How to change an incision bandage
Before you start, make sure you have gauze pads, a box of medical gloves, surgical tape, a plastic bag, and scissors.
- Prepare supplies by opening the gauze packages and cutting new tape strips.
- Wash and dry your hands. Put on medical gloves.
- Loosen the tape around the old bandage.
- Remove the old bandage.
- If your doctor told you to do so, clean the incision.
Use these steps.
Gently wash it with soap and water to remove the crust.Do not scrub or soak the wound.Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine, which can harm the tissue and slow wound healing.Air-dry the incision or pat it dry with a clean, fresh towel before reapplying the bandage. - Inspect the incision for signs of infection.
- Hold a clean, sterile gauze pad by the corner and place over the incision.
- Use a few strips of tape to hold the gauze pad in place.
- Put all trash in a plastic bag. Remove your gloves last.
- Seal plastic bag and throw it away.
- Wash your hands.
What do you do if you have infection or pain after surgery?
If you have signs of infection, call your doctor. These signs include increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness. They also include red streaks leading from the incision, pus draining from the incision, or a fever. Call your doctor if you have pain that doesn't get better after you take pain medicine.
What are some common concerns after surgery?
The most common problems right after surgery are pneumonia, bleeding, infection, bruising or blood clotting (hematoma) at the surgery site, trouble urinating, and reactions to the anesthesia.
In the first 48 hours after surgery, the most likely risks are bleeding and heart or lung problems. From 48 hours to 30 days after surgery, the most common risks are infection, blood clots, and problems with other body organs.
Another concern is pain control. Inflammation or nerve injury from the surgery can cause pain. Your doctor may give you more than one medicine for pain. Often opioids are given.
Anesthesia can have side effects. Two of the most unpleasant ones are nausea and constipation. Nausea will soon wear off, but constipation can be uncomfortable for several days after surgery. You may get a medicine to help you move your bowels.
What instructions might you get after surgery?
After surgery, you will most likely go home with a sheet of instructions. You'll learn who to contact if you have a problem.
Your instructions will include:
- Which medicines you are to take and when. This includes any pain medicine, plus medicines you take regularly.
- Information on breathing and exercises to help prevent any problems.
- The level of activity that is safe for you to do.
- What foods to eat and how your bowel and urinary habits may change.
- How to use special equipment, such as a sling or crutches.
Your home-care instructions will include how to take care of your incision. They will explain:
- The best way to bathe and protect your wound.
- How to care for and change your surgical bandages.
- What clothes to wear to avoid rubbing your incision.
- What symptoms to look for that may be a problem.
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