Home Page

Date issued: February 2024

Review date: February 2026

Ref: C-569/SS/surgery/Surgical Wound Care  

PDF:  Surgical wounds.pdf[pdf] 144KB

Introduction

This leaflet gives you information and advice on caring for your surgical wound. There are different types of surgical wounds, so it's important to follow the specific advice you receive depending on the operation you have had.

Surgical wounds

A surgical wound is the cut made into the skin by the surgeon during the operation. At the end of the

operation, the skin is stitched back together to allow the skin edges to come together and heal. This is done with stitches, staples/clips, steristrips or adhesive dressings (glue). The skin usually forms a seal within a day or two of the operation.

The time the wound takes to heal varies from person to person and is dependent on what sort of operation you have had. In healthy people, most wounds heal within a couple of weeks but again this can vary.

Caring for Non- absorbable Stitches (sutures) or Medical Staples/ Clips care

• Keep the area around the wound clean and dry for the first 48 hours.

• The length of time your stitches or staples need to stay in depends on where the wound is on your body.

• The stitches or staples will usually be removed by your practice nurse at your GP Surgery. You are responsible for making the necessary appointment.

• Do not attempt to remove the stitches or staples yourself

Caring for Absorbable Sutures

Some stitches are dissolvable and will typically disappear within four to eight weeks.

If you have stitches, you may see small pieces of the stitch material poking out of your wound – do not be tempted to pull on these, they will dissolve.

However, if you are worried or concerned that your sutures are not healing, please book an appointment with your Practice Nurse, as the stitch may be required to be trimmed.

Caring for Steristrips

Steristrips are sticky dressings which hold the edges of the wound together to allow it to heal.

• They should be left on for 5 to 7 days.

• Keep the area clean and dry as much as you can, or the dressing may peel off before the wound is healed.

• After 5 to 7 days the dressing will usually peel off by itself.

• If not, moisten them with lukewarm water and carefully peel away.

• This can be done by yourself or by making an appointment with your Practice Nurse at your GP Surgery.

Caring for Tissue Adhesive (glue)

Tissue adhesive (glue) holds the wound edges together and does not need to be removed. It also can be used as an added protective layer and is often used as a wound dressing.

• Keep the area clean and dry for 5 days.

• The glue will form part of the scab and fall off naturally in about 5 to 10 days when the wound is healed.

• Do not pick or scratch at the glued area as this will cause the wound to open

If you are worried about the stitches/clips or staples, always seek advice from your GP or Practice Nurse.

Dressings

Not all surgical wounds require a dressing. The purpose of a dressing is to:

• Absorb any fluid weeping from the wound

• Provide the best conditions for healing

• Protect the area as your wound heals

• Apply pressure to the wound (if required)

Changing your dressing

The original dressing should be left in place as advised by the nurse. The wound must be always kept dry. If the dressing becomes wet from blood or any other liquid it must be changed. Before you remove and change the dressing you should:

• Wash your hands with soap and water.

• Carefully take the dirty dressing off.

• Not touch the healing wound with your fingers.

If the wound is healing, it can be left without a dressing. Some people however prefer to have a dressing to cover the wound for protection, especially when clothing can rub against it.

We may give you a supply of replacement dressings to use at home. When applying, take care not to touch the inside of the dressing so that it remains clean. There is no need for antiseptic cream under the dressing.

Bathing and showering

You will typically be advised to wait 48 hours post-surgery to shower safely. After 48 hours, a surgical wound can get wet without increasing the risk of infection; however, it depends upon the type of operation. Your nurse will advise you specifically.

When showering/ washing, there are some important points to consider:

• If possible, have showers rather than baths. It is important not to soak your wound too much as this may soften the scar tissue, causing the skin edges to open. Only take a bath if you are sure, you can keep the wound dry.

• Some waterproof dressings can be left in place whilst you take a shower or wash, while others may need to be removed beforehand. Your nurse will advise you depending on what dressing you have.

• Do not put any soap, shower gel, body lotion, talcum powder or other bathing products directly onto your healing wound. This may cause discomfort and encourage an infection. You can gently wash the surrounding skin with mild non-scented soap though.

• You can let the shower water gently splash onto the healing wound, however, do not rub the area as this may be painful and could delay the healing process.

• Pat the wound dry gently with a clean towel after showering/bathing.

Will my wound bleed?

If the wound site starts to bleed once you have been discharged home, you can apply pressure to the site for ten minutes, keeping the pressure applied with something that is dry and clean like a tissue, clean cloth, handkerchief or swabs.

If it does not stop bleeding after ten minutes, apply a cold compress, e.g., a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a pillowcase or towel for a further 20 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop or is excessive, please contact your G.P, the NHS helpline service on 111 or A&E department for further advice.

Managing pain

Some pain is normal especially within the first week after your operation. Controlling pain is important for comfort and your recovery. Some painkiller tablets may interact with medications that you already take at home. Talk to your doctor and nurse about which painkillers are best for you to take before you are discharged home.

Remember to only take medication for pain relief as instructed.

If your pain dramatically increases or is not responding to pain relief, please seek medical advice by contacting your GP or the NHS helpline service on 111.

How can I tell if my wound is healing?

Wounds heal in stages. Your wound may become slightly swollen, red or pink and tender. You may also see some clear fluid oozing from the wound. This fluid helps clean the area. You may get a scab that forms, this is your body’s way of protecting your wound from infection. As your wound heals, the skin edges pull inward, and the wound gets smaller. As healing continues, you may notice that your wound becomes itchy which is a normal part of the healing process. Do not scratch or rub the area as this may delay healing.

You may get a scar that forms because the new tissue grows back differently than the original tissue, but it will be smaller than your wound.

Problems with wound healing

Doctors and nurses will do everything that they can to prevent your wound from becoming infected whilst you are in hospital. However, it is important that you know how to tell if you are developing an infection after you go home. If a wound becomes infected it may:

• become more painful.

• look red or swollen.

• weep or leak some blood-like fluid, pus or blood.

• have an unpleasant smell.

• you may develop a temperature or feel feverish and generally unwell.

Contacts / further information

If you develop a high temperature, notice any of the signs mentioned above, or have any concerns about your wound, then please do not hesitate to contact your GP, Practice Nurse, or NHS helpline service on 111 for further advice.

Follow up-

You should contact your GP/ practice nurse and make an appointment for the removal of your stitches /clips/ staples on/ in-………………………………………………………

Type of wound Closure- …………………………………….

Type of Dressing- ………………………………………….

Dressing to be changed/ to be removed on-………………….………………….………………………………

Extra dressing given- Yes       No        

Practice nurse letter given Yes      No