Why are the first hours important?
The optimal period for primary surgical treatment is the first 6–12 hours after injury, until the microflora has multiplied in the tissues. During this period, the wound can be sutured tightly and expect healing by primary intention with a thin scar. The surgeon cleans the wound, removes foreign bodies and contamination, excises the crushed edges, stops the bleeding and applies sutures. When applying later or if there is obvious contamination, the wound is not sutured tightly - drainage is left. A separate mandatory question is the prevention of tetanus: the doctor specifies the timing of the last vaccination.
Why bandaging is a medical procedure
Dressing is not just changing a bandage. At each visit, the surgeon assesses the condition of the wound: how is healing going, are there any signs of suppuration, dehiscence, or necrosis. It is during dressing that complications are most often identified, which at home go unnoticed until a severe stage.
In addition, the selection of the drug depends on the phase of the wound process: in the inflammation phase, some drugs are needed, in the granulation phase - completely different ones. Using a “universal” ointment at all stages slows down healing.
Clean and purulent wounds behave differently
- clean wound - sutured, heals by primary intention, dressings are less frequent, the task is not to cause infection
- purulent wound - requires daily treatment, washing, removal of discharge and necrotic tissue
When are the stitches removed?
The duration depends on the location and blood supply to the tissues: on the face - 4-6 days, on the torso - 7-10, on the limbs and in the joint area - 10-14 days. Removal too early leads to separation of the edges, too late - to a rough scar with transverse marks from the threads.