My mother had undergone mastectomy 2 months ago but the wound is not healing. Her stitches have come out and she has been advised grafting

[ARAD75]

Is this the only course available? Why does this happen? Is it because she removed her drain pipe early.

[sumeet_shah Administrator]

It would be difficult to comment on why this has happened. Your Surgeon / Oncologist are the best people to answer your question. As for the situation you are facing, yes, grafting might be needed. If the two skin edges cannot come close for a re stitching, then grafting may be needed. I haven't ever done a grafting, so would not comment on that much.

I suggest, you sit with your surgeon and ask him whether is there any other way out? After you talk to him, let us know and we can guide you better then.

[ARAD75]

Thank you for your reply Doctor. She has also been told to apply VAC bandage. is that a substitute for grafting? how does VAC work

[sumeet_shah Administrator]

It works by generating negative pressure in the wound (line in suction). A negative pressure may act by promoting development of blood vessels in the area allowing early healing. I do not know the details, though, as have never used it.