Wound care before stitch removal

• Change the dressing with aseptic techniques every day: Disinfect the wound from the center to the outside in a circular motion, with povidone-iodine and normal saline solution each applied three times, fold the gauze in half and cover the wound with it, then fix it with Micropore surgical tape
• Wash hands before and after dressing change.
• Observe the wound for redness, swelling and abnormal secretions during dressing change.
• If the wound gets wet, change the dressing immediately.

Wound care after stitch removal

• The stitches can be removed when the wound heals well 1-2 weeks after the operation. If you want the wound to look flat and smooth, you can apply Steri-Strip adhesive tape the next day after the stitches are taken out.
• Apply normal saline solution to clean the wound and its surrounding skin. After natural drying, stick the tape vertically to the central part of the wound. After that, attach two pieces of the tape to both ends of the wound respectively, and then stick several pieces of the tape in order from both ends to the center to cover the wound. The steps are as follows:
• When the edge of the tape starts to rise or get dirty, repeat the above steps to replace the tape (do not replace every day to avoid damaging the new tissue).
• Taking a shower is allowed two days after removing the stitches. After a shower, dry the wound (gently press the tape) and keep it dry.
• If you are allergic to the tape, you can choose scar gel.
• Steri-Strip adhesive tape or scar gel is recommended for continuous use for 3-6 months.

Postoperative daily care

• After the operation, the doctor will fix the cut sternum with a steel wire, so it is normal to feel tight and pain.
• The steel wire that secures the sternum firmly will remain in the body forever and will not need to be removed in the future for no special reason.
• When the child breathes or turns over, it is easy to feel that the sternum moves, or there is a slight rattle. All of the above are normal, which will disappear after the child's sternum heals.
• Three to six months after the operation, the cut sternum will completely heal. So, don't lift heavy objects within three months after the operation, and prevent cycling or strenuous exercise to avoid inadvertently hitting the sternum.
• In order to make the sternal wound heal better, the chest expansion movement such as hands on the hips and excessive chest extension should be avoided within 3 months after the operation.
• When the chest muscle or shoulder cannot be lifted due to pain, apply a hot compress and painkiller ointment, and strengthen your arm by ladder exercise.
• When the wound is found to be red, swollen, painful and with local heat, swollen and protruding, or with red or yellow exudates, they should return to the hospital immediately.