title: The mechanism of capillarity in surgical dressings.
abstract: By appreciating the concept of capillarity and by determining whether or not the dressing to be used next to the wound should be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, a dressing can be designed that acts to remove secretions from a draining wound. It also may protect a wound from exogenous secretions.
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D002197:Capillary Action; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011182:Postoperative Care