Removing an Object From a Wound
Current as of: November 20, 2017
In the following situations, do not try to remove an object from the wound. Seek medical treatment immediately.
If the object has fallen out or has been removed, always check to see if the object that caused the wound is intact. If part of the object is still in the wound, it is usually best to have it removed by a doctor. If possible, take the broken object with you. Objects made of organic material, such as wood, may not be visible on X-ray and can be hard to remove, even by a doctor.
If the object is small and sticking out of the wound or visible in the wound, remove it with clean tweezers. Use care not to push the object farther into the wound. Bleeding may increase when the object is removed. If the object is hard to remove, leave it in place for removal by your doctor.
When an object is left in a wound, the chance of infection increases and the wound may not heal. Suspect that an object is still in the wound if:
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC - Emergency Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Current as ofNovember 20, 2017
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