What Makes a Procedure 'Surgery'?
Surgery is defined as any medical procedure involving an incision with instruments to repair damage or diagnose a condition. While this definition encompasses complex, high-risk operations, it also includes more routine, low-risk procedures like stitching. The distinction lies in the severity and scope of the intervention.
The Difference Between Minor and Major Surgery
To understand why getting stitches is considered a minor surgical procedure, it's helpful to compare the key differences between minor and major surgery.
| Aspect | Minor Surgery | Major Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Straightforward, quicker procedure with fewer complexities. | Intricate and lengthy, requiring specialized equipment. |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia or sedation; patient is often conscious. | General anesthesia; patient is unconscious. |
| Risk Factors | Lower risk of complications, such as infection or bleeding. | Higher risks due to the scope of the procedure. |
| Incision Size | Small or no incisions, minimizing tissue trauma. | Larger incisions required for internal access. |
| Recovery Time | Faster recovery, often little to no hospitalization. | Extended recovery, often requiring a hospital stay. |
The Suturing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
When you need stitches, a trained healthcare professional—typically a physician, surgeon, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)—will perform the procedure.
1. Preparation and Anesthesia
First, the medical professional assesses the wound and takes a patient history to determine the best course of action. The area is then thoroughly cleaned and prepared with an antiseptic solution. A local anesthetic is injected around the wound to numb the area, ensuring you feel little to no pain during the procedure itself.
2. Wound Exploration and Cleaning
Before closing, the doctor explores the wound to its full depth to ensure there is no debris, dirt, or other foreign material. They will irrigate the wound to flush out any potential contaminants, a critical step for preventing infection.
3. Placing the Stitches
Using specialized surgical instruments, such as needle holders and forceps, the healthcare provider uses a needle and suture material to close the wound. There are several techniques, including:
- Simple Interrupted Sutures: Each stitch is placed individually and tied off, which is a common method for closing skin wounds.
- Continuous Sutures: A single strand of thread is used to create a series of stitches, allowing for quicker closure.
- Deep Sutures: In deeper wounds, absorbable sutures may be placed beneath the skin to hold the tissue layers together.
Types of Stitches and Other Wound Closures
Not all sutures are the same, and there are alternatives to traditional stitches depending on the wound's nature.
Absorbable vs. Non-Absorbable Sutures
- Absorbable Sutures: These are used for deep wounds and are designed to dissolve over time as the wound heals from the inside out. They do not require removal.
- Non-Absorbable Sutures: Used for closing the skin, these are stronger and must be manually removed by a healthcare provider after the wound has sufficiently healed.
Alternatives to Stitches
- Staples: Often used for long scalp incisions or other areas where a good cosmetic outcome is less critical.
- Steri-Strips (Butterfly Bandages): Can be used for minor, shallow cuts that are not under a lot of tension.
- Tissue Adhesive (Skin Glue): A great option for small, clean wounds, particularly on children, that seals the edges together.
Aftercare for Your Stitches
Proper wound care after getting stitches is crucial for preventing infection and minimizing scarring.
For the first 24–48 hours:
- Keep the wound clean and dry.
- Follow your provider's specific instructions regarding bandaging.
After the initial period:
- Gently wash the area with soap and cool water, but avoid scrubbing the stitches directly.
- Pat the area dry with a clean towel.
- Apply antibiotic ointment if directed by your provider.
- Minimize activity that could strain the wound to prevent it from reopening.
- Monitor for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.
Suture Removal
Your doctor will tell you when to return for removal of non-absorbable stitches, typically within 5 to 14 days, depending on the location of the wound. MedlinePlus offers reliable aftercare instructions for sutures and staples.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
In short, while you might not think of a trip to the urgent care for a laceration as a surgical event, getting stitches is indeed a minor surgical procedure. It's a low-risk, routine intervention performed by trained medical professionals to clean, close, and promote the proper healing of a wound. Understanding this classification helps you appreciate the medical expertise involved and the importance of following all aftercare instructions for a healthy recovery.
