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After the Surgery
If you have had an operation such as hernia or gallbladder surgery, the incision (or site of the surgery) can be tender for 2-3 days. There should be little to no liquid (puss or blood) coming from the wound. If you see anything, especially blood, do not remove the bandages. Put more gauze on and call your doctor.
The area may be swollen and be a little red. The area should continue to return to normal color within a few days.
If your operation was a joint replacement, the surgery area may feel warm for months.
You should not have a fever.
Signs of Infection
Signs that the incision may be infected include:
- swelling;
- increased redness;
- increased tenderness;
- increased drainage; and
- possible odor.
If you notice any of these, call your doctor. If you have to wait for an appointment, apply antibiotic ointment and cover it with a piece of dry gauze that is large enough to absorb the liquid. Then apply a warm moist compress over the dressing by following these steps:
wet a wash cloth or a small towel;
roll it up and place it in a microwave for 20-30 seconds;
place the warm moist towel in a plastic bag; and
lay it over the dressing for no more than 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. The compresses should not feel hot to the area!
You should not have a fever. If you do, plus all the other signs listed above, you may have a "deep wound" infection and should call the doctor that did the surgery, as soon as possible. Your doctor may need to open the area and clean it. The doctor who did the surgery is the best person to see because he knows your wound area and how to take care of it. Always call that doctor first.
Compiled by Kathy Gilchrist, RN, CWCN, a certified wound care nurse and program manager at Wound Healing Center, Main Line Health Centers, Paoli, PA.
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