Closings

[towerman]

Does anyone have any info on closings? stitches, staples, zippers, glue, and paste

Or dose it even make a difference?

 

[acr]

No idea, but I have no visible external stitches other than what was used when the chest drains came out. It's all internal I think, I've found the odd bit of thread now and then which I've just snipped off.

 

[Cris N]

I was glued -very thin scar line.

 

[Jkm7]

Both my OHS, I was glued with steri-strips and it makes for the best scar IMO
I was very happy to not have staples. That freaks me out.

 

[kfay]

I was sewn shut from the inside out. My surgeon's PA told me specifically that I was not glued. I had nothing on the outside. My scar from this surgery is pretty good, certainly much better than my first when I had steri-strips.

Kim

 

[Lisa in Katy]

I was glued. Staples leave extra scars as can stitches (especially if not done well).

I think Velcro would be good. Then If they have any reason to go back in, they just RIP, RIP, RIP (you have to imagine the sound of little kids playing with their shoes)!

 

[Bina]

My scar looks very good, and I had staples..... Lots of them..... I hated them.
After their removal I was given steri strips, which were hard to keep clean, but were alot more comfortable.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I suspect that if you go to a Teaching Hospital you may bet stitches or staples if your closing is performed by a Resident.

It's not clear to me just what a Surgical Assistant does (or whether they perform closings).

Surgeons at Teaching Hospitals tend to be a little 'vague' about who does what in the 'less critical' areas. It would be interesting to know for sure.

 

[abbanabba]

I believe I got glued, but since they were reopening my old scar, it's still a bit lumpy and red. They used a couple of stitches on my drainage wounds (it looked like I had a family of tarantulas down my shirt) but they are healing up quite nicely.

 

[towerman]

At least I know something about this know.

At least I know something about this know.

All

Thanks for the help. It may have seemed like a little thing but if I can ask the question I'll have a better understanding of what I'm getting into. THX

Bill

 

[Tbone]

My doctor told me that if I decide to go through with my next surgery I would defiantly not be glued. They have found that there are more infections that way. Of course I was talking to my doctor about the breastbone, not the skin.

 

[Ross]

Me gots railroad tracks down my chest.

 

[Philip B]

Closing

Closing

Wires in my sternum and super glue on my chest...the glued skin incision left a light, but noticable scar.

-Philip

 

[towerman]

Wow

Wow

All

I was doing real good with the glue until I got down to T-Bone's post. I'm thinking at this point, its more of a workmanship issue than glue or stitches. But keep the info coming. Its really appreciated.

Bill

 

[bugchucker]

My sternum was wired closed, internal sutures that will dissolve then super glued…my scar (14 days post op) is looking great!

 

[Eva]

I suspect that if you go to a Teaching Hospital you may bet stitches or staples if your closing is performed by a Resident.

It's not clear to me just what a Surgical Assistant does (or whether they perform closings).

Surgeons at Teaching Hospitals tend to be a little 'vague' about who does what in the 'less critical' areas. It would be interesting to know for sure.

You are absolutely right, Al,

I thought I would be closed by resient, but reading the surgery report, I found out that Iwas closed by NP!! I was shocked for a moment, but as hubby said, since she did a good job, what do I care?!

I had a chest x-ray yesterday, and technician allowed me to look at it...I did not see any staple...I saw neat bow ties!

 

[designlady]

I was glued. Left very thin scar line! Thought it would be a lot worse than it is! About the infections...TBone may be right, however, my surgeon opted for the glue because I have no spleen. He told me there was LESS chance of infection plus quicker healing time. Without a spleen I have little to no resistance to infection. Believe me...my surgeon was very cautious because of this.

 

[lance]

Glue .................

Glue .................

Internal sternum wires resembling scrunched up wires on X-ray and external glue that was swabbed with something or other possibly to prevent infection.

 

[towerman]

Resident Closings??

Resident Closings??

Thanks again for all input. How much control do we get over who closes. I'm guess the primary surgeon doesn't do the the opening or closing. What if they say a resident will do the closing?? It seems like most of the complaints on this surgery are about sternum problems.