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The wound can be allowed to close by secondary intention. Alternatively, if the infection is cleared and healthy granulation tissue is evident at the base of the wound, the edges of the incision may be reapproximated, such as by using butterfly stitches , staples or sutures .
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]
For skin cancer surgeries, most wounds are relatively small. After removal of the dressing, the wound can be cleaned by washing with clean soapy water, and should be kept moist. It is also suggested to apply prescribed antibiotic ointments or any other medications to the wound, and protect the scar formed. [30]
Debridement is the medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to improve the healing potential of the remaining healthy tissue. [2] [3] Removal may be surgical, mechanical, chemical, autolytic (self-digestion), or by maggot therapy.
A cloudy or purulent fluid may drain from the wound, indicating infection. Fever is another common symptom, which may accompany other signs such as increased warmth, swelling, or delayed healing at the surgical site. Additional symptoms may also occur, depending on the nature and extent of the infection. [4]
After surgery, drains can be placed to remove blood, lymph, or other fluids that accumulate in the wound bed. This helps to promote wound healing and allows healthcare providers to monitor the wound for any signs of internal infection or damage to surgically repaired structures.
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]
A surgical incision is a cut made through the skin and soft tissue to facilitate an operation or procedure.Often, multiple incisions are possible for an operation. In general, a surgical incision is made as small and unobtrusive as possible to facilitate safe and timely operating conditions and recovery.