Non-Healing Wounds
A wound can be defined as a disruption of skin integrity. These wounds can occur from many causes including sharp instruments, explosive objects, burns (flame, chemical, electrical), radiation therapy, prolonged pressure (pressure wounds), diabetes-related causes, surgical interventions, etc.
Long-standing non-healing wounds constitute a serious health problem. The risk of skin cancer developing in the wound bed is high. It also negatively affects the patient’s quality of life.
Treatment Methods
Pre-surgical preparation is necessary to close wounds. In this preparation phase, dead tissue in the wound is cleaned, infection is treated if present, and the vitality of the wound area is improved. Then, to close the wound:
- Direct closure (primary suture)
- Skin graft (graft surgery)
- Tissue advancement from surrounding healthy areas (flap surgery)
- Bringing healthy tissue from a distant area (free tissue transfer)
are considered. The cause and size of the wound are the two most important factors determining the treatment method.