When Can Steri Strip Be Taken Out After Appendix Removal?

Posted on Thu, 1 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 May 2014 Answered on

Wed, 21 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi i had a laparscopy to get my appendix removed 10 days ago on 19th april. I had steri strips on me and i was told that i can remove them after 10 days. However i asked a doctor on this app before and he said to be on the safe side wait for 14 days and not to get the strips wet. But one of them got wet today so i was wondering should i take it off now or keep it on still?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can safely remove steri strip

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXXX

You can safely remove the steri strip anytime after 7 th day. The skin gets approximated by fibrinous plug by 2 days and epithelization is complete by 7 days.

In my clinical practise I close the port site with subcuticular sutures and skin approximation is not required. I ask the patient to take Bath from 4th post operative day.
If there is no discharge and there is no pain , you can safely remove the steri strip. You can even take Bath.

I hope it helped

In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS, MS, MCH
Consultant Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (4 hours later)

Oh ok ive removed it, so when can I start doing exercise and going to gym?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wait till 6 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
You can resume all your routine activities including walking and normal jogging.
For strenuous activity like gyming wait for 6 weeks. It's only a precautionary measure to prevent port site hernia.

Do get back if you need any further assistance

Take care

Wishing you a very happy and healthy life.

Best Regards
Dr Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 minute later)

Can i do cardio?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cardio can be done

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
The port site is only 1 cm . Aerobic exercise like cardio cam definitely be done. But avoid lifting heavy weight for 6 weeks following surgery.

Take care
Regards
Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (42 minutes later)

Oh ok thankyou so much

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take care

Detailed Answer:
Take care

Wishing you a very happy and healthy life.

Take care
Best Regards
Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

Can i do yoga sorry for the constant questions but ive gained a lot of late so need to get back in shape.?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yoga can be done

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

You can definitely do yoga under trained supervision if you are not an expert. It will be very refreshing. Also avoid spicy and oily food. Brisk walking 30 minutes at a stretch is also a good exercise.
Do get back to me anytime , there is absolutely no issue. Feel free to approach anytime.

Take care

Regards
Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar