Wound Management

Wounds are generally classified into three categories: clean, contaminated, and infected.

Clean - Created in an sterile environment, such as during surgery.

Contaminated - Has less then 10^5 bacteria present per gram of tissue.

Infected - has greater then 10^5 bacteria present per gram of tissue

Healing Process

1. Inflammation

      • Phase 1 - Vasoconstriction and  

        Vasodilation

     • Phase 2 - cells adhere to endothelium

        (inner skin) and leukocytes migrate to

        wound

2. Debridement - monocytes (that become macrophages) phagocyte necrotic tissue

        •Mononuclear cells form giant cells during

          severe inflammation

3. Proliferation - cells began to reform thanks to fibroblasts, and remodeling occurs

Treatment of Wounds

1. Lavage - cleans out bacteria and debris

2. Debridement - process through which necrotic or severely damaged tissue is purposely removed (such as in burn victims) to allow better air flow and healing.

3. Closure - closing the wound should only be used in appropriate situations to avoid complications. Wounds can be closed with staples, sutures or bandaged

3.2. Open Wound Management - this should be preformed when the wound cannot or shouldn’t be closed. It can consist of changing dressings, repeated debridement and/or topical antibiotics treatment.

3.3 Drains - If severe fluid buildup is a common complication or present upon initial consultation, a drain may be surgically sutured in to allow fluid to leave the d cavity

Image Source - http://microlyteag.com/vet/ and google dictionary.

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