Surgical Wounds, Trauma Wounds and Debridement Flashcards
What are the Langer’s Lines?
Lines surgical incisions should follow the natural skin direction
Classify a clean wound
Wounds made under aseptic surgical conditions, that do not enter the genitourinary, respiratory or alimentary tracts or oropharyngeal cavity.
Classify a clean contaminated wound
Wounds are contaminated by the resident flora or the cavities but there is no host reaction
Classify a contaminated wound
Contaminated by bacteria with no host reaction
Classify an infected wound
Clinical signs of infection present, with increase leukocyte and macrophage levels
What is primary intention?
Wound healing in which the edges are bought together by sutures, staples or glue.
What is delayed primary intention?
The would is left open for treatment with untied sutures insitu until deemed clean, in which it is then closed
What is secondary intention?
The would is left open to heal spontaneously with out mechanical intervention
Name the primary suture techniques
Simple square interrupted Continuous subcuticular Vertical mattress Horizontal mattress Steri-strips Tension sutures
Why are tension sutures used?
To provide additional support by inserting sutures into deeper layers
What are the principles for wound healing by primary intention?
1) Protect from physical and pathological assult
2) Absorb exudate
3) Maintain wound and body temperature
4) Oxygenation
5) Avoid stress (analgesia)
6) Observe the suture line for complications
What are the indications for a drainage tube?
1) Abscessed cavity - prevent premature closure
2) Insecure intra-abdominal wound - compromised healing
3) Anticipated exudate - tissues that contain secretory glands
4) Risk of peritonitis - bowel, gastric and biliary
5) Extensive dissection
6) Traumatic Injury
Name three types of drains
1) Capillary Wicking
2) Negative pressure suction devices
3) Percutaneous
What are the indications for percutaneous tubes
Gastrostomy - feeding or decompression Jejunostomy - Feeding Nephrostomy - Draining urine Suprapubic Catheter - Draining urine Biliary - Draining bile
Identify three primary aspects of peri-tubular skin care
1) Keep skin dry and clean
2) Peri-tubular leakage indicated french gauge is too small
3) Hypergranulation around tube indicates tube friction
What are the principles of drain management?
Client support and education Secure drain Maintain patency Maintain skin integrity Contain exudate Observe type & amount of exudate Prevent infection Observe for complications (discomfort, infection, dislodgement, blockage, loss of suction for VAC)
What are the primary surgical complications?
Haemorrhage Haematoma Seroma Oedema Infection Occulsion of blood supply - necrosis Dehisence Evisceration Adhesions
Define Dehisence
Seperation of a sutured would resulting in a cavity that requires either a second attempt at primary intention or will heal by secondary intention
What causes dehisence?
Trauma
Haematoma
Seroma
Infection
What is a fistula?
An abnormal track connecting one viscus to another viscus or to the skin
What causes a fistula?
1) Leaking surgical anastomosis
2) Spontaneous rupture due to obstruction, disease, trauma, radiotherapy damage
3) Mesenteric ischaemia
4) Sepsis - diverticulitis and appendicitis
What are examples of an internal fistula?
Vesicovaginal
Enterocolonic
Rectovaginal
What are examples of an external fistula?
Enterocutaneous
Buccul
Vesciocutaneous
What are the principles of fistual management?
1) Patient comfort and support
2) Fluid and electrolyte replacement
3) Nutritional assessment & supplementation
4) Prevention and management of infection
5) Maintenance of skin integrity
6) Containment of effluent & odur
7) Cost effective care
What medication management is involved with a fistula?
Anti-motility agents
Cholestyramine
Somastatin Analogues
Define fistulocysis
Re-feeding via a distal fistula
Define evisceration
A spontaneous rupture of the abdominal suture line and intestines protrude through the opening