Wounds/Skin/Tissue/Mucus Membranes

What do I need to know about this procedure?

This procedure is where lacerations/cuts to tissues of the body are repaired.

Anaesthetic

This procedure will require an anaesthetic.

What are the risks of this specific procedure?

There are risks and complications with this procedure.
They include but are not limited to the following:

General risks:

• Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room. Bleeding is more common if you have been taking blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, Asprin, Clopidogrel (Plavix or Iscover) or Dipyridamole (Persantin or Asasantin).
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
• Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases, part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
• Death as a result of this procedure is possible.

Specific risks:

• Fluid may build up under the wound and this may discharge through the suture line. This may need further surgery.
• There may be scarring as part of the normal healing process. This may be permanent.
• The edges of the wound may not be in perfect alignment and may overlap. The body soon corrects this. The resulting scar will vary between individuals.
• The wound may heal and then stretch as time goes on. This may cause come disfigurement.
• The wound may heal with a thick scar, which may be discolored and painful. This may be permanent.