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Care of Sternal Wounds

Open-heart surgery requires a large sterna incision that you need to care for properly during recovery to prevent infection. A clean and sterile wound will heal faster and cause you less pain and discomfort. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding wound care exactly to minimize your risk of infection and delayed healing.

  1. Removing the Old Dressing

    • Change your wound dressing if it shows blood or as often as your surgeon advises you to change it. Wash your hands before removing your dressing. Wash in warm water with a mild soap and dry them thoroughly. Gently loosen the tape and pull the dressing off the sternal wound. If the dressing sticks to the wound, wet it with warm water before pulling it off. Place the soiled dressing in a plastic bag and seal it before throwing it away to prevent contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly again after removing the dressing.

    Caring for the Wound

    • Use a gauze pad moistened with warm water and a mild soap to wash your wound. Rubbing the wound can cause irritation, so gently dab the gauze on and around the room, removing any blood and drainage. Do not use peroxide, scented soaps or alcohol on your wound. Gently dry the incision with a clean, dry piece of sterile gauze. Put the gauze pieces in a plastic bag before disposing of them and wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning your wound. Do not put any ointment or lotion on your wound unless directed to do so by your surgeon. Apply a new dressing as instructed by your surgeon. For sternal wounds, this typically involves taping sterile gauze pads over the incision.

    Recognizing Infection

    • It is important to be able to recognize the signs of a wound infection so you can notify your doctor and receive prompt medical treatment. Infections that go untreated can spread to other areas and cause severe illness and delayed recovery. Notify your doctor or surgeon right away if your wound appears red or swollen. A pink hue is normal but should fade with time. If the pink area around your wound becomes larger or if the area near the incision feels warm when you touch it, you may have an infection. Thick, pus-like drainage and a fever of above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit are also possible signs of infection that your doctor should evaluate as soon as possible.

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