Concerns About Erupting Sutures Following Craniotomy
My wife, aged 32, underwent a bifrontal cranioplasty utilizing a PEEK implant 12 weeks ago. While the incision site has largely healed, there is a small region where what appears to be an internal dissolvable suture has been gradually surfacing since approximately week four. This area is presently covered by a scab, and there are no signs of inflammation, drainage, or opening of the wound—yet the suture remains evident. Is it typical to experience this phenomenon, often referred to as a ‘spitting suture,’ after cranioplasty? Furthermore, does allowing this suture to remain in place elevate the chances of developing an infection, particularly in light of the PEEK implant? Would trimming the suture during a clinic visit promote better healing, or is it advisable to allow it to detach naturally?
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 7:13:08 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your wife's healing process following her cranioplasty. The phenomenon you described, where a dissolvable suture appears at the surface, is often referred to as a "spitting suture." This can happen with dissolvable sutures as they dissolve and push their way out of the tissue.
Key Points:
- It is not uncommon to see parts of dissolvable sutures surfacing weeks after surgery, especially in healing incisions.
- If there are no signs of inflammation, drainage, or wound opening, the risk of infection remains low.
Explanation:
Dissolvable sutures are designed to break down and be absorbed by the body over time. In some cases, as they dissolve, they can work their way out through the skin, which may cause a slight protrusion. If your wife’s incision site is mostly healed and is not showing any adverse signs, this is often normal and doesn't typically increase the risk of infection, especially in the presence of a stable PEEK implant.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Area: Keep an eye on the suture site for any changes such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If these symptoms arise, it would be important to consult a healthcare professional.
- Avoid Manipulation: Do not attempt to trim or pull at the suture yourself, as this might lead to irritation or opening of the incision. Allow it to detach naturally, as long as there are no complications.
- Follow-Up Visit: Schedule a follow-up appointment with her surgeon to discuss the suture's appearance and assess the healing process. They may provide guidance on safely managing the suture and determine whether any intervention is necessary.
Reassure her that her healing process seems to be on track, and checking in with her surgeon can provide peace of mind as well as professional reassurance.
Related Questions
Complications from a Surgery Gone Wrong
A month ago, at the age of 26, I underwent a procedure to have a mole removed from my upper left scrotum, which turned out to be a grave mistake. The plastic surgeon marked a small area around the mole—just half an inch by a quarter inch—and injected 5ml of lidocaine into my left testicle. Almost instantly, a large bruise developed, and when I inquired about it, the nurse assured me that it was normal. However, I was alarmed by the dramatic swelling that made my testicle appear three to four times its normal size. Feeling uneasy, I decided to abort the procedure, but the doctor and nurse were uncooperative. The doctor informed me that he wouldn’t see me again, while the nurse discharged me without any aftercare information. I acknowledge that I might have made some errors in judgment, but I firmly believe that the primary blame lies with the surgeon. It seemed either he lacked competence or acted with malice—especially given the unprofessional demeanor they displayed. The nurse even picked up a pen from the floor, neglecting basic hygiene protocols. Additionally, the doctor expressed frustration about my missed appointments, suggesting I was a nuisance. Following this incident, I began facing various complications. My left testicle swelled alarmingly, accompanied by severe bruising and persistent pain. While the swelling from the lidocaine injection subsided in a day or two, I later regretted not seeking emergency treatment to have the fluid or possible clot drained. Unfortunately, I received no guidance from the staff about follow-up care, and I was reluctant to return to the same hospital where I felt I’d been inadequately treated. Over the next few weeks, the bruising gradually faded, but I noticed troubling changes in my left testicle. It began to develop pronounced purple veins visible through the skin, which took on a yellowish hue. To my dismay, I discovered a significant varicocele on that side, something I had never experienced before. Eventually, I sought urgent care at a different hospital where they performed an ultrasound, which confirmed the presence of a varicocele on both sides. It was even noted that my right testicle was surrounded by fluid, though I wasn’t clear on the implications. The initial doctor at the second hospital lacked professionalism and made inappropriate comments about my condition. He insinuated that my symptoms were merely psychological. Despite that, he did order the ultrasound. I later consulted a Primary Care Provider at the same hospital, who echoed similar sentiments, implying that my issues were self-inflicted and would resolve on their own—completely overlooking the fact that varicoceles do not typically improve without intervention. She even suggested waiting several months before considering a referral to a urologist, which felt utterly unreasonable. Yesterday, I returned to urgent care and fortunately spoke to a more empathetic doctor who referred me to a urologist. However, I learned that the clinic was fully booked until mid-October, which was disheartening. Given the pain from the large varicocele and the visible changes to my scrotum, I’m struggling to manage. The discomfort is debilitating, making daily activities incredibly challenging. At night, the pressure becomes unbearable, often bringing me to tears. There’s a looming sense of urgency regarding the potential complications from my previous surgery. I can't shake the fear that I might lose functionality or that my condition may worsen as I wait for the necessary attention. This situation has also severely impacted my mental health, sex drive, and overall well-being, likely linked to concerns over my testosterone levels and sperm count. Is it advisable for me to explore alternative urology clinics to see if I can secure an earlier appointment? Navigating the healthcare system, particularly in America, feels daunting, especially since obtaining a timely referral seems improbable. It’s frustrating not to be taken seriously regarding my symptoms, particularly since none of my doctors have acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, especially because I am not currently focused on conceiving a child, though it’s a future consideration. They won’t even conduct tests until I’ve seen a urologist, which feels ludicrous given my circumstances. I’m eager to find out how I can expedite my access to urology care. If anyone knows of any qualified professionals in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or elsewhere in the Midwest—or even broader across the USA—who would be willing to assist me and accept Medicaid, your guidance would be greatly appreciated. I’m feeling desperate, and any support would mean the world to me.
Concern Over Enlarged Lymph Node: Should I Pursue a Biopsy?
Greetings, I am a 29-year-old man with no history of smoking or drinking, and I am not on any medication and don’t have any known health conditions. Recently, I discovered a lump located just above my left nipple. After visiting my physician, I was referred for an ultrasound. I only received the images, as my doctor is currently away on vacation. However, the ultrasound technician mentioned that the appearance of the lymph node seemed benign. Seeking a second opinion, I asked another radiologist through a medical advice platform. This professional pointed out that the cortex of the lymph node is significantly enlarged, describing its shape as round and advising that I should consider a biopsy. This has left me feeling quite anxious. Should I make an urgent appointment with my primary care physician to discuss these concerns further?
Is it Possible to Overcome Hallucinations Without Professional Help?
A 19-year-old woman has been grappling with tactile hallucinations for several years. While she has managed to cope with them for a long time, lately, these experiences have intensified. She reports hearing her name being called softly, footsteps in empty rooms, and perceiving shadowy figures and insects. Notably, she has never experimented with drugs and has no prior medical conditions. Moreover, there is no family background of mental illness that she is aware of. She is hesitant to seek help from a psychiatrist, primarily due to her financial reliance on her parents. She fears that being open about her condition could lead to significant social repercussions for her. As a result, she is exploring potential self-help strategies to manage or eliminate these disturbing experiences, hoping to find alternative solutions.
Abdominal Discomfort
Greetings. I am a 25-year-old male. Recently, I've become aware of a peculiar discomfort in my abdomen. It started a few months ago, and I've noticed that when I take a deep breath and retain it, applying pressure to the upper right portion of my abdomen triggers pain. This sensation dissipates as soon as I ease the pressure. Additionally, I experience a similar pain when I bend forward and press beneath my ribs. This discomfort is localized to the area just beneath the sternum and extends to the right side, while I feel no pain on my left side. I am uncertain whether this pain originates from my internal organs or if it's muscular in nature. The sensation feels internal. Is this something I should be concerned about? Interestingly, I do not experience any pain when I touch that area without holding my breath. For context, I should mention that I have scoliosis, causing a deviation of my spine towards the right, which makes my right side appear more prominent than the left.
Seeking Advice on Back Pain and Lesions After Melanoma History
Hello everyone, I would greatly appreciate any insights you might have. My father has been experiencing significant lower back pain since April 2025, which started after he engaged in some physically demanding work. The pain was so intense that it became difficult for him even to rise from the couch, prompting a visit to the emergency department. They performed spinal x-rays that revealed degenerative disc disease (DDD). Following that, he was scheduled for an MRI in August and was prescribed pain medication. While the intensity of the pain has decreased since then, it remains a constant issue. A few weeks ago, he underwent a non-contrast MRI, and the findings indicated two lesions situated in the posterior thecal sac. Both lesions were described as hypointense on T2 imaging. One measures 3mm x 4mm located at the L3/4 level, whereas the other is smaller, at 1mm, around L5/S1. The recommendation is to perform an MRI with contrast, but unfortunately, he faces a 1.5-month wait for that appointment. Given his history of melanoma excised eight years prior, I'm increasingly concerned about the possibility of leptomeningeal disease considering the current details. Aside from the mild discomfort, he shows no other symptoms, but the prolonged wait for clarity is driving me to anxiety, especially if metastases are likely. Any advice would be invaluable.