Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Smoking – Smoking causes a delay in the speed of wound repair notably in the proliferative and inflammatory phases. It also increases the likelihood of certain complications such as wound rupture, wound and flap necrosis, decrease in wound tensile strength and infection. [64] Passive smoking also impairs a proper wound healing process. [66]
A wound is any disruption of or damage to living tissue, such as skin, mucous membranes, or organs. [1] [2] Wounds can either be the sudden result of direct trauma (mechanical, thermal, chemical), or can develop slowly over time due to underlying disease processes such as diabetes mellitus, venous/arterial insufficiency, or immunologic disease. [3]
The wound usually appears red and can be accompanied by drainage. Clinicians delay re-opening the wound unless it is necessary due to the potential of other complications. If the surgical wound worsens, or if a rupture of the digestive system is suspected the decision may be to investigate the source of the drainage or infection. [2] [3]
If wound pain is not assessed and documented it may be ignored and/or not addressed properly. It is important to remember that increased wound pain may be an indicator of wound complications that need treatment, and therefore practitioners must constantly reassess the wound as well as the associated pain.
Wound dehiscence following an inguinal hernia repair. Wound dehiscence is a surgical complication in which a wound ruptures along a surgical incision . Risk factors include age, collagen disorder such as Ehlers–Danlos syndrome , diabetes , obesity , poor knotting or grabbing of stitches , and trauma to the wound after surgery.
An infection is designated as an SSI if it develops at the site of a surgical wound, either because of contamination during surgery or as a result of postoperative complications. For the infection to be classified as an SSI, it should occur within 30 days after surgery or within 1 year if an implant is involved.
A gunshot wound (GSW) is a penetrating injury caused by a projectile (e.g. a bullet) shot from a gun (typically a firearm). [ 11 ] [ 12 ] Damage may include bleeding , bone fractures , organ damage, wound infection , and loss of the ability to move part of the body . [ 2 ]
The extent of the injury and the age of the injured person may contribute to the likelihood of complications. Infection of wounds is a common complication in traumatic injury, resulting in diagnoses such as pneumonia or sepsis. [63] Wound infection prevents the healing process from taking place and can cause further damage to the body.