What are the Symptoms of C-Section Stitches Internal Rupture?

Following a Caesarean section, your abdominal wall and uterus are closed with internal stitches. While most women heal without complications, it’s important to understand the potential symptoms of torn internal stitches after a C-section so you can know what to look for. 

This article covers:

• How C-section stitches heal (dissolvable vs non-dissolvable)

• Risk factors for internal stitch rupture and infection

• Symptoms: severe pain, discharge, swelling, fever, incision opening

• Rare complications: bowel injury

• When medical negligence may be involved

• When to seek help and normal healing signs

What are C-section stitches and how do they heal?

Before exploring the symptoms of a rupture and other potential complications, it helps to understand how your C-section incision is closed.

C-section incisions are typically closed with either:

• C-Section Stitches (Non-Dissolvable): These are traditional stitches that need to be removed by a healthcare provider after the incision has healed sufficiently. 
• C-Section Dissolvable Stitches: These stitches gradually dissolve and are absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for removal.

Internal stitches on the uterus and deeper tissue layers are always dissolvable and are designed to remain strong during the healing process, before gradually breaking down.

Can you tear internal stitches after a C-section?

Yes, it is possible to tear internal stitches after a C-section, although it’s relatively uncommon. A rupture can occur if stress is placed on the healing tissues too early, or if infection weakens the incision.

Risk factors include heavy lifting, intense activity, coughing, infection, obesity, or poor wound care.

Signs of torn internal stitches may include severe pain, unusual bleeding, swelling, pus, or the wound edges separating. Although this complication is rare, it’s important to seek immediate medical advice if you suspect your C-section internal stitches have torn. Prompt treatment reduces the risk of infection and further complications.

Symptoms of torn internal stitches after a C-section

Recognising the symptoms of torn internal stitches after a C-section is vital for timely medical intervention.

Here are some of the key signs to watch out for:

1. Severe pain and discomfort 

Some level of external and internal pain after a C-section is expected. However, severe and persistent pain, especially around the incision area, can indicate a problem. This pain may be sharp or throbbing and may not be alleviated by prescribed pain medication.

2. Unusual discharge 

A sudden increase in discharge can be a sign of infection and internal stitches rupture. This is especially likely if it’s foul-smelling, yellow, or green. Pus or bleeding from the incision site also warrants immediate medical attention.

3. Swelling and redness 

Excessive swelling, redness, or warmth around the incision site can indicate an infection that may lead to stitch rupture. This is often accompanied by tenderness and inflammation.

4. Fever 

A fever above 38°C (100.4°F) can be a sign of an infection related to stitch rupture. If you experience a high fever along with chills, it’s important to seek medical advice.

5. Abnormal sensations 

Any unusual sensations can be indicative of internal stitches breaking. Unusual sensations may include a popping or pulling feeling around the incision area. This sensation might occur during movement or when applying pressure to the area.

6. Visible opening of the incision 

In severe cases, your C-section incision may slightly open, or even gape, indicating a serious rupture of the internal stitches. This requires urgent medical intervention to prevent further complications.

7. Delayed or deteriorating healing 

If the incision does not heal as expected, or if it starts to deteriorate after initially improving, this could be a sign of an internal issue like stitch rupture.

Signs of internal infection after a C-section

If internal stitches begin to tear or your wound’s healing becomes disrupted, an infection may develop. However, infection can also occur even if the incision appears intact on the surface. That’s why it’s important to understand the early warning signs of an internal infection after a C-section.

Common C-section infection signs include:

• Persistent fever
• Increasing abdominal pain
• Red streaks around the wound
• Deep pelvic pain
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Feeling unwell or weak
• Rapid heart rate

Internal infections can progress quickly and often require antibiotics or hospital care, so it’s vital that you remain vigilant.

What does a C-section wound opening look like?

In some cases, internal infection or bleeding can weaken the incision site and cause the wound to begin separating. Even a small C-section scar opening can indicate that the deeper layers are not healing as they should be.

An open C-section wound may look like the following:

• A gap forming along the incision
• Visible deeper tissue under the skin
• Oozing of blood or fluid
• A sagging or soft appearance of the scar
• Edges that no longer meet

If bowels or organs become exposed, which is rare, you should call emergency services immediately.

Causes of C-section internal stitches rupture

Several factors can contribute to the rupture of internal stitches post-C-section:

• An infection at the incision site, weakening the tissues
• Excessive physical activity or lifting heavy objects, placing undue stress on the incision
• Conditions such as diabetes or obesity
• Not following post-operative care instructions

Could torn internal C-section stitches be caused by medical negligence?

While many C-section complications occur naturally, there are situations where a wound breakdown or stitch rupture may happen because appropriate care was not provided.

Examples include:

• Failure to recognise or treat an infection early
• Incorrect suturing technique
• Using the wrong type of stitches
• Failure to monitor the incision after surgery
• Inadequate post-operative advice
• Delayed treatment when symptoms of infection were reported

If stitch rupture or infection occurred due to missed warning signs or care falling below accepted medical standards, this may be classed as medical negligence and you should seek advice.

What are the symptoms of bowel injury after a C-section? 

Bowel injury is a rare but serious complication that can occur during a Caesarean delivery. The main symptoms of bowel injury after C-section often include severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting soon after surgery.

In some cases, these symptoms may be mistaken for normal post-surgery discomfort, so it’s important to recognise warning signs that could indicate something more serious.

Additional symptoms of a bowel injury after a C-section may include:

• Persistent abdominal distension or swelling
• Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
• Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
• Blood in the stool
• Severe tenderness or pain that worsens over time

If you notice any of these symptoms following a caesarean, seek urgent medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.

When to seek medical help 

If you experience any of the above symptoms of internal ruptures or bowel injuries, you must contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early detection and treatment of a C-section internal stitches rupture can prevent more severe complications, such as deep infections or hernias.

Medical negligence and C-section internal stitches ruptures

Medical negligence can be a critical factor in the rupture of C-section stitches.

It’s possible that a healthcare provider may overlook signs of infection or fail to address complications promptly, which can lead to the weakening and eventual rupture of internal stitches. Ensuring your medical team is vigilant and responsive to your needs is essential in preventing adverse outcomes.

If you suspect that medical negligence has contributed to your complications, seek a second opinion or consult with a legal professional. This may be necessary to protect your health and rights.

Start a claim with Fletchers Solicitors 

You don’t need to be certain that negligence occurred before speaking to a birth injury solicitor. But if you believe you have been affected by medical negligence relating to your C-section, our experts are here to help you.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Signs your C-section is healing normally

While it’s important to look out for symptoms of torn stitches or internal ruptures, you should also understand what a healthy C-section recovery looks like.

Most women experience:

• Gradually improving pain
• A firm, slightly raised scar
• Light C-section scar bleeding that decreases
• Mild itching as nerves heal
• No foul smell or worsening redness

Normal healing does not include sudden increases in pain, bleeding, or discharge.