Postoperative suture

After the completion of the surgical intervention, aseptic postoperative sutures are applied to prevent the entry of microorganisms into the tissues and to create a seal.

A suture is a surgical manipulation that is performed using a thread and a special needle to connect tissues of biological origin.

Classification

There are different types of sutures that are placed at the end or during operations.

Depending on the nature of the origin and the size of the operational field, there are:

• bloodless - made with a special adhesive adhesive without the use of suture material.
• bloody - superimposed with the help of special tools - suture threads, tweezers, needles and Hegar's needle holder.

Blood sutures are divided into:

1. simple nodal - needle puncture - triangular, due to its shape keeps the material in place;
2. intradermal continuous - the most reliable, since after its removal there is no cosmetic defect left;
3. mattress - superimposed during abdominal operations and extensive damage to organocomplexes;
4. purse-string - used in plastic surgery and gastric resection;
5. encircling - resembles circular movements, is used for stitching blood vessels and perforated organs (stomach, bladder, intestines).

Depending on the instrumentation with which sutures are applied, there are:

• manual suture - superimposed with a needle, needle holder, tweezers and suture material;
• mechanical seam - which is applied with a special device resembling a stapler.

Depending on the type of tissue damage, the suture can be applied in one or more rows.

Seams are also divided into:

1. submersible - superimposed inside the abdominal cavity in organs and tissues;
2. removable - superimposed on the skin, head tissues and other integumentary areas).

After the surgical procedure for suturing the wound, a period of healing begins. It depends on the location of the postoperative wound, its size, the patient's condition, age, limitation of physical activity.

The healing period is influenced by its sterility and the materials used for its processing after surgery.

Stages of suture healing after surgery

Healing of sutures after surgery is carried out in 3 stages.

At the first stage, the synthesis of connective tissue begins to increase from the collagen fibers formed by fibroblasts.

At the second stage, epithelial cells change their localization, moving from the periphery to the center to the site of damage. These cells provide a barrier function, preventing microbes from entering the wound surface. The second stage ends by 4-6 days, if everything proceeds without complications.

At the third stage, complete closure of the wound defect occurs.

Important! Wounds should only be treated after hand treatment, first with soap and water, then with alcohol. Tools must be disinfected before use.

How long does it take for stitches to heal after surgery?

The healing time of postoperative sutures ranges from 3 days to several weeks.

The duration of resorption of the suture material depends on the material of the thread with which the surgical suture was applied. If the thread is catgut, then the material is absorbed 3-4 months after healing. If the seam is made of lavsan, then after 7-14 days. Vicryl sutures disappear after 4-5 months.

How to process seams at home?

Postoperative sutures are treated with special antiseptic preparations. Daily in hospital or at home, until the stitches have been removed, use:

1. a solution of potassium permanganate (the doctor should explain the correct dosage and method of dilution in order to prevent the development of edema and burns);
2. iodine solution (use in small quantities, as it can cause dry skin);
3. brilliant green solution;
4. hydrogen peroxide solution (may cause burning and foaming);
5. anti-inflammatory drugs in a pasty or gel-like consistency.

How to speed up the healing of the seam after surgery?

For rapid healing of the postoperative suture, it is necessary to use wound healing ointments.

These include levomekol, ichthyol ointment, solcoseryl, bepanten and others.

Levomekol has antibacterial properties and causes an accelerated regenerative ability of cellular elements. The ointment is applied to a cotton swab or ball and the seam is processed. The duration of application is 5-7 days.

Use is contraindicated in dermatological diseases (psoriasis, various skin rashes), with intolerance to the main component - methyluracil.

Ichthyol ointment has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It should be applied in a thin layer to the affected area. Apply a sterile bandage and a bandage on top.

Solcoseryl is used to activate fibroblasts. It improves metabolic processes in connective tissue elements. Apply a thin layer on the disinfected wound surface.

Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to para-aminobenzoic acid.

How to remove stitches?

At home, stitches after abdominal operations are prohibited to be removed. You can remove the sutures when suturing skin defects on the upper and lower extremities.

Rules and technique for removing the postoperative suture

1. It is necessary to prepare sterile instruments, disinfect hands up to the elbow. Provide access to the seam.
2. Using an antiseptic, treat the suture site with a cotton swab.
3. Then, taking the tweezers in your hand, slightly lift the first knot.
4. Taking scissors in hand, cut the suture thread.
5. Do this for all nodes.
6. Ensure that the entire suture material is removed.
7. Treat the place of the removed suture with an antiseptic solution.
8. Apply an aseptic bandage.

How to treat the place of the seam after its removal?

After removal, the site of the surgical wound can be treated with a solution of furacillin, brilliant green or hydrogen peroxide. The course of treatment is 4-7 days, until the complete disappearance of the wound surface.

Sutures after surgery provide connection and fusion of tissues of various origins. It is necessary to properly process the suture site in order to prevent the penetration of infectious agents. Antiseptic healing ointments will help to ensure rapid healing. After healing, the suture should be removed only in the surgical department. It is not recommended to remove the shock yourself. This can lead to the development of inflammation, suppuration, swelling, etc.

Video: Inspection and processing of the seam