Surgical Dressing

Overview:

Dressing means the material applied, or the application itself of material, to a wound for protection, healing, and absorbance. The procedure includes cleaning, disinfection and protection of the wound, which has a significant impact on the speed of healing, the function of the repaired skin and the cosmetic appearance of the resulting scar.

Pre Procedure:

You must wear comfortable loose clothing to keep the dressing site friction-free and for ease of performing the procedure.

During Procedure:

The procedure is done in a treatment room specially assigned for dressings.
You are settled comfortably in an area where your privacy is respected throughout the procedure.
If it’s your first session, the procedure is explained to you and your cooperation is obtained.
A doctor will evaluate the wound and decide on a suitable dressing type.
The nurse disinfects her hand with an alcohol-based hand rub. The wound site is cleaned with surface disinfectant/antiseptic. A septic dressing material is used to cover the wound site and secured with adhesive tape or bandage.
The entire process takes not more than 15 to 20 mins, depending on the wound.
Dressings are typically changed once a day or every alternate day to avoid disturbing the wound-healing environment. A Tegaderm dressing is usually changed at an interval of every 3 days. Hence, your next appointment can be pre-scheduled with the nurse to avoid delays.

Post Procedure:

The wound is to be kept dry and not wetted. The patient is advised to stick to sponge bathing till the wound has healed.
Loose clothing is to be worn so as not to disturb the dressing and the wound.
There are no dietary restrictions, post-procedure.
In case you observe soakage or bleeding from the wound site, contact your doctor immediately.

ACCREDITATIONS