Do I Need Another Surgery if My Stitches Came Out?

I had my surgery almost a month ago. I had to go to the hospital, and upon a quick examination just to see that my stitches on my bottom were okay, she said that half of them had come out. Does this mean I'll need another surgery to close that back up? I'm still waiting on a follow-up with my surgeon. Anyone have this or have heard of this happening? Thanks, any replies appreciated.

Hello Daisy.

When the nurse told you that half the stitches had come out, did she also tell you that it had left a hole, or was that your assumption.
It doesn't sound as if there is  too much need for your to worry about the stitches coming out at one month from the surgery, as it is unlikely that this will cause a problem. Depending on the types of stitches they put in, some of them are designed to dissolve (i.e. 'come-out') and others are made to be removed (usually by a nurse). If there was a problem, they would have had you back in immediately. It is unfortunate that the nurse did not explain it all to you so that you knew what to expect. However, if you are still worried, just get back to them and ask questions about the type of stitches they used and what to expect as 'normal'. Alternatively, any nurse or doctor will be able to tell you what to expect in terms of timing of stitches 'coming out' or needing to be removed. 
Please don't be concerned about asking questions of your medical staff as it is part of their job to reassure you and make sure everything is going to plan.
I am sure many people on here will be more up to date with stitches and timing than me as my last lot was years ago and my memory is sadly failing.
Best wishes

Bill 
 

If they are dissolvable stitches, which I hope they are for you, it would make sense that they start disappearing.

I'm pretty sure she meant that it was only half closed up because she said there would be drainage for weeks or months. Or would this be normal anyway?

They are dissolvable stitches, but I'm pretty sure they were not supposed to be gone yet. Hopefully, though, they were.

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

If you're all stitched up, you should have no drainage unless you have an infection that would prevent it from healing. I had a radiation wound that opened up after about a week, but it had nothing to do with the stitches failing.

I don't remember how long mine took to dissolve, but I know it turned into a black scab-like thingy and gradually came off.

I had staples, I had a follow up visit 2 weeks staples removed.and still got an infection, they called them puss pockets, had to be on IV antibiotics for a week in hospital and infectious disease dr had to tell them what antibiotic to use and had a pic line at home for 24~7 antibiotics for 2 weeks at home my son was my nurse.  But no holes.

It's a tough one to heal up from, but you will. It took about five months of home visit nursing to get the all clear. Radiation was a factor, nothing heals up like it used to. Get a little sitz bath that sits on the toilet seat and keep things clean.

I would also suggest writing out a list of questions while waiting for appointments and bringing it and a pen to every appointment. While under cancer treatment my memory was dogshit-I was notorious for carrying a legal pad everywhere I went. It helps. 

Hang in there, and let us know if you can.

I’m cleared of all infection now as far as I know I was just on antibiotics for a week  

I’m hoping I heal okay .. worried about it though. Can’t wait to see the surgeon and yes I’ll be sure to write questions down and I’ll post again. 

You need to see your surgeon on issues like this.  If your skin edges are together there is no problem.  Skin separation should heal eventually.  There are surgeons who leave drains in too that come out and the skin eventually heals.  

i am 6 weeks post op of a kenn butt surgery.

here's my 2 cents worth.

drainage is common .

dissolvable stitches were used.

my butt is extremely swollen  but has decreased due to sitting on ice. yea talk abt being frosty. 

while laying on back in bed i do feel droplets between the cheeks. 

they will stain whatever you are wearing. sheets too. its a very light droplet. very small that oozes.

was told by surgeon its normal. 

i shower holding the hand held sprayer down there keeping it clean. i wipe cheeks once a day. 

a sitz bath? personally don't like that option. 

it should all clear up . give it time.

a hair dry will dry the area well. using cold and warm air functions on the dryer. good post.  

My thoughts exactly. I’m going to give a call. 

Thanks for your post. I guess we are almost on the same time in our recovery. I’m sure it is normal, I’m just worried cause she said only half the stitches had come out.  The surgeon I saw in emerg. I think I said that already lol. 
Do most people experience swelling?

yes abt swelling.  for me it feels like a third cheek down .

but ice i think helped . i can sit up right pretty well.

you are young and u got that healing process as a youngster.

hah ha. lucky you.

not to worry as u got friends out in same boat. 

yes we also have same time healing as you mentioned.

its all good daisy. we get it.

I called my doctors office today just waiting for them to get back to me… feeling nervous but hopefully they will tell me what they think I should do. Or if it happens sometimes. … we shall see.