How to Change Post OP Wound Dressings

Surgery is a serious process, not only during the operation but also throughout the recovery period. Re-dressing the wound is a procedure specific to the type of incision made during the operation. The doctor may have sutured or stapled the would closed or left it open. Infection is the biggest concern for post-operative incisions. Forethought and preparation, however, make the process easier and faster, while ensuring the supplies remain sterile and the wound site free from debris.

Things You'll Need

• Station or rolling cart
• Soap
• Paper towels
• Sterile gloves
• Zip bags
• Syringe
• Saline
• Gauze
• Small tray
• Medical tape
• Scissors

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Instructions

Preparation

• 1

  Stock up on wound dressing supplies before going home. Your doctor will determine the frequency of the dressing changes, ranging from once to several times per day. You will receive paperwork on after-care procedures, potential problems and a phone list should you need help. Have a friend or family member acquire the needed materials and set up a wound care station at home. A rolling cart is best, especially if you are bedridden or had surgery in the stomach area or lower.

• 2

  Wash your hands. Remove all jewelry from the fingers and wrists. Under warm, running water, thoroughly wash your hands with soap for 15 to 30 seconds. Rinse and dry completely with a clean paper towel.

• 3

  Put on sterile gloves. Do this immediately after washing your hands; if you come into contact with an object between washing and gloving, then wash your hands again. Ensure that you are not allergic to the latex of the glove or the powder inside. Non-latex and non-powdered gloves are available in a variety of sizes.

• 4

  Lift the edges of the old dressing's tape carefully. Gently lift the old dressing away from the skin and place it in a zip bag. If the old dressing sticks to the healing wound, irrigate the old gauze with a syringe of saltwater (saline) solution until it becomes wet and dislodges.

• 5

  Change your gloves. This prevents contaminating the new dressing with dried blood, dead skin or bacteria from the old dressing. Place the used gloves in the zip bag.

New Dressing

• 6

  Clean the wound by first soaking clean gauze in a small tray of saline solution. Use only saline because chemicals or cleaning solutions can damage the fragile edges of the skin that need to come together to heal the wound. Lightly touch the wet, clean gauze to the wound, removing dried blood or debris that may have settled on the surface. Allow any fluids to drain completely. Deeper wounds may require irrigation with a syringe, but your doctor will advise you on this and demonstrate this for you. Also, if the wound has opened, contact your doctor immediately as she may want to re-suture the incision.

• 7

  Place the new dressing on the wound gently without pressing the folded gauze into the wound. Packing the dressing may help reduce hemorrhaging at the wound site, but do not attempt this without first consulting your doctor. Tape down several layers of gauze so water or debris cannot get under the new dressing.

• 8

  Clean the dressing station and your hands. Place all of the old dressing, tape and gloves in the zip bag, seal it, double bag it and then place it in the outside trash can. Discard any used saline. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water again for 15 to 30 seconds. This process must be repeated every time the dressing is changed.