What are the Basic Wound Closure Techniques

Wounds are entry ways for microorganisms. So it is important to know how to clean and close them to avoid possible complications.

As a general rule, wounds are damage to the outer surface of the body. They can also be described as the loss of continuity of the skin due to an external factor. Depending on the characteristics of the wound, the medical team may choose to perform the wound closure procedure or leave the wound as it is to close itself naturally.

Nowadays, technical stitches are widely used to close wounds . However, there are many different types of this method and the doctor should choose the most suitable one for the patient's wound.

First, let's talk about how a wound can be classified in order to treat it best.

Classification of the Wound

Scar shell

After taking damage, the body takes action at many stages to heal.

First of all, one of the first things you should always check is to clean the wound.

On the one hand, it is possible to say that the newly taken damage will be fresh and free from germs or infected. On the other hand, dirty wounds may show more delay, more torn tissue may occur and may be microbes or contain foreign substances in them.

Another way to classify a wound is what caused the damage or the source of the damage (stabbing, fire, etc.).

You can also classify wounds based on their appearance or whether they affect other structures on another part of the skin.

Wound Healing Stages

Normally wounds follow a regeneration or healing pattern consisting of the following steps:

Inflammation: This step, also known as the reaction phase, takes place during the first few days. In this step, blood vessels expand and vascular permeability increases. Thus, serosal fluid and leukocytes are filtered to form a protective layer (scab).

Reproduction stage: This step is also known as regeneration stage or granulation period. It occurs three days after the damage has occurred and ends within 1-2 weeks. At this stage, the body begins to produce the collagen it has lost, and the lymphatic and blood vessels heal.

Maturation stage: This is sometimes described as the "model change" stage of the wound. It starts a few weeks after the damage and ends a few years later. When this happens, both the size and depth of the scar decrease. Finally, the skin in the area where the damage occurs will turn pale.

Wound Closure: How Can A Healthy Closure Of The Wound Be Encouraged?

Child knee wound

It is always best to go to the doctor in case of a serious wound.

A group of specialists in the hospital will follow the general procedure for healing wounds. A number of priorities should be applied in the event of an accident or urgency.

First of all, anesthesia may be required to the patient to reduce the discomfort associated with the wound closure . Depending on the severity of the damage, general or local anesthesia can be applied. To do this, the patient will be injected with one or more drugs, such as lidocaine.

Then a group of experts will gently and carefully remove any foreign matter that may be present in the wound, if this is the case. The most appropriate and sterile instruments will be used during this process.

Later, a large amount of salt solution should be applied to the area in order to clean properly.

Wound Closure Techniques

If necessary, the doctor may use stitches, tape, or staples to join the tissues that are separated from the wound. Depending on the nature of the damage, the relevant medical team will decide which type of stitch is more appropriate:

Adhesive tape. This consists of a series of tape sections that are placed near the outside of the wound. As a general rule, adhesive tapes will come off naturally within a few days of being glued (especially if they get wet).

Stapler. These are latch-shaped metallic threads that hold the wound's edges tight to support healing and tissue regeneration. They should be removed using a special medical instrument.

Sew with thread. There are many types of ropes and knots that a group of specialists can use, depending on the shape and texture of the wound. A needle is used to sew the entire length of the wound.

If it is looked at comprehensively, it is very important to go to the doctor as soon as possible so that a wound can be treated in the best way and to be sure that it is closed in a healthy way.