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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Throat Irritation After Tonsillectomy A Matter Of Concern?

Hi, I had a tonsillectomy 6 days ago and a little worried as 2-3 stitches have broken/dissolved and still hanging but rest is in skin and scabs. 1 is irritating in back my throat making me cough as its tickling. Surgeon said they take 6 weeks to come out should I be concerned?
Wed, 16 May 2018
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

First of all, I appreciate that you are keeping an eye on the stitches and the healing process. After tonsillectomy, dis-solvable sutures (stitches) are placed on the surgical site, that take about 7-14 days to dissolve. I am not sure what kind of sutures were used in your case, as some of them take several weeks to completely disappear. I understand that some of the sutures might have untied, making it uncomfortable for you to swallow. We want to make sure that there is no bleeding from the surgical site, if you notice bleeding Kindly see your doctor to get new stitches. For now, you can definitely see your nearest doctor to get the broken stitches cut to prevent tickling in the throat. If needed, new stitches can be placed. Do not worry, but do take care until healing is completed.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Is Throat Irritation After Tonsillectomy A Matter Of Concern?

Hello and Welcome to Ask A Doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. First of all, I appreciate that you are keeping an eye on the stitches and the healing process. After tonsillectomy, dis-solvable sutures (stitches) are placed on the surgical site, that take about 7-14 days to dissolve. I am not sure what kind of sutures were used in your case, as some of them take several weeks to completely disappear. I understand that some of the sutures might have untied, making it uncomfortable for you to swallow. We want to make sure that there is no bleeding from the surgical site, if you notice bleeding Kindly see your doctor to get new stitches. For now, you can definitely see your nearest doctor to get the broken stitches cut to prevent tickling in the throat. If needed, new stitches can be placed. Do not worry, but do take care until healing is completed. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.