Optimal management of surgical wounds is an important part of postoperative recovery. The aim of postoperative wound care is to facilitate rapid wound closure, while preventing complications and promoting minimal disturbance, to achieve the best functional and aesthetic results. Health professionals should seek to optimise the process of acute wound healing, observe progress, and prevent wound complications. Dressings that permit extended wear time, and are transparent and so allow early recognition without the need for unnecessary changes, have the potential to minimise the effect on patients and the wider health economy. This article reviews recommendations for surgical wound care, and introduces the recently launched Leukomed Control dressing that is entirely transparent and allows greater flexibility, breathability, and visualisation of the wound.
Keywords: Cost-effectiveness; Dressings; Quality of life; Surgical wound infection; Wound healing.