Has anybody else had problems with removal of stitches following lobectomy

[SunshineAhead]

Hi everybody. Hope everybody is managing to find some time to relax and enjoy the good weather this weekend. A little sunshine is almost always cheering.

I attended my GP surgery on Friday to have stitches removed. One of the wounds is left with paper/dissolving stitches which day 13 don't appear to be in a hurry to dissolve just yet? Is this normal?

The main issue I have though is the practice nurse removed all other stitches except one which she could not remove. She called the GP in to have a look who also could not remove it. Apparently it is twisted and they're not sure how it was applied but say they cannot remove it without risk of it snapping. I am therefore being referred back to the hospital to remove it as they applied it! Hopefully they will apply a local anaesthetic because it hurt! i just wondered if anybody else has had this problem and if so how they resolved it. As a consequence I am still left with a small dressing and unable to have that longed for soak in the bath but GP hopes to get referral by Tuesday so fingers crossed.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear SunshineAhead

Welcome to the forum. It can vary the length of time it takes for paper stiches to dissolve, from 10 days to a few weeks.

Sometimes the last stitch or the corner one can be tricky or deep in, if the wound has healed around or over the stitch.

You will enjoy your bath all the more when last stitch is out and sutures have dissolved.

If you need to discuss anything our Freephone nurse led helpline number is 0800 358 7200

All the very best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[Elt79]

I had staples but no problem. Hopefully hospital will sort you out. 💕

[SunshineAhead in reply to Elt79]

Thanks. Having 3 incision sites following VATS, urone was paper stiches, one was staples and one was stitches on top of staples lol. Nice mix. Thanks for your reply X

[SunshineAhead in reply to SunshineAhead]

ignore spelling mistake above - should just say one lol

[Elt79 in reply to SunshineAhead]

Best of luck 💕

[jckjanetrosalin]

I had plastic stitches removed by nurse at surgery. The nurse removed my stitches and she tooka swab because it looked infected. It was and i was givenn antibiotics and then went to surgery for dressings 3 times a week for about 3 weeks. During this time they also found a plastic stitch just sticking out a bit and they managed to get it out. I can tell you it has left a lumpy scar at the last part of scar. Lucky its under my bra almost in my breast. Hope yours will be okay.

[SunshineAhead]

Thanks everybody. Hospital thoracic nurse managed to get it out and cleaned all 3 wounds. Good job I did go to the hospital to have the last one removed because whilst I know it doesn't sound very nice, a little scabbing came away and part of another stitch had been left behind. That could have got infected but luckily all now gone. I have one dressing left until Monday which I can then remove and have a proper bath! It's the little things that count