What Is a Surgical Wound?
A surgical wound is a wound associated with a surgical site. Surgical wounds are a point of vulnerability for patients recovering from surgery, as infectious material can enter the wound and cause complications. In addition, sometimes surgical sites undergo a phenomenon called wound dehiscence, where the incision reopens as a result of poor healing or strain on the stitches. Management of surgical wounds is an important part of post-surgical care for patients, both in the hospital and during recovery at home. When surgeons make an incision, they place it with care to access the area of the body they are interested in while keeping the surgical wound as small as possible. In endoscopic surgeries, very small surgical wounds are created, with just enough room to introduce cameras and tools. Open surgeries require a larger incision to allow the surgeon to clearly visualize the interior of the body.
