A guide to removing sutures

Claire Ford*, Barry Hill

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the wound healing process, outlining the four distinct phases of the healing cascade: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. The different types of closure method are described and, specifically, the various types of surgical suture that can be used for wound closure, as well as the strengths and limitations of each. The article explains aspects of patient care that need to be considered such as obtaining informed consent, and the importance of nurses maintaining appropriate clinical skills. It concludes with a step-by-step outline of best practice on how to remove sutures.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S42–S49
Number of pages8
JournalBritish Journal of Nursing
Volume33
Issue number20
Early online date6 Nov 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Nov 2024

Keywords

  • Clinical skills
  • Wound care
  • Wound healing
  • Surgical sutures
  • Nursing education

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