一般及消化系外科
| 衛教單張編號：A7510213e | |
Surgical Wound Home Care
外科手術居家傷口照護（英文）
外科手術居家傷口照護（英文）
By 一般外科、7A病房、7B病房 |September, 2024
1.Prepare for Dressing Change
| Choose Antiseptic Solution | Sterile cotton swabs | Sterile Dressing | Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| □Saline solution □Povidone Iodine □Aqua Easy Antiseptic Solution 2% (blue cap) □Easy Antiseptic Liquid 2% (red cap) □Other: |
□Cleaning cotton swabs □Cotton swabs for oral care □ENT cotton swabs □Other: |
Gauze: □2*2 □3*3 □4*4 □Y-Shaped Gauze □Hydrocolloid thin dressing: □Other: |
□3M™ Micropore™ Surgical Tape □Baby surgical tape □Yu-Ki Ban □Gloves □Other: |
2.Purpose of Dressing Change
To prevent post-operative wound infection and enhance wound healing.
3.Schedule for Dressing Change
Change the wound dressing once daily (or follow the physician’s instruction for the number of dressing change). Change the wound dressing immediately in case of wound exudate, gauze coming off, or accidental dampening.
4.Procedure for Dressing Change
- A.Wash hands.
- B.Supplies.
- C.Remove gauze, observe wound.
- If the gauze adheres to the wound, do not remove with force. Use saline solution to dampen before removing the gauze.
- Observe the nature of the wound for any redness, hotness, swelling, pain, and the color, nature and quantity of discharge.
- D.Sterilization
- Sterilize with Povidone iodine → After 30 seconds → Wipe off with saline solution → Cover the wound with gauze.
- Sterilize the area at least 5CM greater than the wound. Avoid rubbing back and forth.
- Note: When using Aqua Easy Antiseptic Solution 2% or Easy Antiseptic Liquid 2% for sterilization → Cover with gauze.
- E.Cover with gauze
- Take the gauze only by the corner or edge only to cover the wound. Do not touch the side of the gauze covering the wound as it may contaminate the wound.
- The gauze must exceed the surround of wound by 1CM.
- Finally, use the paper tape to fixate the gauze. If the skin is fragile, choose hypoallergenic tape such as baby surgical tape or Yu-Ki Ban.
5.Definition of Exudate Amount
For amount exceeding 10ml daily, change the dressing at least 3 times a day or else the exudate may leak through the dressing or clothing.
For amount between 5~10ml, change the dressing 2~3times a day. The exudate may leak through the dressing but will not be excessive.
For amount under 5ml, change the dressing once a day. The exudate will not leak through the dressing or clothing.
※Note: If the exudate appears clear and not purulent, simply increase the number of dressing change.
6.Instructions for Wound Care
- Follow the instructions for proper use of antiseptic solution or application of antibiotic ointment. Do not apply ointment from unknown source.
- If the wound shows infectious signs, such as fever (higher than 38℃), wound redness and swelling, thermal pain, secretion with offensive odor, or detached wound sutures, make appointment for the clinic office of Gastroenterology & General Surgery on weekdays, or seek for medical evaluation at the ER on the weekends. Please seek for medical treatment in case of wound bleeding.
- The physician will assess the timing for removing the stitches on the wound during clinic hours. Before removing the stitches from the wound, wipe with damp towel during bath and do not shower as it could cause wound infection.
- Adhesive Skin Closure:
- Enhance wound healing with flat surface and prevent hypertrophic scar by compressing the wound.
- The adhesive skin closure comes with absorbable stiches on the inner layer of the wound and hence does not require removing the stitches. Replace with new closures after the adhesive skin closure falls off or gets stained. Change the adhesive if needed.
- The physician will evaluate the adhesion period upon the first clinic revisit after discharge from the hospital. If the adhesive falls off before revisit to the clinic office, then general dressing change will be required.
- Waterproof Gel:
- Apply the gel on the surface of the wound during surgery. It does not require change of dressing, normally. In case of exudate appearing on the post-operative wound (failure with waterproof gel), general dressing change for wound will be required.
- Do not “rub” the area applied with waterproof gel during bath. Gently dry the body with a towel after the bath. The dressing will come off in about 1 week.
7.Others
For assistance in psychological or social resource, please consult with the social work office of the hospital voluntarily or ask the nurse for assistance with referral.
8.Q & A for Wound Care at Home
| Q | What do I do when experiencing pain in the wound? |
|---|---|
| A | ★Take the painkiller by instructions to improve the pain. Make an appointment for surgical clinic revisit if necessary. Discuss with the physician for the medication treatment upon revisit. ★In case of the pain intensifies compared with at the hospital or at home, while taking the painkiller does not improve, seek for medical treatment at the ER immediately. |
| Q | What do I do if the skin itches around the wound? |
|---|---|
| A | ★Post-operative wound－ It happens when fibroblast produces massive collagen to repair the skin. After the scabbing and epidermal regeneration, new skin will grow in about 10 days. It is normal to feel numb and itchy on the wound during the healing period. Please avoid scratching in case of experiencing itchiness. ★Skin area surrounding the wound－If the skin area adhered with the tape causes the redness and itchiness, it is recommended to change the tape to baby surgical tape or Yu-Ki Ban. |
～諮詢電話～ |