Best practices for surgical wound management

Surgical wound management is critical to postoperative care, influencing patient recovery, infection control, and healthcare costs. Despite advances in surgical techniques, surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a concern, leading to increased morbidity and hospital stays. Standardised, evidence-based practices are essential for improving patient outcomes. This article provides concise, evidence-based guidance on surgical wound management across the preoperative, perioperative, postoperative and discharge phases. It synthesises current guidelines and highlights emerging best practices for health professionals. Best practices require a multidisciplinary approach, strict infection prevention protocols, effective wound closure techniques, and patient education. Variability in clinical application persists, but early-stage innovative methods such as remote wound monitoring show promise in reducing hospital visits, detecting complications early and increasing patient satisfaction.