Author: Susan Dieter MS, RN, CWS
Surgical Site Drains: Benefits and Risks
Why do some patients need a surgical drain? Surgical wound dehiscence and surgical site infections are major postoperative…
When can I shower or take a bath after surgery?
A traditional concept regarding surgical wounds and bathing is that the water touching the wound will increase the…
The Importance of a Slightly Acidic pH in Skin and Wound Care
What is pH? The scientific term “pH” is an abbreviation that stands for “potential of hydrogen,” which is…
Treating a Post-Surgical Seroma or Hematoma
A hematoma is generally defined as a collection of blood outside of blood vessels. It occurs because the…
How Can You Tell If a Wound Is Infected?
Wound infection is a condition in which germs (bacteria, viruses, or fungi microbes) invade your wound or the…
Caring For Your Feet After A Surgical Nail Removal
What Happens After Your Toenail or Fingernail Is Removed? The loss of a toenail or fingernail may be…
How to Identify and Treat Hypergranulation Tissue
Excessive granulation tissue is often referred to as hypergranulation, overgranulation, exuberant tissue or proud flesh. It is a…
How Can I Lower the Risks of Surgical Site Complications?
What are the risk factors for a surgical site infection? The likelihood of a wound infection after surgery…
What is Biofilm? Evolution, Assessment, and Treatment
What is biofilm? Bacteria and fungi, as well as polymicrobial organisms, are known to form communities that adhere…
How Do Surgical Wounds Close?
One question patients often have after surgery is: how will my surgical wound close? There are three ways…
