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2007 Wound Management Policy (148 kB) |
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Page updated 30 April 2007
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Know how to prevent wounds from getting infected Know the wound management products available |
Infection of surgical wounds may be a serious complication leading to prolonged hospital stay, readmission, prolonged morbidity and occasional death.
Wound infection may be prevented by:
The choice of dressing depends on wound type, position and size, and patient factors (e.g. allergy). Follow manufacturers' guidelines. Refer to in-house policies and surgeons' preferences. Do not mix chemical products. It is essential that a post-operative wound dressing is fully adherent and is not disturbed in recovery or on the ward. Dressings must not be taken down for at least 5 days after surgery unless there is a clinical indication such as strike through of blood or a suspicion of early infection (eg with Streptococcus pyogenes). Most infections become apparent around day 10 after surgery (although usually preceded by a period of non-specific fever) and may require re-exploration of the wound to drain pus and remove foreign objects such as stitch material. Antibiotics are poorly effective.
Gilchrist B. Wound Infection. J Wound Care . 1996; 5 :330-334
Morgan DA. Formulary of Wound Management Products - A Guide for Health Care Staff (Eighth edition) 2000 Euromed Communications Limited, Surrey
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