How to Tend to a Surgery Wound After a Colon Operation
Colon surgery can range from a minimally invasive procedure to open abdominal surgery. Reasons for colon surgery include large bowel obstruction, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Most surgery wounds heal in about two weeks. It's important to care properly for your wound after colon surgery.
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Instructions
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Keep the wound clean and dry. On average, surgeons recommend you keep the wound clean and dry for 72 hours. Your doctor will tell you when it's OK to shower. Pat the wound dry after showers; do not rub it.
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Change any bandages or dressing every one or two days, and follow your doctor's directions for the proper procedure. Depending on the surgery, some patients may not have any bandages at all. In this case, a dry gauze gently placed over the wound may protect your clothes.
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Inspect the wound daily. Check for signs of infection such as swelling, redness or excessive pus or discharge.
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Avoid activities that may place stress on your wound. Avoid picking up small children, bending and lifting until your doctor gives you the OK. You may not be able to drive for up to 14 days (twisting your torso may make this too uncomfortable).
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Move around. Light exercise usually helps in the recovery process. Light walking can keep your spirits up and also helps stimulate colon function. Consult your doctor on the amount of appropriate exercise.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid swimming pools, baths and hot tubs until your wound is totally healed. Otherwise, you risk infection. Always wash your hands before changing a bandage or otherwise touching your wound. Don't scratch the wound even if it becomes itchy. Avoid foods that may upset your stomach or cause gas, cramps or bloating.
While some pain and discomfort are normal after surgery, call your doctor if the pain suddenly becomes worse; if you develop a fever; or if sudden, excessive bleeding or pus and a bad small come from the wound. According to Lippincott's Nursing Center, if the wound pops open, you should "cover it with gauze or a clean towel moistened with saline or clean water. Call your surgeon right away for more directions or go to the nearest emergency department."
