how long can they last? can they rot and start moving around?
Hello patco36
Relax, those metal clips or staples done after surgery are steel thingy's and they do NOT rot. In all probability they will be removed in 15 to 20 days time - or maybe more if the wound does not heal. Meanwhile I am sure your doctor must have suggested cleaning the area and applying a medicated cream - do please follow instructions and in due time all will be well. Good luck
Where are they, inside or out?
After having bypass surgery they stitched up my arm where they harvested an artery, using staples. I went back three weeks after to have them taken out. They used a, you guessed it, staple remover. It kind of tickled with each click.
I also have a half million metal clips inside me that look pretty funny on a chest x-ray. Of course they did not remove those as that would require another major operation, Those do not go away or "rot".