First, the new Spanish government told the United States that it was willing to offer a change in the Reconcentration policies (the main set of policies that was feeding yellow journalism in the United States) if the Cuban rebels agreed to a cessation of hostilities.
Some were assigned to keep their stitched wounds dry and covered for at least 48 hours (the control group), and others were told to keep the dressing on to absorb immediate bleeding, then remove it and bathe as normal in the first 12 hours. None of the patients were on antibiotics.
Be sure to keep your stitches covered for the first 48 hours after your surgery. You may shower after that. Gently pat the stitches dry with a soft towel, and cover them with a small adhesive bandage. If you have any type of discharge, redness, swelling, or tenderness around the stitches, call the GYN nurse.