secondary intention
Quick Summary
Secondary intention refers to a method of wound healing where the wound is left open and heals by epithelization. This approach is chosen when primary closure is not feasible, often due to contamination or the nature of the injury.12
Key aspects of healing by secondary intention include:
* Open Healing: The wound is not surgically closed. Instead, it heals naturally from the bottom up.1
* Granulation Tissue Formation: The wound bed fills with new connective tissue and capillaries.2
* Contraction: The wound edges draw closer together.2
* Epithelialization: New skin cells grow over the wound surface to cover it.12
This method is typically used for wounds that are heavily contaminated or cannot be approximated without tension, allowing for a more controlled healing process.12
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