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Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• Why is wound closure important?
• How does the health-care provider assess a wound?
• How is the type of closure material chosen?
• How is skin closure achieved?
• How is repair of deep tissues achieved?
• When and how are sutures removed?
• What happens to the site after suture removal?
• Are there any special considerations regarding wound repair?
• Stitches At A Glance
• Stitches Index

Are there any special considerations regarding wound repair?

People with diabetes or those with peripheral vascular disease may have delayed healing and increased risk of infection.

Animal bites are especially prone to infection, and the decision to repair a bite with sutures must balance the risk of infection with the benefit of a better-looking scar. Approximately 50% of dog bites, 80% of cat bites, and 100% of human bites will become infected.

Stitches At A Glance

• Wounds or lacerations must be explored and thoroughly cleaned prior to closure.
• Suture materials vary in their composition and thickness, and the choice of the appropriate material depends upon the nature and location of the wound.
• Staples, Steri-Strips, Band-Aids, and skin glue can be alternatives to suture material for skin closure.
• Dissolvable suture material may be used for repair of deep tissues.
• Most sutures are left in place for seven to 10 days.