An introduction to surgical wounds

An introduction to surgical wounds

Wound management practices are as important in surgical wounds as in any other wound type.

Surgical wounds present a number of challenges to the health care professional and can be associated with:

  • Surgical site infection among hospitalized patients1
  • Patient pain and discomfort during movement – especially when early postoperative mobility is required2
  • Pain and trauma at dressing changes3

Blistering, often associated with orthopedic dressings, can lead to infection, delay healing and increase hospital length of stay.4

The methods of closure present the clinician with different wound management challenges.

References [+]

  1. Mangram AJ, Horan TC, Pearson ML, Silver LC, Jarvis WR. Guideline for prevention of surgical site infection, 1999. Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1999;20(4):250-278; quiz 279-280.
  2. Nimmo WS, Duthie DJ. Pain relief after surgery. Anaesth Intensive Care. 1987;15(1):68-71
  3. Biggins J. Developments in the care of patients who require surgery for an abscess. Br J Perioper Nurs. 2001;11(12):522-530.
  4. Gupta SK, Lee S, Moseley LG. Postoperative wound blistering: is there a link with dressing usage? J Wound Care. 2002;11(7):271-273.

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