First, the new Spanish government told the United States that it was willing to offer a change in the Reconcentration policies (the main set of policies that was feeding yellow journalism in the United States) if the Cuban rebels agreed to a cessation of hostilities.
Some were assigned to keep their stitched wounds dry and covered for at least 48 hours (the control group), and others were told to keep the dressing on to absorb immediate bleeding, then remove it and bathe as normal in the first 12 hours. None of the patients were on antibiotics.
When they take the stitches out, they might apply paper stitches to help keep the wound from opening while healing. At that time you should address the question with the doctor regarding his activities in the coming weeks. It should be sealed well enough within two weeks to resume normal activities.