The first article in this series of articles on acute surgical wound care traces the history of surgical wound care, from primitive dressings and techniques of closure used in the past to the present-day approach. The history of surgical wounds is discussed together with a classification of the different types of surgical wound closure. Nowadays, it is recognized that the management of surgical wounds has to be planned carefully to achieve adequate exposure to the area of surgery. At the same time the surgeon has to be conscious of how the wound will heal to ensure optimal postoperative function and cosmetic results. To do this an understanding of the principles underpinning surgical incisions, and of alternative techniques for their closure, drainage and wound dressing, is needed. The role of the nurse in preparing patients preoperatively and supporting and caring for them postoperatively is paramount.