The Surgical After Care Splint
Wound support is vital to protect the five layers that have been cut through during your c-section. These Instructions will guide you through the steps to get the best results from your surgical aftercare splint or SAC splint.
The splint is designed to be used outside your clothing, positioned horizontally along your stitches.
1. When in bed, keep the splint resting across your stitches for easy access.
2. When coughing, sneezing, retching or even laughing, apply gentle pressure with your open hands on the topside of the splint. This will help counter the forward thrust of the abdominal muscles caused by the raised intra-abdominal abdominal pressure and can help prevent stitches from breaking and wound opening.
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Self Management of the C-Section Wound
 Wound breakdown also know as SWD (surgical wound dehiscence) can happen after surgery. SWD occurs globally in 2-8% of women who have c- c-sections. The breakdown can occur at any time after surgery, from one day to more than 20 days post-surgery, but generally occurs on post-operative days 4– 14. SWD may be associated with infection, but not always. A daily inspection of the scar with a handheld mirror is the simplest way to monitor the healing progress. Any signs of gaping or opening along she scar line should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Wound Infection or Surgical Site Infection (SSI) It is a complication that can occur post-operatively and lead to a serious condition called sepsis. Early detection is vital again, using a handheld mirror to visualise your scar for signs of swelling, leaking, redness, or unusual odour.
Wound Hygiene - Regular showering and drying the wound is important and if possible, allow some air time which is good for the healing process. It may add comfort in the early days to wear loose, oversized underwear with a pad placed over the scar to avoid friction. Tight binders can create a welcoming warm,a moist environment for bacteria, so it may be best to avoid these in the early weeks.
Wound Support - Continue to protect your wounded internal layers with a splint for the first few weeks to reduce mechanical stress caused by sudden movements such as coughing and sneezing, this will give the layer the best chance of healing.
