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Surgical sutures hurt. Why does the stitch hurt after surgery? What to do if scars hurt after cesarean section or operations, but no pathology has been identified

Pain in the suture area after surgery may not be associated with the sutures themselves; it depends on many factors, for example, if the suture hurts after surgery performed in abdominal cavity, then the pain can be caused by such reasons as healing of sutures, tissue fusion. Such pain is normal, but if the pain increases, this may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process, which requires an immediate visit to the surgeon.

Why does the suture hurt after appendectomy?

The reasons why it hurts can be very diverse, from banal friction of clothing to serious complications, such as a ligature abscess or hernia. But these are not all the reasons. Only a doctor can determine what exactly caused the pain in the sutures, therefore, at the first manifestations of pain after surgery, you must consult a doctor to find out the cause of this phenomenon, as well as to eliminate it.

The stitch hurts after childbirth

It doesn't matter what kind of seams we're talking about– whether on the perineum or as a result caesarean section, painful sensations can cause stitches placed anywhere. Stitches after childbirth may be accompanied by pain for a month (or longer) after they are placed. Pain is inevitable if a woman often sits down after childbirth, carries heavy weights, the stitches in the perineal area can hurt if there is constipation, which often accompanies young mothers when breastfeeding.

It may also hurt, in which case it is simply necessary to consult a gynecologist. It is considered normal if the suture hurts after a cesarean section for several days, after which for another two weeks a slight tingling sensation brings discomfort in the area where the sutures were applied. Also, a woman after a cesarean section should eat well, that is, eat food rich in vitamins and useful substances for wound healing and pain relief. Vitamin E promotes healing, so it is recommended to take it orally and lubricate the wound. may also bother a young mother for other reasons: problems with stool, uterine contractions, careless movements, complications.

How long does the stitch hurt after surgery?

This largely depends on the complexity of the operation, the reason for it, the material of the sutures, compliance with the doctor’s recommendations for suture care - these are not all the factors that can affect the occurrence of pain after the operation. It is generally accepted that pain bothers the patient for a week after surgery, but this is not at all an indicator. It’s much worse if the stitch hurts after surgery through for a long time. This may indicate the occurrence of adhesions, inflammation, etc. If the pain is unbearable and painkillers are unable to help, consult a doctor immediately.

Good day! I have the following problem: I had an operation in 2011 to remove catarrhal appendicitis, after the operation ligatures almost immediately formed, they seemed to be removed, but a year later a ligature fistula formed again, 7 mm deep. We performed a second operation under the m/a and removed it, and now pain in the suture area has appeared again, but not subcutaneous pain, but deeper, the temperature again began to rise to 37.5. But the suture itself has not turned red, there are no seals! The seam itself was cut 5 times! The question is, what could it be, a fistula again?

Ryabchenskikh Ekaterina, Berezovsky

ANSWERED: 01/24/2013

Based on the complaints presented and the presence of temperature, it can be assumed a whole series pathological processes. The most likely are seroma, hematoma or abscess. Relapse ligature fistula also possible, but much less likely. We can say for sure only after examination and ultrasound. Set without this accurate diagnosis and it is impossible to choose the optimal management tactics.

Clarification question

ANSWERED: 01/27/2013 Krasilnikov Andrey Viktorovich Samara 0.0 Head of the center. Surgeon-phlebologist, doctor ultrasound diagnostics

In any case, whatever it is, examination by the surgeon and ultrasound

Clarification question

QUESTION FOR CLARIFICATION 02.02.2015 Tanya Isakova, Rybinsk

Why did the suture become inflamed after the operation and the stomach hurt badly (there was catarrhal appendicitis)? Could it be peritonitis?

ANSWERED: 02/22/2015

There are quite a few reasons, ranging from the development of an abscess to a fistula. We can say for sure only after an examination and basic examinations by a surgeon.

Clarification question

Date	Question	Status
18.10.2015	Dear doctor! I am writing to you with the following question: Seven years ago, I had surgery for appendicitis. And all this time I'm worried periodic pain in the seam area. These pains appear when you want to go to the toilet, it seems as if there is something pressing in the area of the seam, and then it goes away. I also have a constantly enlarged right inguinal lymph node, which constantly hurts. When they had the operation, my eyes immediately became larger. inguinal lymph nodes, who were also constantly sick and had a temperature of 38.5...
25.02.2014	Good evening! Help, 15 years ago I had an operation for peritonitis, they sewed up the inner layer with non-absorbable threads, there were fistulas, then in their place there were pits on the seam, a disgusting seam that developed a complex in me, now it sometimes hurts, the pain is acute but short, can you tell me how -should I change it? And where should I go? The abdominal muscles are weak and the skin sags when I lose weight
20.12.2014	Hello, on December 9 I had an operation with a diagnosis of acute phlegmonous appendicitis, they did diagnostic laparoscopy, Volkovich laparoscopy and appendectomy. The stitches were removed on December 16, I began to smear them with potassium permanganate (a thick solution). On December 19, I went to see a surgeon. A swelling appeared at the site of the suture (large), and when pressed firmly, pain was felt (moderate). The surgeon sent me for an ultrasound postoperative scar for the purpose of exclusion purulent inflammation. Ultrasound showed the...
14.12.2017	On December 8, my long-awaited pregnancy was urgently operated on and my right tube was removed. At first it bled a little, then it went away. On December 12, they did a control ultrasound and pressed hard on the part of the abdomen where the wound was; it hurt. The ultrasound was normal. And that same evening the right ovary began to hurt. The blood began to smear again. I told the doctor at the hospital, they said everything was fine with you and discharged you. Yesterday, on the 6th day after the operation, I came home and my stomach began to ache, like during menstruation, and I started to run harder...
25.04.2014	Hello. About 4 months ago I had thrush. I went away from clotrimazole once or twice. More problems I have never had any problems with gynecology in my life. The other day my husband and I didn’t use protection and I felt a strong burning sensation from the sperm inside me. And I literally felt all her wanderings (right, left, up, down) throughout my body for the first couple of hours. Then the burning went away. And there was a feeling in the lower abdomen, like a slight cold bladder, but there are no problems with it - it works so far with a bang! Through de...

Pain due to inflammation of the postoperative suture

Inflammation of the suture is associated with penetration into it bacterial infection. The “culprits” most often are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Infection can enter tissues during surgery with instruments or through blood flow from distant organs. Most often this occurs against the background of injury to the skin or subcutaneous tissue and reduced immunity.

Tissue injury occurs during or after surgery (constant compression of the seam with a tight elastic band underwear, friction with rough cloth). Trauma may be associated with:

with improper (with tension on the edges of the wound) sutures;
poor quality suture material.

Inflammatory processes often occur after surgery in patients diabetes mellitus with impaired immunity, peripheral circulation and innervation.

Signs of inflammation include redness, swelling and tenderness of the sutures, as well as purulent discharge from the wound. The inflammation is sometimes complicated by the formation of a ligature fistula - a purulent inflammatory focus around the suture that breaks out. In this case, a limited area appears on the surface of the developing scar. painful area redness and swelling of the tissue, covered with pus. This is accompanied by a disturbance in the general condition of the patient and an increase in body temperature.

Important tip! If signs of inflammation appear, you cannot treat yourself; you must immediately contact a surgeon.

The stitches are removed and the wound is treated conservative methods until inflammation is completely eliminated. After this, the edges of the wound are excised and repeated stitches are applied. Sometimes the surgeon considers it advisable to form a scar without suturing.

Pain associated with postoperative hernia

This complication develops after operations on the abdominal organs, which end with layer-by-layer suturing of the wound. Several types of sutures are applied to different tissues (muscles, fascia, skin) using different suture materials.

The divergence of internal seams when in good condition external seam on the skin is the cause of the exit internal organs abdominal cavity (usually intestinal loops) under the skin. This is a postoperative hernia. It manifests itself in the form of a protrusion in the area of the postoperative suture. Due to the compression of the scar by the hernia, pain appears in it.

Important information! You cannot correct the hernia yourself; it may become pinched due to spasm of the anterior muscles. abdominal wall.

Treatment of postoperative hernia is surgical: the wound is opened and sutures are re-sutured inner fabrics. Sometimes the defect is closed using an implant - a special mesh.

Suture pain due to the formation of a keloid scar

Sometimes, during the formation of a postoperative scar, excessive growth occurs connective tissue. This leads to the formation of raised, shiny scars of a bright pink color, which are cosmetic defect and disrupting functions individual organs. The reasons for the formation of keloids are not precisely known; it is believed that this is due to the individual characteristics of the formation of connective tissue.

During the formation of a keloid in postoperative suture Unpleasant sensations and even pain may appear. Keloid scars are difficult to treat. It is selected individually; most often, a scar removal operation is performed followed by conservative treatment. After any type of treatment, relapses occur quite often.

Useful video: Pain in the suture area after surgery

Pain from a pinched nerve in the scar

When suturing postoperative wound possible injury or pinching of a superficially located sensitive branch peripheral nerve. Most often, nerves are injured during operations on the face, in the intercostal area and in the thigh area.

Neuralgia manifests itself in the form of severe singing constant or acute paroxysmal pain along the affected nerve.

Treatment is prescribed individually. Sometimes, to relieve the patient of pain, it is necessary to partially or completely remove the sutures and move conservative treatment neuralgia.

Today we will talk about a site for mothers, a site about how to care for stitches after childbirth and how to relieve pain.

When are stitches placed?

Many women undergo surgery followed by suturing during childbirth. Surgery- not uncommon during childbirth; doctors resort to this method of assistance for several reasons:

Premature or quick birth when the fetal head takes on heavy loads, an episiotomy is performed - an incision in the perineum to prevent injury to the newborn’s head;
Breech presentation during childbirth - to avoid fetal loss, a caesarean section is performed - an incision in the abdominal wall;
The presence of scars on the perineum after previous births - the perineum is not elastic enough;
To eliminate attempts due to health problems of the mother in labor, again, they do a cesarean section;
Preventing perineal rupture – thought to be cut wound heals faster and the seam is more neat.

Every woman in labor needs to be prepared for possible incisions to facilitate childbirth.

Caring for postpartum stitches

The doctor examines the genital tract after birth and applies internal or external sutures if necessary. The internal sutures practically heal without pain, but the external sutures hurt after childbirth for 1-2 months.

Internal sutures on the cervix and vaginal wall are made with natural self-absorbing suture material and do not cause much discomfort. Caring for internal sutures involves following the rules of personal hygiene and avoiding sexual contact for one to two months.
Sutures are applied to the perineum using various suture materials and in an amount completely dependent on the length of the cut. Sutures on the perineum can be applied with both self-absorbable and non-absorbable materials. The stitches on the perineum hurt a lot in the first days after childbirth, since in addition to the incision itself, the holes in the places where the tissue was punctured hurt. It is necessary to wash the perineum twice a day with soap and rinse with warm water during the day. You need to wash the perineum with seams carefully and thoroughly. Dry with blotting movements from front to back, do not rub under any circumstances. It is better to use a soft, moisture-absorbing cloth. To maintain the dryness of the perineum, it is necessary to frequently change the pads, washing the seams with a weak solution of manganese if the seams hurt after childbirth. For the first two weeks, a woman is not recommended to sit on both buttocks; it is better to try to sit on her side. To avoid constipation, since women usually do not have bowel movements for 1-2 days after giving birth, try not to eat foods with a constipating effect. You can drink a tablespoon of any before meals vegetable oil or use laxative suppositories as recommended by your gynecologist.
Sutures placed on the abdomen after cesarean section require constant care during the first month. In the first week after surgery, the suture is treated daily antiseptic solution and change the bandage. Cosmetic sutures are applied with self-absorbing materials, which completely dissolve 60-70 days after application. You are allowed to shower every other week, but it is not recommended to use a hard washcloth. Try not to lift more weights than your baby's weight during the first months. If the sutures are very painful after childbirth, in the first days you can administer intramuscular painkillers on the recommendation of a gynecologist.

Why do my stitches hurt after childbirth?

Many women are concerned about this issue within a month after giving birth. We will give several recommendations to alleviate the condition and reduce pain on the website:

Painful sensations make themselves felt constantly if you have to sit down or lift weights often - limit the weight of the objects you lift if possible and try not to sit on both buttocks;
The stitches on the perineum hurt after childbirth if you suffer from constipation. In the first month after childbirth, a woman’s body is rebuilt; lactation requires consumption more fluid, but there is not enough fluid for normal bowel movements. A nursing mother should drink more warm milk, green tea, juice or herbal infusion. .
Sometimes the stitches hurt after childbirth during sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness and natural stress on the perineum. In this case, doctors recommend using a moisturizing gel. Sometimes reduces painful sensations change the position to a painless one.
The sutures hurt and pull after childbirth due to tissue inflammation, then redness and purulent discharge appear. In this case, consult a gynecologist, but under no circumstances self-medicate.
The stitches after childbirth hurt because postpartum discharge form a breeding ground for the proliferation of microbes that cause inflammation.

On forums for young mothers, reviews about childbirth contain many questions: why do the stitches hurt after childbirth; how to care for stitches; what to do if the seams come apart? Only a gynecologist can give an answer in each specific case, who will conduct an examination and prescribe treatment if necessary.

Natural childbirth is the dream of almost all women in labor; only a few patients insist on a caesarean section. Surgical delivery entails a number of negative consequences for the mother: a long rehabilitation period, long healing suture and restoration of the female reproductive system.

How long does the stitch hurt? How long does it take for an incision to heal? Why does a mother's stitches pull after surgical birth? What other complications should a woman be wary of after a cesarean section during the first 2 years?

Sutures after cesarean section: what are they?

All women in labor after a cesarean section worry about the condition of the suture. A new mother is concerned about possible discomfort, pain, appearance the incision, as well as what clothes can be used to hide it. Complications, healing time and nuances in care are determined by the type of suture. Modern obstetricians-gynecologists distinguish the following types:

Vertical section. It is done during ECS, the indication for which is severe bleeding in a woman in labor or a lack of oxygen in the baby. The surgeon’s actions must be lightning fast; he performs a corporal cesarean section, cutting tissue from the navel to the pubis (more details in the article:). The suture after such an operation looks aesthetically unattractive and heals in knots.
Horizontal section. It is applied when elective surgery. The doctor makes a laparotomy incision without the need to open the abdominal wall. The incision is made first from the pubis skin fold. This seam can be hidden underwear, over time it becomes thin and almost invisible.
Internal cut. It closes the uterine wall. Depending on the type of cesarean section, doctors apply a longitudinal or transverse suture.

How long does it take to heal?

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Flow rehabilitation period largely depends on individual characteristics a woman’s body, from her attitude towards her health. The Caesarean section operation has saved many women and helped the birth of millions of children - it is one of the most frequently performed operations in the world.
If postoperative period During the first 5–7 days it proceeds without complications in the form of suppuration or the formation of inflammatory foci, and a scar forms at the site of the incision. The duration of healing depends on the type of surgery and the threads used to secure the incision. If the surgeon used silk threads, they will be removed after a week for a longitudinal scar or after 10 days for a vertical one. If cosmetic threads were used during the operation, they will disappear (dissolve) on their own after 2–3 months. Removing the silk threads does not mean that the scar has completely healed.
At first, the scar will have a blue-violet color, but over time it lightens, becomes thinner, and does not stand out much on the skin. The following manifestations after surgical delivery are considered the absolute norm: short-term itching, tingling, numbness, burning in the suture area.
The duration of the rehabilitation period and the risk of complications depends on several factors:
Age. The younger the woman in labor, the sooner her scar heals and the fewer complications arise in the postoperative period.
Builds. Great value has a physique. Sutures will take longer to heal in obese women who have extra folds on their abdomen.
Mobility. Pregnant women who lead a sedentary lifestyle have weak labor activity, which leads to ECS.
Second birth. If a caesarean section is repeated, the sutures will heal faster and the risk of discomfort is reduced to a minimum (see also: ).

Inseam it takes longer to heal on the uterus, so doctors recommend that women refrain from another pregnancy for at least 1.5–2 years. This optimal time for complete healing. If pregnancy occurs earlier, the risk of the seam diverging increases – it may not be able to withstand the load from the baby growing inside.

Why does the seam hurt and pull?
Understanding the technique of performing a cesarean section will help you find out why the stitch hurts or pulls. Doctors cut open the skin to get the baby out. subcutaneous tissue, muscles, uterus, as a result of which the scalpel can damage blood vessels and nerve endings. The body reacts to this serious damage release of hormones that cause vasospasm. Among others unpleasant consequences after a cesarean section may include:
Impaired blood flow. Nutrients can't get to damaged tissues, so the healing process is somewhat delayed.
Increased pain. Acids accumulate along the edges of the cut, which further irritate wound surface and increase pain.

If at this moment it starts inflammatory process, healing will take much longer than usual. Factors influencing the duration of discomfort in the suture area:
Seam pressure on fabric. In this case, the patient complains that she has pain and pulls the seam. The situation can be resolved by taking painkillers.
Inelasticity. Many mothers turn to the gynecologist a month after the operation with complaints that their scar hurts. The reason is its inelasticity. When the abdomen is tense, the rough tissues stretch, causing pain. It usually subsides 6–12 months after surgery.
Gas formation in the intestines. During the operation, the integrity of the peritoneum is compromised, which negatively affects the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract. Therapy includes a course of drugs to improve intestinal motility.
Spikes. Quite often, adhesions form at the site of tissue scarring - this delays the healing process for several months.
Contraction of the uterus. After childbirth, the empty uterus should return to its previous size. The faster the contraction occurs, the sooner the pain in the abdominal area will stop.

Signs of seam divergence
After the doctor has explained the question of how much the suture normally hurts after a cesarean section, you should pay attention to unpleasant moments, one of which is the suture dehiscence. This happens due to disturbances in the healing process - hidden infection does not allow the edges of the tissue to grow together correctly, so on one side or in the middle the scar begins to diverge. If a woman ignored the recommendations and began lifting heavy objects or began active sports, the fault for the divergence of the seam lies with her. Symptoms of discrepancy:
pus;
heavy bleeding.

Disclosure of the tissue requires immediate contact with the maternity hospital. Having seen blood or pus emerging from the suture, the patient must contact the maternity hospital where she was operated on to determine the cause of the discrepancy and eliminate it. Unreasonable pain accompanied by severe vaginal and uterine discharge, may indicate a divergence of the external seam. If a woman’s external suture is torn, the same situation can happen with the internal one - the sooner the surgeon examines her, the better.
Suture dehiscence after cesarean section is fraught heavy bleeding, fatal.
How to properly care for a seam?
While the woman is in maternity hospital, the nurse is taking care of the suture. Upon arrival home, responsibility falls on the new mother. Doctors give several simple recommendations that will help speed up healing and reduce the risk of complications to zero. These include:
taking painkillers prescribed by a doctor;
treating the seam with drying antiseptics (brilliant green, iodine, potassium permanganate) (more details in the article:);
mobility – on the second day after surgery it is necessary to forcefully stand up and walk, increasing the load daily;
regular showering without using soap in the area of the seam;
limiting warm baths and washcloth use;
wearing postoperative bandage throughout the day with a night break.

Possible complications
After any operation there is a risk of complications, caesarean section is no exception. It is important for the patient to respond promptly to feeling unwell and apply for qualified medical care. When preparing for surgery, a woman needs to understand what she may encounter during and after a cesarean section:
heavy blood loss during surgery;
formation of adhesions, as a result – failures in normal operation peritoneal organs;
endometritis - extensive inflammation of the uterus;
formation of a hematoma near the suture;
bleeding from the incision site;
purulent inflammation of the suture;
seam divergence.

In the future, the woman may have other problems. If treatment is not timely, patients are faced with:
ligature fistulas - gaps through which infection can penetrate;
a hernia that occurs during a longitudinal incision or several operations on the abdominal cavity;
keloid scar - partial or complete compaction of scar tissue;
individual intolerance, allergic reaction for an anesthetic drug;
injury to the throat by a tracheal tube;
aspiration - hit gastric juice into the lungs.

Complications after spinal and epidural anesthesia also worry many patients. These include:
sharp decline blood pressure for the mother – there is a threat to the life of the woman and child;
oxygen starvation of the fetus;
headache, discomfort at the site of anesthetic injection;
anesthetic intoxication;
damage spinal cord, resulting in cardiac arrest;
a decrease in the child’s vital signs due to anesthetics entering his bloodstream.