Wound Care After Surgery

• Keep the dressing clean, dry and in place unless Mr Getgood’s team has given different instructions.
• Do not peel back the dressing to inspect the wound, and do not apply creams, antiseptics or powders unless advised.
• Follow the discharge advice about showering – the dressing must be kept dry.

• Your discharge instructions say to change the outer dressing on day 3. Use the replacement dressing or plasters supplied by the nurses at Fortius.
• If you were told to leave the dressing on until your appointment, keep it in place instead.

How to change the dressing

1. 01

   Prepare

   Wash your hands thoroughly and prepare a clean, dry surface. Have the new dressing ready before removing the old one.

2. 02

   Remove the old dressing

   Gently peel away the outer crepe bandage and underlying cotton wool bandage. The blue dressing gauze can then be removed. If it sticks, do not pull forcefully; gently peel it away from the underlying Steri-Strips. Do not be too worried if one or two pull away. Seek advice if it will not come away easily.

3. 03

   Check the wound

   Look for increasing redness, swelling, discharge or wound edges opening. Do not touch the wound or remove stitches, glue or Steri-Strips.

4. 04

   Clean only if advised

   Do not scrub the wound or routinely apply antiseptic, alcohol, peroxide or cream; leave the wound surface alone.

5. 05

   Apply a new plaster or dressing

   Place a sterile dressing or plaster (Mepore) over the wound without touching the pad that will sit against it. Make sure it covers the wound and is secure but not tight.

6. 06

   Dispose and wash

   Dispose of the used dressing, wash your hands again and keep the new dressing clean and dry.

• Do not change the dressing unless it becomes soiled or wet.
• It is important to keep the wound covered with a clean, dry dressing and to follow the instructions given at discharge.
• Do not remove Steri-Strips or stitches.
• Continue to follow the discharge advice about showering.
• Do not soak the wound in a bath, swimming pool or hot tub.

• You will have your dressings and Steri-Strips removed at this appointment. If you have any stitches these will be trimmed or cut at this time.
• A new dressing may be applied if there is still any discharge from the wound.
• If it is dry, no further dressing will be applied.
• It should be safe to start showering from this time – if not, you will be advised appropriately.
• Do not soak the wound in a bath, swimming pool or hot tub until you have been told it is safe.

• This is generally only if you have had a simple knee arthroscopy.
• Continue to protect the wound from rubbing and contamination. Change the outer dressing only as instructed (3 days after surgery) or if it becomes wet, dirty or loose.
• At 2 weeks post-op you may remove the dressings and Steri-Strips. The wounds should be fully closed. If there is any discharge or opening at this time, please let Mr Getgood’s team know.
• If all healed, you may leave the wounds uncovered and a dressing may not be needed. If unsure, contact Mr Getgood’s team before leaving it uncovered.
• At this stage it is safe to shower.
• Do not soak the wound in a bath, swimming pool or hot tub until you have been told it is safe.