Caring for your Stapled Wound

• No strenuous activity for 48 hours
• No aspirin or other over the counter products that contain aspirin and other blood thinners for 48 hours. Take Tylenol or aspirin free pain relievers as needed for discomfort.
• Continue taking all prescription medication.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 48 hours.
• Keep the pressure bandage in place for 24 hours. If the bandage becomes blood tinged or loose, reinforce it with gauze and tape.

Remove bandage in 24 hours and begin wound care as follows:

1. Rinse the stapled area with tap water. (Shower/bathe/shampoo normally)
2. Dry wound with Q-tip or gauze pad
3. Apply Polysporin or Bacitracin Ointment to the staples. *Do not use Neosporin Ointment*
4. Cover the wound with a bandaid or nonstick gauze pad and paper tape.
5. Repeat wound care once a day until staples are removed.

Bleeding

• Use rolled up gauze or a clean cloth to apply direct pressure over the bandage for 20 minutes.
• Reapply pressure for an additional 20 minutes if necessary.
• Call the office or go to the nearest emergency room if pressure fails to stop the bleeding.
• Use additional gauze and tape to reinforce bandage once the bleeding has stopped.
• Begin wound care 24 hours after surgery as directed.

Pain

• Post operative pain should slowly get better, never worse.
• A severe increase in pain may indicate a problem. Call the office if this occurs.

In case of emergency phone:
Shadyside Office 412-681-9480
South Hills Office 412-466-9400