Preparation and Deployment of a Surgical Dressing

Surgical dressing refers to a wide range of materials that are used for dressing wounds.

Wounds are always a matter of concern both in terms of finances and health status. According to an estimate, the prevalence of skin injuries is 42.8% in the world. It includes all types of injuries, such as incisions, burns, lacerations, cuts, and abrasions. Some are treated at home, while others require special treatment.

However, it does not matter how severe the wound is; a first-aid dressing or a surgical dressing is the primary requirement for the treatment. It acts as a support for the healing process but is not compulsory for severe emergency conditions. Currently, several surgical dressings are available in the market. In this blog, we will discuss their workability and essential elements for their preparation and deployment.

How does surgical dressing contribute to healing?

Surgical dressing refers to a wide range of materials that are used for dressing wounds. Its primary function is to allow the formation of coagulum, a natural protective layer that prevents loss of blood and tissue fluids. It further depends upon the migration of cellular elements of the epidermis to the damaged area, but cells will only migrate if the dermal layer is healthy and free of any debris or infection. A surgical dressing is for this purpose; it prevents microorganisms from entering the body at the time of injury through the dressing or other aseptic procedures.

Essential elements for preparation

A specific surgical dressing material is made by taking into consideration the following points:

• Nature of wound:

  • Degree of exudation.
  • Likelihood of infection.
  • Presence of necrotic tissue.
  • Anatomical site.

• Quality of Dressing: They should meet the specific requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia, such as:

  • Absorbency Test.
  • Fiber Length of Cotton.
  • Diameter of Sutures.
  • Tensile Strength of Sutures.
  • Textile Fabrics.

• Type of dressing: Another factor that is important for surgical dressing is the type of dressing, which may be primary or secondary. The material and characteristics of both types of dressings are different.

How are they applied?

The application of a specific surgical dressing procedure requires special care. Any negligence can be a risk to life. The following steps should be taken for their application according to the policy of the FDA, and the Food and Drug Administration:

1. Clean your hands and put on dressing gloves. Take the dressing. It may be dry or moist.
2. Unfold the pad and lay it on the wound. Keep a hold on the bandage from each side. The dressing should cover the edge of the wound.
3. Keep the short end of the dressing near the edge of the wound and start wrapping the wound from the longer end. Make sure the wound is covered properly, leaving the short end hanging out.
4. Tie the bandage with short and long ends over the top of the wound to keep pressure on it.
5. Now check the circulation of blood inside the bandage. Press your nail beyond the wound for a few seconds until it goes pale. If the color doesn’t come back, the bandage is tight. Keep checking the circulation every 10 minutes.
6. If blood comes through the dressing, remove it and reapply pressure with a new dressing or pad to control the bleeding. If the bleeding starts from the wound, don’t remove the pad; instead, remove the bleeding and reapply the pressure with a new dressing. Once the bleeding is under control, secure the dressing with another bandage. Clean your hands when you are finished. It is better to wash your hands immediately after dressing.
7. Discard all the used supplies in a waterproof plastic bag. Close it tightly, double it, and then put it in the trash. Never reuse a dressing; use it only once.
8. Do not touch the part of the pad that will be in contact with the wound. Dehydration before applying a surgical dressing procedure is also necessary for keratinization. The wound should allow the evaporation of water vapor from the wound area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, for a smooth proceeding of the healing process, surgical dressing plays a crucial role. It is always a challenge to find and apply the correct dressing technique for a particular wound. For effective and safe wound care, precautionary steps must be followed according to the policy of the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the two types of dressings?
   Dressings are of two types depending upon their layer: primary and secondary dressings.

2. What is the most common surgical dressing material?
   Cotton Wool.

3. How do I check blood flow after dressing?
   Press your nail beyond the wound for a few seconds. If the color doesn’t come back, the bandage is tight.

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