When to remove stitches after appendicitis surgery?

Sep 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

The timing for suture removal after appendectomy mainly depends on the surgical method and wound healing. Most patients have their stitches removed 5 to 10 days after surgery, although the exact timing should be adjusted according to individual circumstances. In daily life, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry before suture removal, avoiding contact with water and friction to prevent infection. After suture removal, strenuous exercise and activities involving abdominal strain should be avoided in the short term to minimize tension on the wound.

Generally, the suture removal time after appendectomy mainly depends on the surgical method and wound healing condition. Most patients have their stitches removed 5 to 10 days after surgery, with the exact timing adjusted according to individual circumstances. The details are as follows:

If traditional open appendectomy is performed, the surgical incision is relatively large, heals more slowly, and is subject to higher abdominal tension; sutures are typically removed 7–10 days after surgery. For older patients, those with poor nutritional status, or underlying conditions such as diabetes, wound healing may be further delayed. In such cases, suture removal may need to be postponed by 1–2 days to prevent premature removal that could lead to wound dehiscence.

If laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery is used, the incisions are smaller, cause less tissue damage, and heal faster, so sutures are generally removed 5–7 days after surgery. These incisions carry a lower risk of infection and have a shorter recovery period. Most patients can have their stitches removed in a relatively short time, and they also experience less postoperative pain and milder scarring.

In daily life, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry before suture removal, avoid contact with water and friction to prevent infection. After suture removal, strenuous exercise and activities involving abdominal strain should be avoided for a short period to reduce tension on the healing wound.

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What foods should patients with appendicitis avoid eating?

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