ABD Gauze Pads

When it comes to wound care, it’s all about healing the wound in the fastest and most efficient way possible while preventing infection and additional injury. Due to wound exudate, or excretions, it is often advisable to use a sterile abdominal gauze pad as a part of that process.

What are abdominal gauze pads?

Abdominal gauze pads, known as ABD pads, are non-woven, thick, and absorbent. While called abdominal dressings because they are often used for post-surgical, heavily draining wounds to the abdomen, they work well for any heavily draining area.

The construction of a sterile abdominal gauze pad absorbs and disperses this drainage by isolating the area using an adhesive border that encloses the wound completely.

What Material are abdominal gauze pads made of?

Abdominal pads are made with nonwoven outer fabric and an inner layer of cellulose tissue that is highly absorbent. The cellulous tissue has a hydrophobic material (water repellent) backing to waterproof the wound and to keep the drainage from escaping.

The bandage is bordered on all sides by adhesive to keep the wound isolated and free from infection. There are latex-free options as well.

When are abdominal gauze pads used, and in what applications?

You use abdominal gauze pads in two different ways. They can be a primary dressing for normal draining wounds, such as abdominal wounds, in which case they contact the wound directly.

For high-discharge wounds, there can be a secondary dressing over a transparent dressing that contacts the wound. As a secondary bandage, an abdominal wound pad can be sterile or non-sterile. The secondary dressing can then be changed without removing the primary dressing and further compromising wound integrity.
How you will use an abdominal dressing, whether primary or secondary, depends on the type of excretions, the amount of discharge, and the size of the wound.

What sizes do abdominal gauze pads come in?

Abdominal gauze pads come in various sizes and should be chosen by selecting a bandage that covers the wound area but doesn’t allow for a lot of extra space around the wound. Care should be taken that the bordering adhesive doesn’t contact the wound and further compromise the skin there.

Common sizes include:

5 X 9 Inch

7-1/2 X 8 Inch

8 X 10 Inch

What are the pros and cons of an abdominal gauze pad?

Abdominal gauze pads come in various sizes and should be chosen by selecting a bandage that covers the wound area but doesn’t allow for a lot of extra space around the wound. Care should be taken that the bordering adhesive doesn’t contact the wound and further compromise the skin there.

Abdominal gauze pads are not appropriate for every wound type or in every situation. Pros include:

Soft and non-woven contact layer for comfort

Different discharge level options from moderate to heavy to treat a variety of wounds

Highly absorbent material to absorb and disperse discharge from the wound area

Sealed edges to prevent leakage

Fewer dressing changes required during the healing process

Cons:

Too absorbent for some wounds where a moist healing environment is desirable

Due to the large sizes, they do not work well for minor wounds

Designed for draining wounds, not for those that are already scabbed and healing.

As with any bandage or other form of wound care, consult your physician or wound care professional before applying and using a sterile abdominal gauze pad to ensure the best healing environment for your situation.