Removing Sutures

Wounds may be sutured to facilitate healing through primary intention. Wounds must be assessed frequently to determine the wound healing process. Once the wound is deemed healed and the wound union satisfactory, the sutures that held the wound edges together can be removed.

Suture removal is routinely performed by nurses after being directed by a medical officer. Alternate sutures should be removed first, then the remaining sutures either after the wound has been assessed or when directed.

A consideration with suture removal is the dressings that are required to be placed on the wound once sutures have been removed. Consider, also, whether analgesia is required prior to the suture removal procedure.

Documentation of the procedure should be completed on all appropriate forms/charts, for example a wound management chart.