Surgical wounds
In closed wounds, the skin edges are reapproximated by stitches, staples, tissue adhesives or adhesive strips and left to heal by primary intention.
Blistering is a common problem in orthopedic surgery and can be attributed to:1
- Movement between the skin and dressing over a period of time
- Soft tissue edema
- The dressing type and application
- Skin problems in older patients
Blistering increases the risk of infection, which can delay healing and increase hospital length of stay.2
"Postoperative blisters require additional dressing changes, take extra nursing time and delay patient discharge."3
The choice of wound dressings is important to overcome these problems.
- Gauze dressings quickly become rigid and uncomfortable for the patient and must be changed frequently.4
- In addition, plain gauze or cellulose dressings offer limited protection to the wound from bacterial contamination.5
References [+]
- Ravenscroft MJ, Harker J, Buch KA. A prospective, randomised, controlled trial comparing wound dressings used in hip and knee surgery: Aquacel and Tegaderm versus Cutiplast. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2006;88(1):18-22.
- Gupta SK, Lee S, Moseley LG. Postoperative wound blistering: is there a link with dressing usage? J Wound Care. 2002;11(7):271-273.
- Abuzakuk TM, Coward P, Shenava Y, Kumar VS, Skinner JA. The management of wounds following primary lower limb arthroplasty: a prospective, randomised study comparing hydrofibre and central pad dressings. Int Wound J. 2006;3(2):133-137.
- Hermans MH. Clinical benefit of a hydrocolloid dressing in closed surgical wounds. J ET Nurs. 1993;20(2):68-72.
- Hulten L. Dressings for surgical wounds. Am J Surg. 1994;167(1A):42S-44S; discussion 44S-45S.