Incision in my arm that doctors left open for 2 weeks after a surgery.Submitted by soapboxingdaychamp t3_1227hqv in mildlyinteresting
WatermelonWithAFlute t1_jdpugoj wrote
Reply to comment by Bttm4FandT in Incision in my arm that doctors left open for 2 weeks after a surgery. by soapboxingdaychamp
is there any reason why you can't just clean it and then immediately stitch it?
Bttm4FandT t1_jdpvlv9 wrote
I think from what i remember, stitching it up is a lot like intubating someone. High risk of infection. Also for draining purposes.
los-gokillas t1_jdqsy2c wrote
We've been so programmed by movies and TV to think that every single wound needs stitching. Often stitching is not the best option because it has a higher chance of infection. Being able to observe an open wound and clean it multiple times a day is healthier. Though it does create more of a scar and a aesthetically people don't love that
WatermelonWithAFlute t1_jdr57qm wrote
Why does it have a higher chance of infection if it’s immediately cleaned beforehand, though?
los-gokillas t1_jdr5hi7 wrote
Anything that was missed is stuck in there and it will take longer to notice an infection starting. An open wound can be continuously cleaned which allows for error and you'll be able to see the skin and fluids changing colors or even start to notice a smell earlier
WatermelonWithAFlute t1_jdr6cbx wrote
That does make sense, though wouldn’t the constant exposure be an issue? Cant clean it if your sleeping. Although I guess you’d probably have it wrapped in something- I can’t imagine you’d just have your arm like that exposed the entire time. I’d hope.
los-gokillas t1_jdr6h0k wrote
Sure no, but you could clean it right before bed and after waking. Couple that with a midday clean and you're probably on a fine schedule
Bttm4FandT t1_jdpvpm9 wrote
Some people require wound vacs to keep the fluids out of the wound so I would guess that can play a huge part in it.
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