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Are Your Surgical Stitches Infected?

Surgeons use stitches to close wounds to stop bleeding and promote healing. However, many patients suffer from intense pain or other problems related to their stitches. In fact, it is not unusual for stitches to become infected even though they are allegedly “dissolvable.”

At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our Miami medical malpractice attorneys can review whether you may sue for compensation. Give us a call.

Vulnerability to Infection

The average person comes in contact with a large number of germs and other bacteria. However, the skin usually acts as a barrier that prevents the bacteria from entering the body.

After surgery, however, the body has been cut open. And even if a person has stitches put in, they might nevertheless not prevent an infection in the surrounding area.

We recommend paying close attention to your stitches in the days and weeks following surgery. Many people will recognize tell-tale signs of infection, including tenderness, red streaks, pain, swelling, warmth, and pus draining from the wound. These are all signs that your wound has become infected.

Need for Prompt Attention

An infection might seem minor, but you should immediately see a doctor to look at your stitches. There are many complications that can arise, including necrotizing fasciitis. This is a condition caused when A Streptococcus bacteria enters the body. A person can suffer from dizziness, fatigue, fever, and severe pain. Often, a doctor must perform surgery to clean out the dead skin and to keep the bacteria from spreading by ordering antibiotics.

Even worse, an infection can lead to sepsis, which is a fatal condition. If you notice chills, shivering, fever, or increased heart rate, then go to the emergency room immediately.

How a Surgeon Can Contribute to Infection

Some infections are unavoidable, even when a surgeon properly uses stitches. However, sometimes surgeons contribute to infection by not properly cleaning and debriding a wound before sewing it back up. Doctors should also sterilize the area to ensure that germs are killed before stitching.

The materials used for stitching also must not be contaminated. All stitches and scalpels must be sterile.

Sometimes, a doctor might commit a surgical error due to confusion in the operating room or a failure to follow protocols regarding sterilization. Some might try to blame the patient for infection by alleging that you took a bath too early before the wounds could heal.

We Can Review Your Case

Infections lead to pain and other problems. Please contact our Miami medical malpractice attorneys today at 305-371-2692 for a free consultation.