Suture and Staple Removal
PREREQUISITE NURSING KNOWLEDGE
• Wound healing is a nonspecific response to injury. It involves the biologic processes of inflammation, collagen metabolism, and contraction in an overlapping, integrated continuum. Wound healing is divided into three phases: inflammatory, fibroblastic, and remodeling. The condition of the tissues and the mechanism of wound closure determine the relative duration of these phases and the end result of the healing process.
• Sutures and staples must be completely removed to avoid further tissue inflammation and possible infection.
• Timing of suture and staple removal depends on the following (Table 125-1):
Table 125-1
| Location of Sutures | Days Before Removal |
| Extremities, scalp, and trunk | 7-14 |
| Face | 3-5 |
| Palms, soles, back, and skin over mobile joints | 10-14 |
• Timing of suture removal may be prolonged in patients with the following risk factors:
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