small area of inflammation, even suppuration (pus) surrounding the suture. The area heals nicely once the suture is expelled.

Question: A suture came off while I was rinsing my mouth? I got my wisdom teeth extracted last Monday, and I wasn't told what type of sutures I had. Last night I was rinsing my mouth when I felt something hard. I put the particle on a napkin and showed my dad, who told me it was a suture since it didn't look like a piece of food. Is that supposed to happen?

Answer: If it has been a week,you should be okay. But call your dentist to make sure.

Question: Can a surgical Technologist suture in the operating room? I work with a plastic surgeon in California. She always wants me to suture for her but some people tell me it might be illegal for me to perform skin closures? Everyone tells me something different depending on their own personal agenda. I want some facts! I cant find anything at www.ast.org either. Any help is appreciated.

Answer: If you're licensed, you should already know your scope of practice for California. In fact, you're required to know what you can and cannot do. As far as I can tell, suturing isn't within your scope of practice in California and you are setting yourself up for a potential lawsuit and loss of licensure. And until you know for certain, tell your surgeon to do her own closes. You're a surg assistant, not the second surgeon. Contact the State Medical Board and find out. Below is a link that may help you. You'll see letters from A to Z, click on S for surg tech. I didn't exmaine this site minutely so there may be contact info as well. http://www.caldocinfo.ca.gov/alphalist.h… Remember, it's YOUR license on the line, not the doctor's. Don't do ANYTHING you're 100% sure about. And KNOW YOUR SCOPE OF PRACTICE!!!!

Question: Where can I buy surgical suture? I have an open gash on my my shoulder and you can see the bone but there's not much blood and i'm cleaning it every hour and i'm planning on getting some suture to sew it myself. Any stores sell it?

Answer: Please visit a nearby hospital or general practice. Without proper experience, you will be unable to identify any potential complications that may occur - particularly if the clavicle or humorous are visible. Suturing the wound yourself can also lead to a serious infection.

Question: how long does it normally take for dental suture's to disolve? i had a wisdom tooth taken out yesterday and now the suture is coming loose. is this normal?

Answer: It could be. It usually takes 7-10 days for them to come out. Be careful with it.

Question: how do you remove a Caslicks suture from a mare? I know you need to cut the fused skin but should anesthetic be used and should you apply any antiseptic or other "product" to the open wound?

Answer: I am a very hands-on owner. Part of my knowledge and experience is knowing when to leave it to the vet. This is one of those situations. To do otherwise may compromise your mare's reproductive health, or worse. If money's tight, then do without something else. This is not a time to skimp- it will cost you more in the long run.

Question: how long after suture removal after circumcision can i masturbate? I'm, 13 and i just got circumcised (there was no real medical reason). I've been getting erections all the time 4 maybe 5 times a day or more and dont know if i can masturbate. I dont want the whole thing to rip or something and make me wait longer. My sutures have just been removed and i was wondering how long approximately do i have to wait until i can freely masturbate?

Answer: It is important that you ask your doctor. Each type of circumcision surgery is a little different. Your doctor will understand your question and answer with the information you need. Usually it is a few days to a week or so after the sutures are removed; it depends on how well it is healing, and only your doctor will know that. Good luck!

Question: What would you do about a stuck suture in the knee? I had a clavicle surgery. A bone graft was taken from my knee to accommodate this surgery. Upon getting the 4 stitches in my knee removed one would not come out. It was clipped below the knot and pulled with some force but it wouldn't budge. So I asked my surgeon and he said not to worry to much about it and leave it be. He said that it would be better left alone. Has anyone ever experienced this? What should I do?

Answer: I have never had that happen but if you are worried make an appointment with another surgeon for a second opinion. Most insurance companies pay for the second opinion.

Question: What does it mean when the baby has an extra suture in their head? the doctor told my aunt that my baby cousin has an extra suture in her head, shes almost 2 the doc said the baby had an extra space

Answer: Well, babies are born with 4 long sutures. The metopic suture The coronal suture The saggital suture and lastly the back of the head which is the Lambdoid sutures. I haven't really heard about an extra suture. But if she's developing fine, and doesn't have mental impairments, then she's fine. Has her soft spot closed?

Question: Any information about rejection of Vicryl suture rejection? I had a minor breast surgical procedure and now have what looks like open wounds with visible white braided sutures through the middle. Very sore and uncomfortable.

Answer: PLEASE GO TO THE ER RIGHT NOW! This is not life threatening but the infections you're now exposed to could be. A breast infection will be much more painful and suture neglect can lead to very ugly scars.

Question: I got my 1 wisdom teeth removed yesterday and had removable suture , is this normal? Most of my friends had dissolvable sutures, but in my case it was removable , also doctor asked me to scheduled an appointment to remove stitches in 2 days. I felt it to be too soon to remove the stitches in 2 days. Is this normal?

Answer: This is normal. Most of the time the dentist puts in stitches he has to remove to make sure you go back to his office for a post operative check up. As for the 2 days the dentist knows best! Just keep your appointment and keep the extraction site super clean and you will be fine!

Question: Has anyone ever had a cervical suture put in before falling pregnant? Please help, as I have had one put in and am trying to fall pregnant, but after a year still no success.

Answer: I have heard of women having a cervical cerclage placed before falling pregnant- Usually this is done through abdominal surgery rather than transvaginally, and is a more permanent suture. By rights, this should not make it any harder for you to fall pregnant, as the suture is placed in a way that doesn't stop secretions from entering and exiting through the cervix. I would recommend your discuss this issue with your doctor or a fertility specialist, as you have been trying for a year. Good luck and baby dust!

Question: Anyone has experience with cervical suture during pregnancy? I am almost 15 weeks with twins and doc as recommended a cervical suture I will be going in for the procedure day after tomorrow/ Am a bit scared and freaked out. Any one with similar expereicne pls help with suggestions, tips

Answer: I haven't had one but i will need one for my next pregnancy. Here's what my doctor told me: It's a minor procedure and you will get some form of anesthetic. Usually there is no need for an overnight stay at the hospital. You will be on bed-rest for a few days afterwards. Between 36-38 weeks it will be removed when it's safe to go into labor naturally. I have read that you can't have sex during the remainder of the pregnancy but i haven't asked my doctor that yet. Good luck & congrats on the twins!

Question: Anybody ever had suture stitches on their heel? I sliced my foot on a putty knife 1/10 and its on like the side of my heel, but still on the tough part of it. Can anybody give me hints on how to take care of it other than the norm and about how long do they need to stay in?

Answer: I had a inverted verruca removed with cryosurgery and had sutures. The only part that hurt was the injection before the surgery as that had to go in through the side of the heel. As the slice is on the tough part, you might try that spray on plaster stuff? Sorry do not know what it is called. Best of Luck

Question: My circumcision suture hasn't healed much in two years. Should I be worried? What do I do? The suture is supposed be absorbed. Thats what the doctor said the day of the surgery.

Answer: I would say see the doctor ASAP

Question: I have a 13.5 year old lab mix that has a ruptured CCL. Extra Capsular Suture - how hard on her? The type of surgery is Extra Capsular Suture. How long wil the recover be? She is in otherwise good health. I am concerned that the surgery will be very hard on her and am trying to do what is best. I am worried that surgery will make the remaining years of her life tough and painful.

Answer: I'm not sure what this surgery is. Do you have any more info on it? what part of the dog's body is this on? I'm sure your vet or a nurse at the vet's office can help you out! There might be some vets or vet techs here who can give you some good advice, too. Good luck with your old lady! I hope it turns out well for her.

Question: what is a good size and type of suture for dogs? I have 5 very active large dogs. They are frequently getting hurt. Getting cut on sharp rocks n sticks n such. I've stitched them up before using sutures and once needle and thread. I don't know what size sutures or what kind they were. Got them from a friends first aid kit. Theres nowhere around me that sells sutures and there are so many options on line with no pics. Any help would be appreciated. Also a good website

Answer: I'd recommend talking to your veterinarian about supplies, or you can go here: http://www.jefferspets.com/ssc/ . This company has sutures, cleaning supplies, and sedation. A good working size needle for a large dog is probably 1/2 inch. The needles are curved, and the best way to do a suture is with a hemostat clipped to the needle, and forceps to tie the knots. For technique, you should find a ton of stuff, including how-to vids, by googling. Good luck.

Question: is it advisable to suture 10 days old lacerated wound? 6 cm long,1cm broad.it was a deep dog bite but wound is improving .can i suture it? probably subcut is required. scab is not formed yet. i need quick n urgent answers.

Answer: if its healing good, then just let it be. Put neosporin on it, and cover it with a baindaid everyday. Let it air out when Yu are alseep, and wash it in the shower with soap.