Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is a common complication following cardiac surgery, leading to delayed recovery and increased healthcare costs. While delaying showers has been a conventional practice to prevent infection, recent studies suggest that early postoperative showering does not increase the risk of SSI, prompting a need for reconsideration.

A prospective observational study was conducted with 100 cardiac surgery patients. Timing of the first shower, incidence of wound complications, and patient satisfaction were analyzed through outpatient follow-ups and surveys. International guidelines were also reviewed to compare practices across different countries.

Early postoperative showers, performed on average 6 days after drain removal, showed no incidence of wound dehiscence, superficial or deep infection. Patient satisfaction averaged 7.4/10. Despite safety, many patients avoided early showers due to fear of infection. Some overseas institutions permit showering within 48 hours post-surgery, reflecting a trend toward early recovery practices.

Early postoperative showering is safe and contributes to improved patient satisfaction and psychological comfort. Nurses play a crucial role in providing continuous education, individualized guidance, and emotional support to reduce anxiety and correct misconceptions. Implementation of evidence-based recovery protocols, including early showering, is strongly recommended.

TBA