How to take care of a surgical wound?

Surgical wounds are the result of surgical procedures. Although in most cases they heal normally, sometimes infection and damage to the blood vessels cause them to take longer to heal.

Sometimes the surgical wounds open. This can happen in the entire incision or only in one part. The doctor may decide not to suture it again. In this case it is necessary to take care at home. A dressing helps absorb any secretion. It is important to wash your hands well before changing the dressing.

Care of the surgical wound

Use a gauze or soft cloth to clean the skin around the wound

Use a normal saline solution or mild soapy water

Clean the wound with gentle touches

Try to eliminate suppurations and dry blood accumulated around the wound

Do not use skin cleansers, alcohol, peroxide, iodine or soaps with antibacterial chemicals

Do not apply lotions, cream or remedies on the wound without doctor’s authorization

How does the hyperbaric chamber contributes?

Hyperbaric oxygenation accelerates wound healing and is a useful and safe supplement because it increases blood pressure of oxygen, benefiting re-oxygenation of the wound, the formation of new blood vessels, proliferation of fibroblasts, synthesis of collagen and the response immune local. Hyperbaric oxygenation consists in placing the patient in a hyperbaric chamber and administering 100% oxygen.

Sources

Eskes A, Vermeulen H, Lucas C, Ubbink DT. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the treatment of acute traumatic and surgical wounds, via http://www.cochrane.org/en/CD008059/hyperbaric-oxygenotherapy-for-the-treatment-of- trauma-trauma-and- surgical- injuries sharp

Lynn PB. Cleaning a wound and applying a dry, sterile dressing. In: Lynn PB, ed. 2nd ed. Taylor’s Handbook of Nursing Skills. Baltimore, MD: Wolters Kluwers; 2014; chap 55.