removal of suture

DEFINITION:

Process of removing material used to secure wound edges or body parts together

EQUIPMENT:

·         Sterile dressing pack

·         Sterile suture removal scissors – 1

·         Antiseptic solution

·         Gloves – if indicated

·         Dressing trolley with plastic bag for discarding used dressing material

1	Checks doctors order
2	Explain procedure to the patient
3	Provide privacy
4	Position the patient comfortably, preventing undue tension on suture line
5	Drape the patient, expose the site
6	Using techniques of surgical dressing, remove previous dressing and discard it into plastic bag
7	Do surgical hand washing
8	Clean incision with antiseptic cleansing solution
9	Keep a gauze piece adjacent to the incision site to place removed sutures
10	Grasp the knot of suture with thumb forceps using non dominant hand
11	Elevate so that the skin surface just below the knot is visible
12	Using suture removal scissors, cut one end of the suture near the knot close to skin
13	Avoid cutting the knot
14	Remove the suture in the direction of suture line
15	Place removed sutures on the gauze piece
16	Remove each suture in smooth, continuous motion
17	After removal, check the incision for remaining hidden sutures
18	Clean the incision with antiseptic solution
19	Apply sterile dressing if necessary
20	Keep the patient comfortable
21	Replace equipment
22	Record the condition of incision, procedure done and the patients response