The document outlines the suture removal process, its purpose, and key principles to avoid damaging newly formed tissue. It details the typical timing for suture removal based on wound location, types of sutures, and necessary preparations for both the patient and environment. Furthermore, it provides step-by-step procedures for removing different types of sutures and emphasizes the importance of aftercare and proper documentation.
Introduction to suture removal, important for healing without tissue damage. Timing varies based on incision.
Sutures can cause local inflammation if not removed, highlighting the need for timely removal.
Key principles include not pulling sutures through tissue, cleansing the suture line, and typical removal timings.
Factors impacting removal: suture types, wound healing, and instructions for removing staples and different sutures.
Confirm doctor's orders, clean before/after, alternate removal of interrupted sutures, monitor for complications.
Check physician's orders, patient condition, and provide explanation and privacy during procedure.
List of necessary tools: gloves, scissors, saline, antiseptics, scissors for suture removal.Steps for removing sutures, including grasping, cutting, and examining sutures after removal.
Aftercare includes cleaning, dressing to prevent infection, and documenting wound status.
Various types of suture needles used, indicating diversity in surgical practices.
INTRODUCTION
Suture removal isa process of removing materials
used to secure wound edges or body parts together
from healed wound with out damaging the newely
formed tissue.
The timing of suture removal depends on the
shape , size and location of the sutured incision.
The sutures may be removed by the surgeons
or by the surges regarding to the tropical customs. In
all cases the surgeon gives the written order for the
removal of the sutures.
3.
PURPOSE
Sutures are foreignbodies and if they are not
removed they are capable of causing local
inflammation.
4.
PRINCIPLES
Never pullthe visible portion of the suture through
underlying tissue.
Suture line is cleansed before and after suture
removal.
No part of the stitch ,which is above the skin level
enter and contaminate the tissue under the skin.
USUAL TIMINGS
1) Scalp and free - 2 to 5 days
2) Abdominal wounds - 7 to 10 days
3) lower limbs - 10 to 14 days
5.
FACTORS AFFECTING SUTUREREMOVAL
1) Types of suture
2) wound healing
Types of suture :
REMOVING STAPLES
To remove staples the nurse simply inserts the tips of the
staple removal under each wire staples. Squeezes are centre of
the staple with the tips, freeing the staples from the skin.
INTERMITTENT SUTURE
The surgeon ties each individual suture made in the skin.
CONTINUOUS SUTURE
It is series of the sutures with only two knots.
RETENSIONS OF SUTURE
They are placed deeply than the skin sutures.
6.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Confirmthe doctor’s order for the removal of
the sutures.
The suture removal is done in conjunction
with the dressing charge
The suture line is cleaned before and after
suture removal
When removing interrupted sutures ,
alternate once are removed first.
Suture material left beneath the skin acts as a
foreign body and inflammatory response.
7.
Wound dehiscenceoccurs during the removal of
sutures ,inform the surgeon immediately.
Alter removing the sutures ,even if the wound is
dry ,a small dressing is applied for the a day or
two to prevent infection.
If wound discharge occurs ,the patient should be
instructed to conduct the surgeon.
Abdominal belts or many tailed bandages may be
applied to the abdomen after removal of
abdominal sutures in obese patients to prevent
wound dehiscence and evisceration.
8.
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENTS
Check thephysician’s order
Assess the general condition of the patient
Check the specific precautions any
Check the consciousness of the patient and his ability
to follow instructions.
PREPRATION OF THE PATIENT AND ENVIRONMENT
Explain the procedure of the patient
Provide privacy if needed
Clean the area before and after the procedure
9.
EQUIPMENTS
1) Waterproof thrashbag
2) Adjustable light
3) Clean gloves, if the wound is dressed
4) Sterile gloves
5) Sterile forceps
6) Normal saline solution
7) Sterile gauze pads
8) Antiseptic cleaning agent
9) Sterile curve tipped suture scissors( for removing
sutures)
10)Povidone iodine sponges( protect skin and prevent
the infection)
10.
11) Optional adhesivebutterfly strips and
compound benzoin tincture or other skin
protectant( protects the skin from allergy and
makes the bandage adhere longer)
PROCEDURES
1) To remove the interpreted sutures, grasp the suture
at the knot with a toothed forceps and pull it gently
to expose the portion of the stich under the skin.
2) Cut the suture with a sharp scissor between the
knot and the skin on one side, either below the
knot or opposite side of the knot. Then pull the
thread out of one piece.
11.
3)The suture whichis already above the skin should
not be drawn under the skin. After removal of
sutures every suture should be examined for the
completeness .The number of sutures should be
countered before and after removal.
4) Mattress intercepted sutures have no threads
underlying the skin . The visible part of the suture
opposite the knot should be cut and the suture is
removed by pulling in the direction of the knot.
5) If a continuous suture is applied ,it is cut through
close at each skin orifice on one side and the cut
sections are removed through the opposite side by
gentle traction.
12.
AFTER CARE
• Afterthe removal of any suture ,the nurse should
clear the area.
• The nurse can also give dressing to the area to
prevent infection.
• Inform the patient to keep the area clean
• Document the status of the wound ,after suture
removal.