Useful Wound Care Terms

Surgical Wounds Glossary:

blank

Abscess

An abscess is a painful lump on the skin containing pus. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics work by destroying or preventing the spread of bacteria.

Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance is when pathogenic organisms (i.e., bacteria and viruses) evolve over time and become resistant to antimicrobial drugs. This means that infections are becoming increasingly more difficult to treat. Antimicrobial resistance is now considered a global health crisis.

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial stewardship is a programme designed to promote a more appropriate use of antimicrobials such as antibiotics. This programme aims to reduce antimicrobial resistance (see above).

Aseptic Technique

Aseptic technique is a term that encompasses a set of medical practices that protect both healthcare professionals and patients from infectious materials such as blood or exudate.

Closure

A closure is the means by which a wound is closed to promote wound healing.

Contamination

The introduction of pathogenic microorganisms into a sterile or uninfected surface or person.

Debridement

The process by which necrotic (dead) tissue is removed from within or around the wound bed.

Deep incisional Surgical Site Infection

Abbreviated as a deep incisional SSI. This an infection that affects the subcutaneous tissues, including the muscles, around the surgical site.

Dehisced Wound

A dehisced wound is a term used to describe a surgical wound that fully or partially reopens after it has been closed.

Dehiscence

Dehiscence stands for the full or partial separation of previously reapproximated wound edges.

Erythema

Erythema is an abnormal redness of the skin caused by a dilation of the capillaries. This may occur because of an injury, infection and even sunburn.

Exudate

Exudate is a fluid that leaks out of wounds. It is made up of water, electrolytes, nutrients, enzymes and proteins. Exudate is sometimes known as pus.

Fistula

A fistula is an abnormal tunnel between areas of the body that are not usually connected.

Haematoma

A haematoma is a collection of blood (clotted and partially clotted) under the skin.

Healthcare-associated Infection

Often abbreviated as HCAIs. The encompasses all infections that are required because of a medical intervention (i.e., a surgery) or from contact with a healthcare setting.

Hypergranulation

Hypergranulation refers to an excess of granulation tissue growth. This is when tissue growth exceeds the amount required to replace any tissue loss incurred because of a skin injury or surgery.

Incisional Hernia

An incisional hernia is when tissue protrudes through the site of a surgical incision. It usually looks like a lump in the affected area.

blank

Infection

A reaction caused by pathogenic microorganisms entering the body.

Localised Infection

A localised infection is an infection that the immune system has contained in one part of the body. In the case of a surgical wound, a localised infection is one that has been contained within or around the surgical incision site.

Maceration

Maceration is the softening and breaking down of the skin because of prolonged exposure to moisture. The skin may feel damp, look wrinkly and be lighter in colour.

Malodour

Malodour is defined as an unpleasant smell. Wound malodour may be a sign of poor wound healing (i.e., an infection). It is associated with discomfort, stress, isolation and embarrassment.

Microbiome

The microbiome refers to the community of organisms such as bacteria, virus and fungi that naturally inhabit the body.

Oedema

Oedema occurs when fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, resulting in puffiness and swelling. Oedema is most common in the lower limbs, the arms and the genitals. Oedema is classified as chronic if it persists for more than three months.

Periwound

The periwound is the area immediately surrounding the wound.

Primary Intention Healing

This is a wound closure technique that involves reapproximating the wound edges using stitches, staples or skin glue.

Scar Tissue

This is a fibrous tissue that forms to replace the skin that has been damaged.

Secondary Intention Healing

Secondary intention healing is when the wound is left open to heal on its own naturally.

Seroma

A seroma is a build-up of fluid under the skin. They usually form near the site of a surgical incision.

Sepsis

Sepsis is an extreme and potentially life-threatening reaction to an infection. It causes the body to attack its own tissues and organs, which can lead to septic shock and organ failure if treated too late or improperly.

Common symptoms include an abnormal heart rate, fever, pain, difficulty breathing and confusion.

Superficial Incisional Surgical Site Infection

Abbreviated as a superficial incisional SSI. This an infection that affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues around the surgical site.

Surgical Wound

A surgical wound is an incision or cut made during a surgical procedure.

Surgical Site Infection

Sometimes known as SSIs. This is an infection located in the surgical incision site. It is the third most commonly reported healthcare-associated infection.

Sutures

Sutures, known interchangeably as stitches, are medical tools used to help close a wound. Using sutures to close a wound is classified as primary intention healing.

Tertiary Intention Healing

This is when the wound is left open to granulate before it is closed with sutures. This healing method is usually chosen when there is a high risk of infection.

Product website:

Clearpore