From the Guidelines
Sutures from upper extremities can typically be removed 7-14 days after placement, depending on the location and nature of the wound. When considering the removal of sutures, it's essential to assess the wound for signs of proper healing and potential infection, as indicated by the absence of increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage 1. The method of skin closure, whether by continuous or interrupted sutures, does not significantly impact the incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) or length of hospital stay, but continuous sutures may reduce superficial wound dehiscence 1. Key factors influencing the timing of suture removal include the location on the upper extremity, with areas like the forearm potentially allowing for earlier removal (7-10 days) compared to areas with higher tension or movement, such as the elbow or hand, which may require up to 14 days 1. After removal, using sterile technique and considering the application of adhesive strips for additional support can aid in the final healing phase, while keeping the area clean and protected is crucial for another week 1. It's also important to consider individual patient factors, such as conditions that may delay healing (e.g., diabetes, steroid use), which could necessitate longer healing times before suture removal 1. In general, the decision on when to remove sutures should prioritize the balance between allowing adequate wound healing and minimizing the risk of complications such as track marks or scarring from prolonged suture presence 1.
From the Research
Suture Removal from Upper Extremities
- The optimal timing of suture removal depends on the anatomical location of the wound, with recommendations varying between 3-14 days 2.
- For upper extremities, one study demonstrated that 100% closure of surgical defects can be obtained using a purse-string suture technique, but this does not provide information on suture removal timing 3.
- A study on the effect of different suture removal time intervals on surgical wound healing found that removing sutures after 5 days resulted in the best outcome, but this study was conducted on rabbits and may not be directly applicable to humans 4.
- In general, removing sutures at the recommended time assists in preventing new skin growth from covering the sutures and in reducing scarring 5.
- The decision on when to remove sutures from the upper extremities should be based on the individual case, taking into account factors such as the location of the wound, signs of infection, and indications of dehiscence 5, 2.