How long after lung nodule surgery should stitches be removed?
Lung nodule surgery is typically followed by suture removal in 7 to 10 days, with specific details as follows:
Lung nodules may result from various conditions such as inflammatory organization, tuberculosis infection, or adenocarcinoma. When lung nodules are detected, timely hospital visit and treatment via minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery are recommended. Minimally invasive thoracoscopy offers advantages including minimal trauma, fewer side effects, and faster recovery. If the patient recovers well without any abnormal symptoms, sutures can usually be removed after about 7 days. However, if recovery is slower, it's advisable to delay suture removal for a longer period. Therefore, sutures are generally removed between 7 to 10 days post-surgery. Removing sutures too early may lead to wound dehiscence or even infection due to incomplete healing. Conversely, removing them too late could make suture extraction difficult or cause delayed local healing.
During the recovery period, it is recommended to maintain a light and easily digestible diet, avoiding raw, cold, spicy, or irritating foods. Additionally, adequate rest is important—avoid overexertion and staying up late—and maintaining a balance between work and rest will promote better recovery.