Surgical Wound

Jenna Wishnew, MD, FACS

General Surgeon located in Richardson, TX

A surgical incision wound is from an intentional cut in the skin to perform surgical procedures. The incision can open up post-surgery due to an infection, poor tissue structure, compromised circulation or stress/trauma to the wound. Some wounds closed with skin grafts or skin flap may also fail to heal and lead to a surgical wound. Even if surgical procedures are done safely in a sterile environment, there is still a risk for complications resulting from a wound.

972-330-2447

CAUSES

- Surgical incision

- Invasive procedures

- Dehiscence

RISK FACTORS

- Prolonged surgery or surgery involving large areas for incision

- Age > 65 due to reduced subcutaneous fat and capillary blood flow

- Obesity

- Smoking

- Immobilization i.e. Bedbound, wheelchair bound, paralysis, in coma or vegetative state

- Decreased mobility i.e. prolonged hospital stay, undergoing lengthy or complicated surgeries, weakness or cognitive impairment

- Wearing casts, splints or prosthetic devices

- Impaired capacity for wound healing secondary to malnutrition, diabetes, impaired tissue perfusion due to peripheral arterial disease or venous insufficiency

- Chronic comorbidities i.e. cancer, cerebral palsy, dementia, heart failure, kidney failure, spinal cord injury or spina bifida