Postoperative Management of Hard-to-Heal Wounds: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Abstract. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) ‘Half the cases of post-operative hard-to-heal wounds can be avoided’ [1]. Foreign authors A. E. Boniakowski, A. S. Kimball, B. N. Jacobs, et al. (2017) state that ‘Wound monitoring and periodic post-operative wound care performed at periodically planned time are important at all stages of wound healing’ [2]. 

Objective of the literature review. To analyse scientific articles on risk factors and wound management of hard-to-heal wounds.

Methods. The literature review was conducted using the PubMed, ECDC, and Google Scholar search in the electronic MEDLINE database. The search was carried out between September and December 2023. Keyword phrases and their combinations were used for the search. Twenty three articles on the examined topic were included in the literature review.

Results of the literature review. The present article discusses the main risk factors for wound infection and preventive measures. After analysing scientific articles, the causes of hard-to-heal wounds have been elucidated, which depend on the nature of the surgery, different pathogenic microorganisms, and the selection of dressings at each stage of wound healing.

Conclusions. 1. Favourable conditions must be created for wound healing. Regular assessment of the wound healing process based on clinical indicators is attributed to an important factor. 2. Topical antimicrobial agents are used when wound healing is suspected to be impaired; dressings are selected based on the type of wound healing.