How to reduce the risk of surgical site infections

Wound management is an exciting and well-researched area of veterinary medicine. It is a key area for veterinary nursing involvement from initial management to possible surgical reconstruction. An essential aspect of this is provision of the ideal wound environment to encourage normal and effective wound healing, and to reduce the incidence of wound breakdown and dehiscence. Throughout this clinical review, consideration will be given to the normal process of wound healing and how this can be assisted by drain placement. The types of drain used in practice, in addition to novel drainage techniques, will be considered throughout, as well as the veterinary nurse's role in their management. Comprehensive and accurate knowledge and understanding of different drain types, in addition to their potential applications, can help to ensure more informed veterinary nursing and, in turn, better wound healing and patient outcomes.

The veterinary nurse's role in the management of wound drains

Yon

2020

Care bundles to reduce surgical site infections and promote positive outcomes

Yon,

Lilley

2024

All surgical patients are at risk of surgical site infections which can cause serious wound healing complications. To improve patient care and promote good patient outcomes, veterinary nurses must be aware of the pathophysiology and clinical signs of surgical site infections, in addition to how to reduce the risks of surgical site infections in clinical practice. There are many evidence-based techniques that can be implemented to reduce the risk of surgical site infections; multiple techniques may be combined into a care bundle, a relatively novel concept in veterinary medicine. Individual practices should be aware of emerging techniques and implement care bundles that are most relevant to their surgical case load. This article discusses surgical site infections and considers the appropriateness and application of care bundles into veterinary practice through governance techniques.

Wound healing for small animal practitioners: a refresher – part one

Yon,

Lilley,

Deane

2024

Understanding normal anatomy and physiology is essential for veterinary nurses to recognise the pathophysiology of injury and disease. Wound healing is a physiological process that veterinary nurses frequently observe and manage in practice. This article reviews the wound healing process and highlights its clinical relevance throughout. It will be followed by two subsequent articles addressing wound management protocols in dogs, cats and exotic pet species.