Wound care on discharge
The wound is usually uncovered prior to leaving hospital, if not a district nurse or practice nurse has been informed to review. It is beneficial to take a picture of the sternal or thoracic wound on discharge so you can review if there are any concerns or changes to the wound.
Stitches, clips and staples
Some sutures/stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed and will usually disappear within 7-10 days. Other sutures or clips are removed 7-10 days following surgery or after chest drain removal, these will be removed by a practice nurse or district nurse where an appointment will be required. The discharge nurse will give you all relevant information.
Cleaning the wound
Keep the wound dry unless having a shower, it is recommended to have a shower as running water is beneficial to the wound rather than bath water. Do not soak wound in the bath. Avoid getting soap onto the wound if this occurs rinse with clean water, avoid vigorous scrubbing. Do not clean wound with soap until wound is fully healed. Pat the wound with a clean towel until dry, do not rub the wound as this could increase the risk of infection and can delay the healing process.
Most surgical wounds heal without any problems, however wound infections can occur following your discharge from hospital and if not treated early can lead to more serious complications including the need for surgical intervention.
Some people are at higher risk of wound infections; these include people that;
• Smoke
• Have diabetes
• Have a condition that affects the immune system or undergoing treatment, Eg; Leukemia or chemotherapy.
• High BMI
• Steroid therapy.
Review wounds daily to ensure they are healing well, if you have any of these symptoms.
Please contact your GP, consultant secretary or the Advanced clinical Practitioner at BVH on;
Ward 38 01253 957738
Ward 39 01253 957756
• Inflammation of the wound
• Redness increasing around the wound
• Increase in pain sensation around the wound
• Pus or fluid leakage from wound
• An unpleasant smell from the wound
• A new opening of the wound
• Increased temperature or fever
