Surgical wounds
What is a surgical wound?
A surgical wound is a cut made to your skin and tissues during an operation. Usually, after your surgeon finishes your operation, they will secure the edges of the cut. This may be done with:
- Stitches
- Staples (clips)
- Adhesive strips
- Skin glue
The method your surgeon uses will depend on where your wound is, how big it is and how strong the closure needs to be.
Surgical wound dressings
Not every surgical wound requires a dressing but if you do need one, its purpose is to:
- Absorb any fluid weeping from your wound
- Provide the best conditions for healing
- Protect the area as your wound heals
When you remove the dressing:
- Wash your hands prior to touching the dressing
- Do not touch or squeeze the wound
- Do not use antiseptic or any un-prescribed cream under the dressing. These creams may cause harm rather than help the wound heal
If the wound is healing, it can be left without a dressing. You might like to keep one over the area for protection and comfort, for example, if your clothes are rubbing against it. Replacement dressings will be given, if required, to use at home.
It is common for a healing wound to itch – do not be tempted to scratch it! If you are concerned, ask your healthcare professional.
Stitches and staples
Dissolving stitches will disappear as the wound heals. If you see or feel the end of the stitches sticking out, please do not pull on them. If the stitches need to be removed, you will be given specific instructions. Non-dissolvable stitches and staples will need to be removed by a healthcare professional.
Adhesive strips and skin glue
Adhesive strips stick to your skin. They’ll usually come off by themselves after a week to 10 days. Skin glue is waterproof, but it’s best to keep it dry. Don’t use creams or lotions over the glue, and don’t pick at it or rub it. The glue usually peels off by itself in about two weeks, so you don’t need to return to the hospital to have it removed.
Can I bathe or shower?
Ask your Surgical team if you can have a shower or bath, and how long you should keep your wound dry. Always follow their advice – they’ll know what’s best in your circumstances.
When you are able to wash, here are some tips:
- Showering is better than bathing.
Soaking the wound can soften the tissue. Only have a bath if you can keep the wound out of the water - Remove any dressing before you have a bath or shower, unless your healthcare professional gives you different advice.
Some dressings are waterproof and can be left on - You can gently wash the area surrounding your wound with mild soap.
Don’t use soap or any products such as shower gel, body lotion or talc directly over your wound - You can let the shower water gently splash onto your healing wound.
But don’t rub the area, as this might be painful and could delay the healing process - Carefully dry your wound after showering.
This should be done by gently dabbing with a clean towel
Wound complications
Most surgical wounds will heal without any problems. It is possible that your wound may become infected after surgery. A surgical wound infection can develop at any point (up to several months after).
Signs that you may have a wound infection include:
The wound becoming more painful
Redness in and around the wound
Leaking of blood or pus from the wound
Swelling of the wound – an abscess (a collection of pus) may have formed
An unpleasant smell coming from the wound
Having a raised temperature
Don’t worry if there’s a bit of oozing from your wound within the first few hours. Other complications can include the wound gaping open, or some of the stitches or staples coming away. However, if you have any of these symptoms or are worried about how your wound looks, please seek advice from your healthcare professional, unless you have been told to contact the hospital.
My discharge advice
| Operation | |
| Date Performed | |
| Discharge ward | |
| Surgeon | |
| Closure | […] Stitches […] Staples (clips) […] Adhesive strips […] Skin glue |
| Dressing | […] Yes […] No |
| Dressing to be changed on | |
| Dressing type | |
| Follow up with surgical team planned | […] Yes […] No |
| Date of follow up | |
| Wound clinic review | […] Yes […] No |
| Date of first wound clinic | |
| Signature of Nurse providing information |
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