Consultations are generally offered in French: please confirm with the clinic (579 305-0344). The French version of this site prevails. Translation under professional review.
Wounds and sutures · Saint‑HyacintheAssessment by a nurse practitioner (NP)
A prompt assessment for certain wounds and superficial conditions.
Some wounds or skin conditions can be treated directly at the clinic when they are sufficiently superficial and their location, depth and complexity allow for a safe procedure.
At Clinique IPS du Palais, the NP can assess certain situations requiring, for example: a minor procedure, drainage of certain abscesses when indicated, assessment of a recent wound, wound cleaning or closure of an eligible wound with stitches.
Recent wound? Call us before coming in. Eligibility for the procedure is always determined after the clinical assessment. We do not perform sutures on the face, hands or feet.
Minor procedures
A minor procedure is performed at the clinic to treat certain superficial conditions that do not require more complex hospital or surgical care.
In Quebec, NPs may, among other things, determine medical treatments and apply certain invasive medical treatments within their scope of practice.2
Depending on the situation, the NP may, among other things:
Assessment
Two wounds that look similar may require very different management. The NP assesses factors such as:
This assessment makes it possible to determine whether the wound can be treated at the clinic or whether another resource is more appropriate.
INESSS offers a decision support tool dedicated to traumatic wounds (laceration, abrasion, bite), which supports a structured assessment in order to adapt management to the clinical situation.1
Sutures
Sutures can be used to bring the edges of certain wounds together when primary closure is deemed appropriate. A wound may sometimes be eligible when it is:
However, the decision does not depend solely on the size of the cut.
No.
Some wounds may be left open, closed in another way or require different management. The decision depends on factors such as:
The goal is therefore not to put in stitches automatically, but to choose the most appropriate management method.
Before coming in
For recent wounds, a phone check is recommended before coming in.
This check makes it possible to quickly determine whether an assessment at the clinic is realistic or whether it is better to direct you straight to another resource.
Our team may ask you, for example:
Limits
No sutures
A referral to a more appropriate resource may also be necessary in the presence of:
Your appointment
The NP checks the circumstances of the injury, how long ago it occurred and the associated symptoms.
The wound is examined to assess:
When indicated, the wound is cleaned to remove visible contaminants and allow for a better assessment.
Depending on the situation, the wound may:
When closure with stitches is appropriate, the goal is to bring the edges of the wound together to promote healing. Depending on the situation:
The number of stitches depends on the size, shape and location of the wound.
Abscesses
An abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by an infection. It may appear, for example, as an area that is:
In some situations, an abscess may require drainage.
No.
The NP must first determine:
Some abscesses may require other management or a referral to a resource with additional means.
No.
Treatment depends on the situation. In some simple abscesses, drainage may be an important part of the treatment.
In other situations, antibiotic therapy may be indicated based on the clinical assessment.
The decision rests with the professional who assesses the patient.
After the procedure
When a wound is assessed, vaccination status may be checked depending on the type of injury and the circumstances.
Some wounds may warrant updating tetanus vaccination.
It is therefore helpful to know, when possible, the date of your last dose.
Recommendations vary depending on the wound and its location. You may be told, among other things:
It is important to follow the instructions provided at the time of the procedure.
The time before removal depends on factors such as the location and how healing progresses.
Removal should not be based solely on the number of days elapsed. The wound must first be assessed to make sure healing is sufficiently advanced.
A reassessment may be necessary if you notice:
Rapid worsening should be assessed without delay.
Urgent medical attention is preferable, including in the presence of:
In these situations, it is best to go to an appropriate emergency resource.
Frequently asked questions
It is best to contact the clinic before coming in. A brief check makes it possible to determine whether the location and characteristics of the wound match the services offered.
No. Clinique IPS du Palais does not perform sutures on the face.
No. Wounds requiring sutures on the hands or feet are referred to an appropriate resource.
No. Whether closure is needed depends on several factors, including the depth, location, gaping of the edges and condition of the wound.
Some wounds benefit from being assessed promptly. The acceptable delay depends on the type of wound and its condition. For this reason, it is best to contact our team as soon as possible.
Yes. The clinic also offers a suture removal service after assessment of healing.
Fees
265 $
Assessment and treatment of certain superficial conditions that may require a minor procedure, including drainage of an abscess when indicated. Eligibility for the procedure is determined after the clinical assessment.
265 $
Assessment, cleaning and closure of an eligible recent wound. Contact the clinic promptly before coming in so that our team can check whether the injury can be managed on site.
The clinic does not perform sutures on the face, hands or feet. A deep or complex wound, significant bleeding or an injury beyond the services offered will be referred to an appropriate resource.
Whether the procedure can be performed depends on the location, depth, age and complexity of the wound.
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes and does not replace an assessment by a health professional. In an emergency, go to an appropriate emergency resource.
