Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • A Patient's Guide To Aquacel Surgical Dressing (1592)

    Uploaded by

    agingamer
    8 views3 pages
    This document provides guidance for patients on caring for their wound dressing after a hip or knee joint replacement surgery. It summarizes that the Aquacel surgical dressing covers and protects the surgical incision, absorbing fluid, and should remain in place for at least 7 days unless it is no longer intact or attached. It describes what the dressing is made of and why it was chosen, that some fluid or discoloration is normal, and provides contact information for patients if they have questions or concerns about their wound.

    Original Description:

    surgical dressing usage guide

    Original Title

    A Patient's Guide to Aquacel Surgical Dressing (1592)

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Report this Document
    This document provides guidance for patients on caring for their wound dressing after a hip or knee joint replacement surgery. It summarizes that the Aquacel surgical dressing covers and protects the surgical incision, absorbing fluid, and should remain in place for at least 7 days unless it is no longer intact or attached. It describes what the dressing is made of and why it was chosen, that some fluid or discoloration is normal, and provides contact information for patients if they have questions or concerns about their wound.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    Download as pdf or txt
    8 views3 pages

    A Patient's Guide To Aquacel Surgical Dressing (1592)

    Uploaded by

    agingamer
    This document provides guidance for patients on caring for their wound dressing after a hip or knee joint replacement surgery. It summarizes that the Aquacel surgical dressing covers and protects the surgical incision, absorbing fluid, and should remain in place for at least 7 days unless it is no longer intact or attached. It describes what the dressing is made of and why it was chosen, that some fluid or discoloration is normal, and provides contact information for patients if they have questions or concerns about their wound.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 3

    Patient Information

    Orthopaedic Department
    A patient’s guide to Aquacel surgical
    dressing
    How to care for your post-operative hip/knee joint replacement
    wound.

    These pictures show how the dressing works

    Knee picture 1
     Dressing covering the wound
     How your wound dressing may look
    after a few days
     This does not need changing

    Knee picture 2
     Dressing covering the wound
     Dressing needs to be changed when
    fluid reaches the border

    Your wound will leak into your dressing as in Picture 1, and then will
    dry up, this is normal. Your wound dressing should remain in place for at
    least seven days.

    The dressing will only need to be changed if:


     The dressing will not stay in place or attach to your skin;
     It is not intact - that means the dressing is leaking onto your clothing
    or bed sheets.
    Patient Information

    Hints, tips and your questions answered

    What kind of dressing have I been given?


    After your operation, the incision made by the surgeon was closed and
    covered with an advanced AQUACEL surgical cover dressing. The
    dressing consists of two main components - AQUACEL dressing covered
    with a conformable, waterproof DuoDERM extra thin dressing.

    Why have I been given this dressing?


    AQUACEL surgical cover dressing is flexible, aiding mobility and enabling
    you to exercise more freely. Because it is waterproof and bacteria-proof it
    protects your incision from infection while healing, and it allows you to
    shower and bathe. It also absorbs any post-operative bleeding or oozing
    from the incision while it heals.

    What should I expect from the dressing?


    The release of blood or fluid from your incision immediately after your
    operation is completely normal. AQUACEL dressing absorbs this by gelling
    on contact, so the dressing may expand slightly. Some discolouration of
    the dressing is also normal.

    Reasons you should contact the hospital for advice regarding your
    wound:
     The wound begins to ooze blood or any other fluid;
     The skin around the wound becomes red spreading outwards and is
    constantly hot;
     You experience unusual pain or odour;
     The wound dressing has moved and the wound is visible.

    Changing your dressing


    When should my dressing be changed?
    AQUACEL Surgical is designed to stay in place for up to 14 days or more,
    subject to clinical assessment. If your dressing becomes soaked and/or
    leakage occurs before the scheduled dressing change, contact your
    practice nurse or the Fracture Clinic on 024 7696 6909 who will arrange an
    appointment for the dressing change to take place sooner.

    A patient’s guide to Aquacel surgical dressing www.uhcw.nhs.uk 2


    Patient Information

    Important reminder
    For maximum effectiveness the dressing must stay in place.

    Do not be tempted to remove the dressing before your hospital


    appointment.

    Contact Information
    If you are concerned about your wound, you can call us anytime on:
    Ward 52: University Hospital Telephone 024 7696 7738
    Cedar Ward: Rugby St Cross 01788 663876 or 01788 663183

    Please refer to the advice given to you on discharge about the removal of
    your clips or sutures (stitches). The dressing will be removed
    approximately 14 days after your operation.

    The Trust has access to interpreting and translation services. If you need
    this information in another language or format please contact the ward you
    were discharged from and we will do our best to meet your needs.

    The Trust operates a smoke free policy

    To give feedback on this leaflet please email [email protected]

    Document History
    Department: Orthopaedics
    Contact: 25302
    Updated: July 2021
    Review: July 2023
    Version: 4.1
    Reference: HIC/LFT/1592/13

    A patient’s guide to Aquacel surgical dressing www.uhcw.nhs.uk 3

    You might also like