I need major help or advice

So today me and my husband found a HOLE yes a HOLE about a inch deep and wide. We think he may have been snug by a nail under the porch. We don't have major funds and the emergency vet here takes a upfront payment they said he may need stiches and to do that he would have to be sedated and its considered a surgery. I put a bandage on it and a T-shirt on him so he don't lick at it. What can I do. I dont want it getting infected and I don't want to lose him.