Lehigh Med Summer 2019 - 25

L C M E D S O C .O R G

Why it's important to

REMOVE
THE SUTURES
YOU PLACE
BY JAY TALSANIA, MD

s a surgeon who has been practicing for more than 20 years, I have had a front row seat
to both positive and negative changes that have taken place in our evolving medical field.
As a community hand surgeon who values many of the recent advances in hand surgery,
there is one piece of tried-and-true advice that I still find helpful in my practice to this day:
Remove your own sutures.
Removing sutures is a critical touchpoint with your patient who has just allowed you the privilege
of operating on them. This is a valuable opportunity to observe the effects of your recent surgical
procedure and, most importantly, to connect with your patient. The encounter lets patients know
that you are concerned about their outcome. Imagine telling someone that you are not going to see
them after surgery for 91 days (just outside global), or, perhaps, never after a procedure.
Many patients eagerly await their first post-operative visit as they do not remember the details from
the discussion in the recovery room. Often, second-opinion patients present with complaints that
they rarely saw their first surgeon. Some complain that they were booked for surgery by a mid-level
provider, then after surgery all subsequent visits were with a same or different mid-level provider.

Face-to-face communication with your patient is
vital. Removing your own sutures is an excellent
opportunity to ensure your patient is getting THE
care and attention THEY deserve.
I realize that a surgeon does not collect RVUs or extra dollars for office visits during the global
period. Some may even view it as a "waste of valuable time" since someone else can do it while you're
evaluating a new patient. I think of this time as a chance to talk with my patient while providing
excellent patient care, avoiding post-operative complications (most commonly swelling and stiffness),
and reiterating recovery instructions and expectations. This visit fosters communication between the
patient and surgeon team and sets expectations that guide the treatment pathway.
In the long run, I believe it is an oversight to not make time for this important visit. To see your
patients, touch them, and speak with them helps them to experience your compassion, and encourages
them to spread the word about their experience, which will help to build your practice. Removing
your own sutures is in essence "marketing." Patients want the physical touch and are eager to spend
time with their surgeon, especially in the new world of EMR.
Jay Talsania is an orthopedic surgeon.

SUMMER 2019 | Lehigh County Health & Medicine 25

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Lehigh Med Summer 2019

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