Surgical stitches not dissolved - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

Janalo · 10-23-2003, 04:18 PM

In 1988, I had gall bladder surgery. This was the old, full scale surgery, not the new "band aid" type. I have a scar, approximately 7" inches long. At the time, I got infection in the incision and my surgeon couldn't understand why... i did everything he said to do. Then , in 1996, a stitch worked its way to the surface, causing an abcess until it came free. This last month (2003) a second one has done the same thing. They show no sign of deterioration. i suspect he used the wrong material.

My biggest concern is that as I age these small pockets of infection might become more dangerous, if this continues to occur in 7-8 year intervals. I have always understood that older people do not heal as quickly or fight infection as well. I am currently 48 years old. Any ideas? Suggestions?

bassie · 10-24-2003, 11:37 AM

Hi
A "foreign body" tends to do this.....work it's way to the surface.
It's certainly a most unusual situation to have such time lapses in between. Sound like the "catgut" he Dr used was a bit ancient. Those bits did not absorb anyway.
I would not be overly concerned about the age factor. If you get similar symptoms again (abcess) keep it very clean and covered.
I'd be inclined to ask if the Dr would consider and x ray of the area. It may not show anything, but this is tuff stuff by the sound.
Best wishes.

2001Flushes · 10-24-2003, 02:35 PM

Hi! What I might recommend is going and looking into either an x-ray or possibly an ultrasound to see if there are any still there. Probably any doc looking for this would be able to either reassure you they've all popped out OR may have suggestions for removal or what the long term prognosis of such would be.

DJblod · 10-25-2003, 05:48 AM

the only sort of stitches that show up on Xray are stainless steel. the body reacts to sutures and suture materials have become more advanced over the years to minimise this problem. you could have an exploration but I would have thought it best to leave things alone

bassie · 10-25-2003, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DJblod:
the only sort of stitches that show up on Xray are stainless steel. the body reacts to sutures and suture materials have become more advanced over the years to minimise this problem. you could have an exploration but I would have thought it best to leave things alone

These days lots more things show up on ultra-sound etc including blood vessels and whathaveyou. Obviously the body has not done to these stitches what it should have (absorb them) so I would ask for an ultra sound too.