Surgical wound care

In the first days after surgery it is normal to have mild redness, slight swelling and pain that gradually improves, with a small amount of clear or pinkish fluid.

Most surgical wounds are closed with stitches, staples or skin glue and covered with a dressing. The surgeon decides how long it stays on and when it is first changed.

• Infection (surgical site infection).
• Wound dehiscence: the wound opening partly or fully after closure.
• A collection of fluid or blood under the wound.
• Patient factors such as poorly controlled diabetes, obesity, smoking, poor nutrition and some immune-suppressing medicines.

• Follow the surgeon’s written instructions on the dressing, showering and when stitches come out.
• Leave the first dressing in place until the time your surgical team gives, unless it becomes soaked or comes off.
• Many surgeons allow showering about two days after surgery. Pat the wound dry, and avoid baths and swimming until your surgeon agrees.
• Stitches or staples often come out within one to two weeks, depending on the operation. Don’t remove them yourself.
• Wash your hands before and after touching the wound or dressing.
• Don’t put creams, ointments or home remedies on the wound unless your care team prescribed them.
• Avoid heavy lifting or movements that strain the wound for as long as your surgeon advises.
• Good nutrition, blood glucose control and stopping smoking all support healing.
• Look at the wound daily and note any change.

When a surgical wound opens or is slow to heal, it may need an advanced care plan decided by the surgeon, such as surgical cleaning, specialist dressings or negative pressure wound therapy.

The specialist wound nurse provides assessment, wound care, follow-up and education, in close coordination with the surgeon.