What is a Surgical Wound?

A surgical wound is an incision made by a surgeon during a surgical procedure, which may not heal properly. These wounds can also result from plastic surgery, particularly when a drain is placed during the operation. If healing complications arise, a wound care specialist will evaluate the wound and recommend the best course of treatment to ensure proper healing.

Types of Surgical Wounds Requiring Repair

  • Clean wounds: These wounds show no signs of infection or inflammation.
  • Clean and contaminated wounds: These wounds may be at risk of infection depending on their location.
  • Contaminated wounds: Wounds that are introduced to foreign objects or debris, significantly increasing the risk of infection and inflammation.
  • Infected wounds: These wounds are both infected and contaminated, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

Treatment for Surgical Wounds

If a surgical wound does not heal after approximately five weeks, it may be classified as a chronic or non-healing surgical wound. In this case, a wound care expert will develop a treatment plan to promote healing and recovery.

Treatment options for surgical wounds may include:

  • Skin grafting: Transferring healthy skin to the wound area to promote healing.
  • Debridement: The removal of dead or infected tissue to enhance the healing process.
  • Bioengineered skin: Using lab-grown skin to assist in healing, especially for severe wounds.
  • Incision and drainage: To remove any accumulated fluid or infection within the wound.
  • Physical therapy: To promote circulation and mobility, aiding in the healing of surgical wounds.
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Increasing oxygen supply to the wound area to promote faster healing.
  • Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT): Using controlled negative pressure to help draw the edges of the wound together and remove excess fluid, aiding healing.
  • Post-surgical management: Ongoing care and monitoring to ensure proper healing and to prevent complications.

Technology in Surgical Wound Care

Ultrasonic Debridement

The Wound Institutes of America offers advanced ultrasonic wound debridement treatments using the SonicOne System. This innovative technology provides an effective solution for treating chronic wounds. The SonicOne system helps surgeons address the challenges presented by chronic wounds, improving the healing process.

Benefits of the SonicOne System
  • Decreases healing time: Accelerates the wound healing process.
  • Reduces bleeding: Minimizes blood loss during debridement.
  • Eliminates bacterial biofilm: Removes the harmful bacterial layer that can inhibit healing.

The SonicOne system is clinically proven to improve surgical wound healing by preparing the wound bed effectively. For more information on how this treatment can assist in your recovery, Contact Us and discuss with one of our practitioners to create a personalized treatment plan.