Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
After drainage of a cutaneous abscess, follow-up care is crucial to ensure proper healing, particularly as these wounds typically heal by secondary intention NICE NG125.
- Wound Management:
- When changing or removing surgical wound dressings, an aseptic non-touch technique should be used NICE NG125.
- For wound cleansing, sterile saline should be used for up to 48 hours after surgery NICE NG125. After 48 hours, if the surgical wound has separated or was surgically opened to drain pus, tap water can be used for cleansing NICE NG125.
- An appropriate interactive dressing should be used to manage surgical wounds healing by secondary intention NICE NG125. It is important not to use Eusol and gauze, moist cotton gauze, or mercuric antiseptic solutions for these wounds NICE NG125.
- For advice on appropriate dressings for wounds healing by secondary intention, consult a tissue viability nurse or another healthcare professional with tissue viability expertise NICE NG125.
- Eusol and gauze, dextranomer, or enzymatic treatments should not be used for debridement in the management of surgical site infection NICE NG125.
- Infection Monitoring and Treatment:
- If a surgical site infection is suspected, indicated by cellulitis, a new infection, or treatment failure, an antibiotic covering the likely causative organisms should be prescribed NICE NG125. The choice of antibiotic should consider local resistance patterns and microbiological test results NICE NG125.
- Patients must always be informed if they have been given antibiotics after their operation NICE NG125.
- Patient Education and Support:
- Patients and carers should receive clear, consistent information and advice throughout their care, including the risks of surgical site infections, prevention measures, and management strategies NICE NG125.
- Information and advice on how to care for the wound after discharge should be provided NICE NG125.
- Patients and carers should be advised on how to recognise a surgical site infection and who to contact if they have concerns, ideally using an integrated care pathway NICE NG125.
- Patients can be advised that they may shower safely 48 hours after surgery NICE NG125.
- Structured Care Approach:
- A structured approach to care should be implemented to improve overall management of surgical wounds, which includes enhanced education for healthcare workers, patients, and carers, and sharing of clinical expertise NICE NG125.