Surgical Wounds
Surgical wounds result from an incision made in the skin by a scalpel during surgery, though they may also result from a drain placed during a surgical procedure. Surgical wounds are divided into four categories depending on contamination, the risk for infection, and location on the body.
Class I
This is a clean wound with no sign of infection. Normally located in the eye, skin, or vascular system.
Class II
These wounds are considered “at increased risk” of infection, because of its location. For example a surgical wound in the gastrointestinal tract.
Class III
These wounds are caused by a foreign body then repaired through a surgical procedure. Because of the initial cause of the wound, they are at great risk for infection. For example, a gunshot wound repaired through surgical intervention.
Class IV
These wounds have been exposed to fecal material and are at extreme risk for infection.
Surgical wounds need frequent monitoring to ensure they are healing correctly and avoid infection. Signs of Infection most often include increased levels of pain, increased “redness in the tissue around the wound, and often times pus, drainage, and/or a foul smell. Medical attention should be sought if any of these symptoms present themselves.
Treatment Modalities
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Wound Debridement
Wound Debridement is an important part of wound healing. Debridement is the process of removing necrotic or dead tissue that occurs during wound healing. This tissue inhibits the body’s ability to recover and develop new tissue during the healing process, making debridement critical in preparing a wound for quick and efficient healing.
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Infection Control
Infection control is a critical element of any wound treatment. It can only be effective if both patient and care providers are dedicated to the proper infection control practices. Proper clinical infection control practices require the existence of an official Infection Control Program.
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Restoring Blood Flow
Poor circulation is a primary contributor to complications with wound healing. Restoring blood flow to areas showing signs of reduced circulation is critical to proper wound care and to avoid amputation.
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Advanced Wound Dressing
When caring for wounds, clinicians have a wealth of options for bandages and dressings. These options are considered superior to the basic gauze and tape and are referred to as Advanced Wound Dressings. Advanced dressings reduce heal times and decrease risk of infection, thereby reducing drainage.
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Skin Substitutes
Skin substitutes have been used to aid in wound closure for centuries. They also help to control wound pain and replace the skin functions to promote proper wound healing. Skin substitutes come in two varieties, temporary and permanent.
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Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Negative pressure wound therapy is an option for treating burns, various types of ulcers and other chronic wounds. NPWT uses a dressing that creates a seal over the wound and around tubing which is attached to a pump which will draw out fluid and infection from a wound to help it heal.