Suture Removal

Suture Removal Policy 

Purpose 

To safely remove surgical sutures from wounds. 

Equipment 

• Gloves 

• Sterile Suture Remover Kit (contains scissors, suture forceps, and 3x3 gauze) 

• Plastic Bag 

Procedure 

Preparation: 

9. Obtain a suture removal order from the M.D. 

10. Wash hands thoroughly and apply gloves. 

11. Open the sterile Suture Remover Kit. 

Suture Removal: 

12. Gently lift the knot of the suture with forceps and secure it. 

13. Slide the thicker edge of the scissors under the suture. 

14. Cut near the knot. 

15. Gently pull out the suture with forceps. 

16. Lay the removed suture on gauze. 

17. Repeat the above steps for all sutures. 

18. Count the number of sutures removed. 

If Difficulty Arises: 

• If a suture cannot be removed easily, stop the procedure immediately and notify the M.D. 

Post-Removal: 

19. Cleanse the area per the M.D.’s order. 

20. Apply steristrips as needed. 

21. Dispose of equipment properly, placing sharps in a sharps container. 

Documentation 

• Document the outcome of the procedure, including the number of sutures removed and how the resident tolerated the procedure in the narrative nurse’s notes. 

• Include any observations or complications encountered during the procedure. 

References 

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Requirements of Participation for Long-Term Care Facilities. 

• State Operations Manual (SOM), CMS.