Dermabond glue after surgery - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Dermabond glue after surgery

May 24, 2009

Question

I just had my gallbladder removed and the surgeons used dermabond (the glue) instead of stitches. I have glue residue on my belly, not just between the approximating skin. Is the glue on my skin a chatzitzah? If that glue comes off before the mikvah time is the glue holding the wound closed a potential chatzitzah as well?

Answer

Visible glue is a chatzitzah and should be removed prior to immersion. Please ask your physician whether this glue can be picked off after the scar has healed sufficiently (probably about one week after surgery).

Glue that is not visible between the approximating skin is not a chatzitzah and need not be removed.

Refuah shleimah! Please feel free to get back to us if you have further questions.