How to change the dressing after perianal abscess surgery

Changing the dressing after perianal abscess surgery is crucial for wound healing. The local area should be kept clean, and the dressing should be changed on time as ordered by the doctor. At the same time, attention should be paid to wound changes to avoid recurrence of infection.

Perianal abscess is an acute suppurative infection of the soft tissue around the anus. After surgical debridement, a wound will be left. At this time, the wound needs to gradually heal and discharge some tissue fluid on its own. Therefore, dressing change is part of the recovery process. The purpose of dressing change is to remove secretions, prevent infection, and help wound healing.

Dressing changes are generally divided into three steps: cleaning, disinfection, and dressing change. When cleaning, you can rinse the wound with saline to remove local residual secretions and necrotic tissue. For disinfection, you need to use an iodine cotton swab to gently wipe the area around the wound, but the action should be as gentle as possible to avoid irritating the wound or causing pain. Place the medicated dressing as directed by the doctor to play a protective role. If the doctor recommends the use of ointment, it can be evenly applied to the wound according to the situation, and in the case of drainage strips, special attention should be paid to keeping the drainage unobstructed.

During daily care, you can take a sitz bath and soak the anus area with warm water for about 15 minutes each time, which can help relieve local discomfort, promote blood circulation, and accelerate wound healing. You need to avoid spicy foods, increase dietary fiber and water intake, keep bowel movements smooth, and avoid constipation causing secondary damage to the wound. If the wound is in severe pain, swelling, or abnormal secretions, you should report it to your doctor immediately.

During the dressing change process, it is recommended to follow the principles of hygiene, wash your hands and ensure that the tools used are sterile. If you are unsure about wound care, you can consider asking a professional to assist in the relevant operations to ensure a smooth and safe recovery process.