Today our topic of discussion is Surgical Dressing.
Surgical Dressing
SURGICAL DRESSING
Surgical dressing is a sterile technique used to promote wound healing. It is a protective covering placed on the wound (Fig. 28.34). Factors influences surgical dressing is discussed in Flowchart 28.1.
Purpose
- To protect the wound from mechanical injury
- To splint or immobilize the wound
- To absorbs drainage.
- To prevent contamination from bodily discharges (feces, urine)
- To debride the wound by combining capillary action and the end wining of necrotic tissue and in its mesh
- To inhibit or kill microorganisms by using dressings with antiseptics, antimicrobial properties
- To provide a physiologic environment conducive to healing
- To provide mental and physical comfort for the patient.
Types of Dressing
Dry-to-dry Dressing
- Used primarily for wounds closing by 1 degree intention
- Offers good wound protection, absorption of drainage and esthetics, eg, patient provides pressure for homeostasis
- Disadvantage-They adhere to wound surface when drainage dries, removal can cause pain and disruption of granulation tissue.
Wet-to-dry Dressing
- They are particularly useful for untidy or infected wounds that must be debrided and closed by 2-degree intension
- Gauze saturated with sterile saline or an antimicrobial solution in packed into the wound, eliminating dead space
- The wet dressings are then covered by dry dressings As drying occurs, wound debris and necrotic tissue are absorbed into the gauze dressing by capillary action
- The dressing is changed when it became dry.
Wet-to-wet Dressings
- Used on clean open wounds as on granulating surfaces. Sterile saline as an antimicrobial agent may be read to saturate the dressings
- Provide a more physiologic environment, which can enhance the local healing process as well as ensure greater patient comfort
- Disadvantage: surrounding tissues can become macer- ated, the risk of infection may rise and bed linens become damp.