Incisions from surgical procedures is the most common wound found in abdominal area. Women undergone a caesarian section will likely to have incision wound on the abdominal wound. The characteristics of wounds located on the abdominal wound are similar to wounds on any other parts of the body. This means, the wound is going to elapse phases of healing that are elapsed by any other body wounds. However, considering the size, severity, and location of abdominal wound, specific care might be required.

Care for open abdominal wound

Abdominal wounds can be either minor or severe. With minor wounds, required care is similar to any scrapes, cuts, or puncture wounds located in other body parts. However, large, open wound on abdominal wall commonly need a special treatment and care, considering the risk of damaging abdominal organs and infection. Some useful methods and treatments can be considered in taking care of wounds affecting the abdominal region of the body.

• Encouraging bleeding to stop

While with wounds in most parts of the body pressure is essential to stop the bleeding, a direct pressure should not be given to severely wounded abdomen, as it may affect the organs around the area. In encouraging bleeding on the abdominal area, some things need to be paid attention to:

• Wear gloves or provide another barrier between the hands and wounded abdominal wall.
• Encourage bleeding to stop by bending the knee, if the position does not trigger pain.
• Avoid push any protruding organ back into the abdomen.

• Cleaning the wound

Cleaning a wounded abdomen may be tricky, especially if the wound is large and severe. Use tap water to clean the wounded area. Do not take out any debris attached to the inner abdomen lining by yourself.

• Bandaging the wound

Bandaging an open abdominal wound will be essential for providing barrier from external debris and to absorb leaking blood to help promoting blood clot. Cover the wound with loose wound dressing. Apply the dressing loosely around the wound and cover it with clean plastic wrap. This will keep the surrounding area of the wound clean and moist.

• Changing the bandage

Once the wound is observed and covered with gauze, this gauze will protect the wound from bacteria, absorb the fluid, and keep the wound environment moist for faster healing. It is important to assess the gauze periodically and change it regularly. If this open abdominal wound is closed off with staples, make sure you put in mind when to have the staples taken off.

• Watching for infection and complications

Abdominal area is prone to bacteria, as sweat may accumulate overtime. Thus, wounds on this area might be prone to infection. Abdominal wound care, therefore, should include care for infection to prevent complications. Some common infection signs and symptoms to watch with abdominal wounds include:

• Elevating pain that cannot be alleviated with medications.
• Severe redness and wound inflammation.
• Pus drainage, severe bleeding, or other fluid drainage.
• High temperature or chills.