Stitches

Dissolving stitches - I had surgery last year around this time and a stitch is emerging from the navel area?

It should have been one that disolves, but it hasn't. It is hanging there and really bugging me and a bit sore. Can I pull it out with a tweezer? Thoughts?

Public Comments

1. Dont fret its quite common it will wash away, plenty of warms baths.
2. Don't touch it until you call the MD first or talk to their nurse! Seriously. I had a stitch in my colon after a gastric bypass and it was complicated getting it out.
3. If it hasn't dissolved by now, it isn't going to. I would have your Dr. check it out at this point.
4. see a DR, ASAP!! u do not touch it . it may cause a serious bleeding and more, Let A DR decide....
5. no dont pull with twezzers cause you could cause bloood and you never want that from a surgey wound.. go to your family doctor and he could snip it for you.. 15yrold
6. Yep, you can pull it out ~ it should almost be like a pimple by now, they often don't disolve apparently...
7. I haven't experienced it myself, but I've talked to a few people (co-workers, peers, etc) who have has surgery either from a pregnancy or other surgery around that area and a few of them have had the "dissolving staples" come out that way. They didn't explain a lot but when they called the dr, they told them it was normal. I'd still say call you dr to check, but I wouldn't fret too much unless he/she says otherwise.
8. Absolutely. It won't do any harm. There might be a slight pull but it shouldn't be too bad. I have removed many stitches once the wound is healed. The only thing to watch for is infection or an abscess that may have formed around the stitch because it was there so long. You will be able to tell by redness, swelling or a lump and pain. Clean the area after you take the stich out with a little hydrogin proxide 2% if you have it. Otherwise just wash the area with a clean cloth and a gentle soap. Rinse well. Leave it open to the air or only cover with a dry bandage (Gauze) for a day. Hope this helps. That's a long time for a stitch to stay in!!!
9. yes it is not going to harm you.