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Related Experiment Videos

Can stitches get wet?

J M Noe1, M Keller

  • 1Department of Surgery (Plastic), Beth Israel Hospital, Brookline, Mass.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|January 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Patients can safely wash surgical wounds with soap and water after minor soft-tissue procedures. This practice did not increase infection or wound disruption rates in the study group.

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Area of Science:

  • Dermatologic Surgery
  • Wound Healing
  • Infection Control

Background:

  • Post-operative wound care guidelines often advise keeping surgical sites dry.
  • Concerns exist regarding the potential for wound contamination and disruption if surgical wounds are wetted.
  • Evidence is lacking on the safety of routine wound washing after minor soft-tissue excisions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if wetting stitches after minor soft-tissue surgery increases infection or wound disruption.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of routine wound washing post-operatively.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study of 100 consecutive patients undergoing skin or soft-tissue lesion excision.
  • Procedures were closed primarily or with local flaps using monofilament nylon sutures.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Patients were instructed to wash wounds twice daily with soap and water starting the day after surgery.

    • Main Results:

    • All 100 surgical wounds healed without any signs of infection.
    • No instances of wound disruption or dehiscence were observed in the study cohort.
    • The practice of washing wounds did not negatively impact healing outcomes.

    Conclusions:

    • Wetting surgical stitches after minor soft-tissue procedures is safe.
    • Routine wound washing with soap and water does not increase the risk of infection or wound breakdown.
    • Post-operative wound care can include gentle washing without compromising healing.