From the Guidelines
Mepilex dressings on C-section incisions should typically be removed at least 48 hours after surgery, unless leakage occurs or signs of infection are present, as there is no evidence that extending dressing time implies a reduction in surgical site infections (SSIs) 1. When considering the removal of Mepilex dressings from a C-section incision, it's essential to prioritize the prevention of SSIs and promote a moist wound healing environment. The use of advanced dressings like Mepilex does not significantly reduce SSI rates compared to standard wound dressings, according to the WHO Global Guidelines for the Prevention of SSIs 1. Key considerations for removing the dressing include:
- Leakage or saturation of the dressing with blood or fluid
- Significant peeling off of the dressing
- Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, unusual drainage, or increasing pain If any of these conditions are present, the dressing should be removed sooner, and the incision assessed by a healthcare professional. When removing the dressing, it's crucial to gently peel it away from the skin, starting at the edges and working toward the center, to minimize discomfort and avoid disrupting the healing incision. After removal, the incision can usually be left open to air if it appears well-healed with no drainage. It's also important to note that the decision to use a particular type of dressing should be based on dressing costs and patient preference, as the current evidence does not show a significant difference in reducing SSI rates or improving scarring, pain, or acceptability to patients 1. Always wash your hands before and after touching your incision or dressing to prevent infection.
From the Research
Removal of Mepilex Dressing from C-Section Incision
- The provided studies do not specifically address the removal of Mepilex (soft silicone dressing) from a cesarean section (C-section) incision 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, a study on early wound dressing removal after scheduled cesarean delivery found that removing the wound dressing at 6 hours post-surgery had no detrimental effect on incision healing, and allowed women to attend to personal hygiene earlier 5.
- Another study compared different skin preparations for preventing infection following cesarean section, but did not address the removal of dressings specifically 6.
- A study on negative pressure wound therapy for severe bacterial cellulitis with abdominal abscess post-cesarean section discussed the use of NPWT dressings, but not the removal of Mepilex dressings 4.
- Overall, there is limited information available on the specific topic of removing Mepilex dressings from C-section incisions, and more research may be needed to provide a definitive answer.
Key Findings
- Early removal of wound dressings after cesarean delivery may not have a detrimental effect on incision healing 5.
- Different skin preparations may have varying effects on preventing post-cesarean infection, but the removal of dressings is not specifically addressed 6.
- Negative pressure wound therapy may be effective in aiding recovery from severe bacterial cellulitis with abdominal abscess post-cesarean section, but the use of Mepilex dressings is not discussed 4.