Overview

Most surgical wounds heal without any problems. But about 1 in 5 people find that healing takes a bit longer.

The wound might open slightly or leak a small amount of fluid. If this happens, don't worry. This information will help you care for your wound safely and confidently at home. It should be read alongside any products or instructions sent to you by our central digital wound care team, after your phone appointment.

Items you might receive in your pack

You will have some of these items in your pack. If any of them cause a skin reaction, contact your GP or local pharmacist.

Dressings for 2 weeks

Dressings help absorb any leakage, and create the best conditions for your wound to heal. The size and number is based on the size and appearance of your wound.

Dressing adhesive remover

If we’ve sent you dressings, we’ve included single-use wipes to help gently loosen the sticky edges when you remove the dressing.

Wound-healing gel

This gel helps clean your wound and supports healing. It does not need a prescription. Use it only on the skin over the wound. Keep it away from eyes and sensitive areas.

Antimicrobial wash

The bottle contains enough liquid for 3 to 5 days of use.

Antimicrobial gloves (mittens)

Each pack includes enough gloves to clean your whole body for 1 day, or the wound area for about a week.

Post-op vest

A surgical vest helps to support your chest while the bone is healing. The vest should fit comfortably, without feeling too tight or restrictive. You can wear the vest next to your skin, or over a T-shirt. Please follow the care instructions that come with your vest to look after it.

Washing your wound

Removing the dressing (if you have one)

• Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them using a clean towel.
• Try not to touch the wound or the soft pad on the inside of the dressing.
• Gently lift a corner of the dressing, pulling it up and away from the wound.
• Use the adhesive remover wipe (if you have some in your pack) to help loosen the sticky part. Slide the wipe under the edges and peel the dressing away carefully.

Shower or strip wash

Before you care for your wound, you’ll need to wash it gently with the antimicrobial wash.

• Wet your skin with warm water.
• Turn off the water.
• Put the wash directly on your skin and leave it for 1 minute.
• Rinse off gently with clean water.

Do not use a cloth or sponge on your wound, as this could damage healing skin or cause an infection.

Make sure the soapy water reaches all parts of the wound. If your wound is under a skin fold or in area that’s hard to reach, you might need to gently lift the skin to clean underneath.

Drying the wound

Pat the wound dry with a clean towel. Use a different towel from the one you use for the rest of your body. Try not to touch the wound with your fingers after washing.

Using antimicrobial gloves (mittens)

If we’ve sent you a pack of gloves:

• Use 1 glove to gently wipe over the wound, and then throw it away.
• Use another other glove to clean the area around the wound, then reseal the pack to use another day. Or if you have been told to, use the remaining gloves for other areas of your body.
• Leave to dry for one minute before either applying a dressing or the wound-healing gel.

When you’ve finished, throw the gloves away in a waterproof bag and wash your hands.

The gloves only need to be applied one time each day, because the solution provides long-lasting cover for 24 hours. 

Next, apply either the dressing or the healing gel.

Applying a dressing

You will need to apply a dressing if you have not been sent wound-healing gel.

Applying the dressing

• Hold the dressing by the sticky edges.
• Place the soft pad directly over the wound.
• Press the sticky edges down around the outside of the pad so the dressing is firmly sealed. This helps keep water and bacteria (germs) out.
• Throw used dressings and wipes away in a waterproof bag.
• Wash your hands again.

How long to leave dressings on

Dressings can usually stay in place for a few days, even when showering. You should avoid soaking the wound directly in the waterjet and having very hot showers. Do not have a bath that might soak the wound.

We might ask you to change the dressing more often, depending on how much fluid is coming out of your wound. We will ask you to change your dressing:

• every 2 to 3 days
• every 4 to 5 days

Replace the dressing if:

• it becomes loose or unsealed
• it gets soaked
• any stains spread to the edges of the dressing (it’s normal to see a little staining on the dressing)

Applying wound-healing gel

You will need to apply wound gel if you have not been sent any dressings.

• Wash your hands and dry them on a clean towel.
• Apply a thin layer of gel only to the part of the wound that needs it (such as an opening part of a wound).
• Apply the gel 2 or 3 times a day, for up to 7 days.
• Wash your hands again after applying the gel.
• Avoid touching your wound between applications.

You can put clothes on over the wound, but try to wear fabrics that will not let threads or fluff enter the wound.

Support and more information

You can read our information about surgical wounds and preventing infections and monitoring your surgical wound, by clicking the links or searching on our website.

You can watch our film that explains about looking after your surgical wound at home
and there is also an audio described version, by clicking the links or searching on YouTube.

We also have a film about the BHIS bra that is often recommended for female patients after cardiac surgery www.rbht.nhs.uk/bhistm-bra