Does a granuloma caused by dissolvable internal sutures require surgical removal?

Question

6 weeks ago I had minor surgery for a thrombosed vein on the shaft of my penis. In my followup today my surgeon diagnosed me with a granuloma from my body reacting to the dissolvable sutures. It is quite swollen and a hard lump fully under the skin roughly 1 cubic centimeter in size. The surgeon said he can do another procedure, or see if it heals on its own, but would not advise what I should do. Should I have it removed or wait? Also, if I have it removed, how can I prevent another granuloma?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.If the suture granuloma is underneath the skin and there is no open wound, then it should likely go away on its own.If it works its way up to the surface and opens up, then I would go ahead and let the doctor perform a minor revision to remove the suture foreign body and possibly close the wound.It's up to you. Suture granulomas can come back, but in the absence of a suture, it would be unlikely.

To be sure, see two or more board
certified and experienced plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete
evaluation.

I hope this helps.

To be sure, see two or more board
certified and experienced plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete
evaluation.

I hope this helps.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Since this is on your genitalia, a urologist should get involved and decide whether or not this surgical problem whould be addressed by resection or observation.

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Does a granuloma caused by dissolvable internal sutures require surgical removal?

Answers (2)

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