Since shoulder arthroscopy is performed by expanding the joint using fluid, this fluid must drain out of the shoulder after surgery. After shoulder arthroscopy, a bulky dressing will cover the wound to soak up this drainage. It is not uncommon for the dressing to become saturated with fluid. This fluid may be slightly blood-tinged but, for the most part, represents drainage of arthroscopy fluid and not blood. If the dressing becomes saturated, it may be reinforced with more gauze or changed. Otherwise, the dressing may be changed 48-72 hours after surgery and usually covered with simple bandages.

There is usually a bulky dressing and gauze, which is first removed. Underneath there are white bandages called ‘all-in-ones,’ which may be left on for 5-6 days post-op. After 5-6 days, you may peel these off. Underneath the ‘all-in-ones’ are small thin white tapes across each puncture wound, called SteriStrips. The SteriStrips help keep the wounds clean and opposed. These will commonly fall off on their own, usually in 1-2 weeks. If they do not, you may peel them off at that time. 

It is not uncommon to have a small amount of drainage from the puncture wounds, covered with a small amount of gauze and tape. It would help if you change your dressing as often as it gets dirty, accidentally wet in the shower, and at least once a day until the wounds appear dry and healed. You can clean the area around the wounds with a clean cloth or alcohol pad. If your bandages are still there after two weeks, you may gently peel them off. If you feel you have an extraordinary amount of drainage or thick blood is draining from your wound, please contact Dr. Lo.