question about stitches?

Question

i had a laperoscopy done about 3 weeks ago ( a camera put into ur belly button for all those who dont no), i got told that they were disolvable but i have still got 2 stitches in my belly button. i phoned the docs n they said just soak in a bath, which i have done loads of times but they are still there. i have tryed pullin them out but they wont budge. any ideas what i can do ???

thanks .

Answer 1

PLEASE DON'T TAKE THEM OUT YOURSELF.
If they are not disolvable and you snip the knot, you could leave the lower half of the stitch under your skin. It may then heal over, set up a reaction and develop an abcess. It could take another week or so for them to fall away if they really are dissolvable.

If they are too uncomfortable, contact your GP or practice nurse who can take them out for you, no problem - and with a sterile stitch cutter too!

Answer 2

I had some internal disolvable stiches in a wound in my head a few years ago and some weeks later one manged to poke through to the surface and begin sticking out. I decided to pull some through and make the hole large enough to be able to snip behind the knot of the stitch so it could then be pulled out.

I'd say the best bet is to try and remove it yourself. Just make sure you don't try and pull the knot through cos that can be painful.

Answer 3

Absorbable sutures dissolve at very different rates. Sometimes they last much longer than 3 weeks. Don't pull on them, you might tear your skin. Just be patient. If they are driving you crazy the doctor may be able to cut them and pull them out but it's best to leave them alone if you can. Soaking in a bath is good and so is putting antibiotic ointment on them, which may also reduce the itching.

Answer 4

I had a Laparoscopy last year and my stitches were meant to dissolve too, but they didn't, so I very carefully snipped them and pulled them out. Everything a ok after that.

Answer 5

i think eventually they will go.