There goes the stitching; next the stuffing?

This is a piece of stitching that was embedded in the drain hole installed in my neck during my recent operation. It had been used to secure the drain tube in my throat. The knotty bit at the end on the right was standing proud from my neck and, like a scab, was a too tempting target for picky fingers.

So last night, after copious self-medication with lager and Bass, I decided to remove it using the medical experience I gained here. Using tweezers I gripped the proud end and pulled...

It came out surprisingly easily, with no pain and, which I can't understand, no blood!