What is coming out of my incision it's hard, sharp, and white? I am 5 weeks post-op. (photo)

Question

I started opening around 2 weeks. PS sd apply Neosporin on gauze and keep it covered after my last appt 5 days ago my PS told me to soak gauze in sterile saline and put on it BID.Today I became more sore and during the dressing change there is this had, white, sharp, I think plastic thing coming out of the area. When I touched it, by accident, I got a burning feeling that radiated deep inside of me and it really hurts. Do I need to go to the ER or am I fine to wait for a few days to go to my PS?

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. It looks like you have a small open would along your incision with a sharp white plastic-looking object protruding through. This is probably an absorbable staple that is used to close the incision.  They are used to speed up the closure as they are quicker to put in than sutures. They take several months to absorb and, occasionally can stick out of the scar or open wound. They can usually be removed with a tweezers but I see your surgeon who should be able to take care of it quickly.

What is coming out of my incision it's hard, sharp, and white? I am 5 weeks post-op. (photo)

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What is coming out of my incision it's hard, sharp, and white? I am 5 weeks post-op. (photo)

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