Effectiveness of Postoperative Care of Sutured Wound with no Dressing and Early Showering

Abstract

Background: Postoperative wound care by covering the wound with a wound dressing is a widely practiced method by doctors to stop bleeding, absorb lymph and prevent wound infection. However, there is no clear evidence that various wound dressing methods are more effective than not covering the wound. In addition, in hot and humid countries such as Thailand, prolonged wound dressing may cause sweat accumulation and increase the risk of infection.

Objective: To study the incidence of infection in surgical wounds that were sutured without any closure and allowed patients to shower while the wound was exposed to water.

Method: This is a retrospective study from the medical records of patients who underwent surgery and sutured with primary intention without closure with gauze and were advised to shower. The patients were followed up 2-3 weeks after surgery to check for infection and other complications.

Results: From the study of 305 patients, there were only 4 (1.3%) surgical wound infections, which were patients who underwent appendectomy and perforated gastric bypass surgery. While clean surgery, such as inguinal hernia surgery and breast surgery, No infectious complications were found.

Conclusion: Postoperative wound care without wound closure and allowing patients to shower from 24-48 hours after surgery has a low infection rate and reduces unnecessary wound dressing use. It also helps patients feel more comfortable and reduces their anxiety about wound care.