Home > Encyclopedia of Surgery > Incision Care

Definition

Incision care refers to a series of procedures and precautions related to closing a wound or surgical incision; protecting the cut or injured tissues from contamination or infection; and caring properly for the new skin that forms during the healing process. Incision care begins in the hospital or outpatient clinic and is continued by the patient during recovery at home.

Purpose

There are several reasons for caring properly for an incision or wound. These include:

• lowering the risk of postoperative complications, particularly infection
• avoiding unnecessary pain or discomfort
• minimizing scarring
• preventing blood loss