removal of staples
 

I saw the nurse yesterday for the removal of stitches and staples. The hospital had given me a tool to hand to the nurse for the removal of the staples. Thing is, my wounds are scabby and she has missed some. Id rather not go back to see a nurse as i have fresh wounds. Can I remove them or do you need the correct tool to do so....thank you

I don't think anyone will encourage you to remove them yourself. better off to go back to the nurse. I just had stitches removed and the stitches where the same color as my hair and some were missed so i just went back the next day.

Don't remove it yourself, the tool is used for a reason, they are thick metal, to bend it to remove it by hand will cause damage and could re-open the wound. Make an appointment and tell them when you call that its a missed one, you don't have the tool and ask them if they have any of the staple remover packs in the surgery, if not get them to order it in or give you a prescription for one, or pop to a and e and pick one up.

Thank you....ive made an appointment for tomorrow, no appointments left for today and they do have staple removers in stock. Thanks again x

Yes, you do need the correct tool for staples as it has to bend them and bend them in the right place so that no damage is done to the wound or the surrounding tissue and so comes out with ease. If this is not done it damage the wound which will still not be up to full strength, and it can also the surrounding area as the metal will be pulled through it wrongly.

Glad you've made an appointment and yes, I'd be surprised to be honest if they didn't have them, they're a pretty regular piece of kit.

I really cant add much, but yeah going in is a far better idea then removing them yourself. I had them before and didnt know you had to see someone to take them out:ermm: and now i have some pretty bad scarring form it and yes they did reopen and took ages to heal not the best approach i think.

I would have removed stitches myself - which I did a couple of weeks ago (which I know is not advised and frowned upon) but even I would not remove staples without the proper remover. Good for you for doing the right thing and that is not meant to sound patronising!

Oh and Animad, you would be surprised about staple removers when it comes to my surgery - they don't always have them!