What are the discharge instructions for a patient with sutures?

From the Guidelines

Discharge instructions for a patient with sutures should prioritize wound care and suture removal within 7-10 days, unless required to secure the airway during prone ventilation, to minimize the risk of infection and promote optimal healing. When caring for sutures, it is essential to keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24-48 hours, then gently clean the area with mild soap and water once daily, pat dry, and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Polysporin followed by a clean bandage if the wound is in an area prone to friction 1.

• Change the bandage daily or when it becomes wet or dirty
• Watch for signs of infection including increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, foul odor, fever, or increasing pain, and seek medical attention if these occur
• Take pain medications as prescribed, typically acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6-8 hours as needed for pain
• Avoid strenuous activities that might strain the wound for 1-2 weeks
• Return for suture removal as directed, typically 7-14 days depending on the wound location, to prevent infection and promote optimal healing by maintaining wound integrity while the body repairs the damaged tissue 1.

From the Research

Discharge Instructions for Patients with Sutures

Discharge instructions for patients with sutures are crucial for promoting wound healing, preventing infection, and ensuring the success of surgical interventions. The following points outline key considerations:

• Wound Care: Patients should be instructed to keep the wound clean and dry, and to change dressings as directed by their healthcare provider 2, 3.
• Antibiotic Ointment: Topical antibiotics, such as bacitracin zinc or neomycin sulfate, may be applied to the wound to reduce the risk of infection 2.
• Suture Removal: Patients should be informed about the timing and procedure for suture removal, which typically occurs 7-10 days after surgery 4.
• Follow-up Care: Patients should be scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor wound healing and remove sutures as needed 5.
• Infection Prevention: Patients should be educated on signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or increased pain, and instructed to seek medical attention if they occur 6, 5.

Suture-Related Complications

Patients with sutures are at risk for complications, including:

• Surgical Site Infections (SSIs): SSIs can occur when bacterial contaminants colonize the suture surface and establish biofilms that are resistant to antibiotic treatment 6.
• Wound Dehiscence: Wound dehiscence can occur when the sutures fail to hold the wound closed, leading to reopening of the wound 5.
• Allergic Reactions: Patients may experience allergic reactions to suture materials, such as triclosan-coated sutures 5.

Best Practices for Suture Care

To promote wound healing and prevent complications, the following best practices should be followed:

• Use of Antimicrobial Sutures: Antimicrobial sutures, such as triclosan-coated sutures, can reduce the risk of SSIs 5.
• Proper Wound Closure: Proper wound closure techniques, including the use of fibrin sealant, can promote optimal wound healing 4.
• Patient Education: Patients should be educated on proper wound care and suture management to prevent complications and promote wound healing 2, 3.