Portal care protocol

Portal care protocol

It is important to keep the surgical portals as clean as possible.

There are a few easy things that you can do to minimize the risk of an infection, which can complicate your surgery.

The Stone Clinic recommends that you keep the surgical portals dry until you are cleared to get them wet from your physical therapist. It is generally recommended that you keep the portals dry until they stop oozing. This is usually 1-2 days. If oozing persists, a shower bag will be advised to use so that you can shower safely.

Once oozing stops, you can get your surgical portals running water wet. This includes a shower. However, please avoid immersion (pool, bath, hot tub) until the portals are completely closed and healed.

Use a spray bottle filled with 70% isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol is applied after a shower, exercising, or any time you would like to clean the surgical area. 

It is best to mirror the wound care that you observe at The Stone Clinic. Doing such will reduce the risk of a skin infection and optimize your healing environment. Please avoid touching the wound area; it will heal best if left alone.