Each type of surgical dressing has its application in protecting and healing wounds. Below are some of the commonly used dressings and their uses:
In post-operative care, choosing the appropriate surgical dressing is essential. It not only protects the wound but also aids in healing and prevents infections. This article presents an empirical and exploratory assessment of different surgical dressings available and their uses. In this way, it seeks to guide users, whether in practice or patients, with the application of surgical wound care.
Surgical Dressing Types & Applications
Surgical dressings have various functions which include but are not limited to keeping the wound sterile, preventing blood loss, and aiding healing of the tissue. The type of dressing is also subject to many factors characterized by the wound’s nature, its site, individual patient’s tolerance, as well as the healing phase.
Now, let’s explore the types of surgical dressings and their uses further, as they pertain to the materials used, the conditions of the wounds, and the phases of healing.
Gauze Dressings
Gauze dressings come from a long history of being the most used surgical wound dressings. These are fabrics that consist of interlaced string formed from woven or unwoven cotton material.
Classification of Surgical Gauzes
- Sterile Gauze Pads: These are those that are meant to cover a wound to take in exudate and for protection of the external elements.
- Roll Gauze: This type is used to hold other dressings in place on the body or cover large areas. It can also be applied over the limbs or the chest.
- Impregnated Gauze: At times gauze may be treated with agents such as iodine or saline to enhance the prophylactic quality of the gauze or to avoid adherence of the dressing to the skin.
Applications
- Gauze dressings are perfect for application on wounds that are oozing moderate to heavy amounts of fluids.
- They can be augmented with other materials in cases where additional protection or control of moisture is required.
Advantages
- Gauze has great adaptability, offers a high level of permeability to air and moisture, and is inexpensive.
- It can be built up in layers to fit the drainage or applied as a top dressing.
Limitations
- Gauze dressings may cause pain when pulled off as they may stick to the wound.
- They might have to be replaced often, mostly if the wound produces a lot of fluid.
Hydrocolloid Dressings
Hydrocolloid dressings consist of a self-adhesive agent, carboxymethylcellulose, and elastomer/adhesive substrates. These dressings are often occlusive or semi-occlusive, promoting better healing due to the developed moist surface.
Applications
- Ideal for half or full-thickness wounds, such as pressure ulcers or superficial burns
- Suitable for wounds needing moisture retention and environmental protection
Advantages
- Can remain on sutured areas for several days, reducing dressing changes
- Encourages autolytic debridement, helping the body heal and dissolve dead tissue naturally
Drawbacks
- Not recommended for infected wounds
- Risk of maceration if left too long on highly exuding wounds
Foam Dressings
These dressings are constructed using a layer of polyurethane foam, which is soft and elastic, moisture-retaining, and absorbs the exudates from the wound.
Applications
- Ideal for wounds with minimal to moderate exudates, surgical cuts, bed sores, or leg ulcers
Strengths
- Retains a large amount of fluid, minimizing dressing changes
- Easy application, conforms to wound contours
Shortcomings
- Not suitable for dry wounds or wounds with slough
- May require additional dressing or st
Hydrogel Dressings
The gel-forming seaweed-based materials are known as alginate dressings. These create an almost instant gel-creating medium upon coming into contact with wound exudate. They are also very effective when refurbished and even manage to hold too much liquid.
Uses
- Suitable for wounds with high exudates, such as pressure sores, venous leg ulcers, or post-surgery wounds
- Commonly used for cavity wounds; absorbent dressing (like alginate) conforms to uneven wound cavities
Benefits
- Can absorb up to 20 times their weight in fluid
- Moisture retention promotes wound healing
- Gels form a waterproof barrier against microbial bacteria, assisting in continuous wound healing
Drawbacks
- Not effective for dry wounds; works best with exudative wounds
- Typically requires a supporting dressing for adherence
Island Dressings
Island dressings are similar to simple dressings but instead of an opaque central portion, consist of centrally located, non-stick pads, surrounded by adhesive borders, hence the term ‘island’.
Usage
Typically, these are used as wound coverings for wounds sutured or medicated incisions in post-operative scenarios. Island dressings remain intact under moderate exudate levels while providing a waterproof surface.
Benefits
Island dressings are pleasant to the patient because they can be easily placed on the wound and removed later. They are also successfully used to prevent bacteria from penetrating the wound area.
Disadvantages
They are unsuitable for application in large areas with significant and pronounced drainage. In certain situations, the adhesive may irritate delicate skin surfaces.
Transparent Film Dressings
Transparent film dressings comprise flexible, thin sheets of polyurethane which are impermeable to bacteria and contaminants, but permeable to oxygen.
Indication
Transparent films are most appropriate for dry wounds such as minor burns or donor sites. They can also be placed as a secondary dressing over other types of wounds.
Advantages
These dressings enable the monitoring of the wound non-invasively meaning the dressings themselves do not have to be removed. They act as an insulation layer while allowing for controlled moist wound healing.
Disadvantages
These types of dressings cannot be used on heavily exuding wounds. Moisture can collect and lead to ‘under-dressing’ which will cause the skin to soften and break down.
Choosing the Right Dressing Type for Surgical Wounds
The appropriate dressing type for a surgical wound is contingent on the specific characteristics of the wound including levels of exudate, infection potential, and level of healing. Below are central considerations when selecting dressing of choice:
Exudate Levels: Wounds with heavy exudates may require dressing types that are highly absorbing such as alginates or foam. On the contrary, dry wounds are best treated with dressing types that retain moisture such as hydrogels.
Infection Risk: When there is a threat of infection, there are dressing materials that are effective armaments such as antimicrobial dressings with iodine-impregnated gauze as well as silver-containing products.
Wound Depth and Shape: When it comes to shallow wounds, hydrocolloid or film dressings may be used but in the case of deeper or odd shapes of the wounds, cavity-filling dressings such as alginates are commonly used instead.
Conclusion
Today’s healthcare industry is characterized by a wide range of surgical dressings that provide a specific solution for different injuries and stages of recuperation. The performance of simple gauze or hydrocolloids up to technologically advanced dressing materials like alginates, and island dresses, each type of dressing has a particular role in the wound healing process.
Whether a medical personnel is looking for the most appropriate dressing for the patient or a patient wants to know the dressings available for him or her after a surgical procedure, the dressing is a key component in the process of healing.
Knowing the uses and benefits of available types of surgical dressings enables one to identify what will work best for one’s wound or for that of another person. It is important to work with healthcare professionals to get the most effective recommendations and to heal completely.