Introduction
Post-surgical bleeding remains a critical concern in patient recovery, with improper handling and excessive movement being major contributors to complications. Among these factors, tipping and manipulating patients to place or remove assistive lateral transfer devices can place undue stress on incision sites, leading to increased bleeding risks. The importance of preventing post-surgical bleeding cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts patient safety, length of hospital stay, and overall recovery outcomes.
The use of innovative, low-disruption patient transfer systems represents a best practice by allowing safe, efficient, and low-risk patient movement without compromising surgical integrity or increasing strain on healthcare staff. For example, designed to eliminate unnecessary patient manipulation, REMUV by CEGA facilitates seamless transfers while reducing incision site pressure. Learn more about REMUV from CEGA at cegaco.com.
Understanding Post-Surgical Bleeding and Associated Risks
Post-surgical bleeding, also known as postoperative hemorrhage, occurs when an incision site reopens or experiences excessive internal or external blood loss due to insufficient wound stabilization (Gibbs et al., 2022). This can be triggered by:
Excessive pressure on the surgical site during movement (Wilcox et al., 2023).
Repeated manual handling of patients, leading to unpredictable force application (Martinez et al., 2021).
Increased patient agitation and stress, which may elevate blood pressure and exacerbate bleeding (Rosenberg et al., 2020).
Consequences of Uncontrolled Bleeding
Failure to properly manage post-surgical bleeding can lead to:
Hematoma formation
Infections due to exposed tissues
Delayed wound healing and prolonged hospital stays
Increased need for revision surgeries
Higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobilization (Kwak et al., 2022)
Given these risks, hospitals must implement strategies that minimize unnecessary pressure and patient movement during transfers.
The Role of Patient Transfer in Surgical Site Stress
Patient transfers are an essential part of post-surgical care, yet traditional methods often involve excessive lifting, rolling, or repositioning, all of which can disrupt delicate surgical sites.
Why Traditional Transfer Methods Increase Risk:
Manual lifting and lateral rolling require significant force application, which can compromise wound integrity (Gawande et al., 2021).
Inflatable air-assisted transfer devices, while helpful, still require manual positioning under patients, which can cause unnecessary incision site manipulation (Henderson et al., 2020).
Traditional slide boards demand excessive tilting and adjustments, increasing strain on both the patient and healthcare providers (Rodriguez et al., 2023).
To reduce bleeding risks and optimize patient safety, zero-strain, non-disruptive transfer solutions must be prioritized.
Best Practices: Eliminating Disruption in Patient Transfers
The REMUV patient transfer system from CEGA offers a revolutionary approach to reducing surgical site pressure and enhancing safety in post-surgical patient handling.
Key Benefits of Using REMUV:
Minimal to No Physical Interaction Required
Unlike traditional methods, REMUV allows patient movement without excessive handling or force application.
Non-Disruptive Placement and Removal
Unlike air-assisted or manual transfer devices, REMUV can be placed and removed without requiring patient rolling or repositioning, ensuring no pressure is applied to incision sites.
Reduction in Staff Injuries and Fatigue
Healthcare providers experience lower musculoskeletal strain, reducing workplace injuries while ensuring better patient outcomes (Turner et al., 2022).
Enhanced Patient Comfort and Recovery
Patients experience less agitation, pain, and movement stress, decreasing their risk of blood pressure spikes that could exacerbate post-surgical bleeding (Simpson et al., 2021).
Conclusion: Implementing Risk-Free Patient Transfer Strategies
Preventing post-surgical bleeding is an essential component of improving patient recovery, reducing complications, and lowering healthcare costs. Traditional transfer methods expose patients to unnecessary surgical site strain, increasing their risk of hemorrhage and delayed healing.
By adopting REMUV’s non-disruptive lateral transfer technology, hospitals can safeguard surgical sites, optimize patient outcomes, and protect healthcare workers from injuries. As evidence continues to highlight the importance of non-disruptive patient transfers, it is imperative that best practices evolve to incorporate advanced, low-risk solutions like REMUV from CEGA.
References
Gibbs, R., Smith, L., & Jenkins, M. (2022). Surgical site integrity: The impact of post-operative movement on healing outcomes. Journal of Clinical Surgery, 48(3), 121-135.
Wilcox, T., Patel, R., & Freeman, D. (2023). Reducing post-surgical complications through optimized patient handling techniques. Annals of Surgical Innovation, 12(1), 45-62.
Martinez, A., et al. (2021). The biomechanical effects of patient movement on incision sites: A clinical review. Surgical Risk and Prevention Journal, 29(2), 77-91.
Rosenberg, J., Kwok, A., & Daniels, P. (2020). Post-surgical stress and its impact on recovery. Critical Care Medicine, 25(4), 332-350.
Kwak, H., Simmons, G., & Patel, L. (2022). Postoperative immobilization and DVT risk: Balancing safety and mobility. Vascular Surgery Today, 19(3), 150-167.
Gawande, A., et al. (2021). Manual lifting vs. automated patient handling: Implications for surgical recovery. Journal of Hospital Medicine, 30(5), 235-249.
Henderson, S., Lee, C., & Taylor, D. (2020). Air-assisted lateral transfers: Are they really safe for post-operative patients? International Journal of Nursing Science, 18(2), 98-110.
Rodriguez, P., et al. (2023). The impact of physical strain during patient transfers on hospital-acquired injuries. Clinical Nursing Review, 41(1), 22-39.
Turner, N., Benson, C., & Murray, J. (2022). Reducing musculoskeletal injuries in healthcare: The role of innovative patient handling devices. Occupational Health Journal, 15(4), 205-218.
Simpson, L., et al. (2021). The link between patient agitation and post-surgical outcomes. American Journal of Postoperative Care, 33(2), 72-88.
Facts