Non-Healing Surgical Wounds Treatment In Waco, TX

What Are Non-Healing Surgical Wounds?

Non-healing surgical wounds occur when a surgical incision does not heal within a reasonable time. This is typically between the six and 12-month mark. A non-healing incision is usually a result of excessive scar tissue buildup and the body’s inability to heal properly because of different factors. It is essential to know the signs that an incision is not healing correctly so that you can seek treatment.

About 3.2 million non-healing wounds in the United States are treated in outpatient care centers annually.

Causes of Non-healing Surgical Wounds

There are some potential causes of non-healing surgical wounds.

One of the most common is infection. If a wound becomes contaminated, it can be challenging to get it to heal. 

Another common cause of non-healing surgical wounds is poor blood circulation. If blood flow to the wound is lacking, the wound will not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs to heal.

Additionally, if a wound is constantly exposed to dirt and debris, it can become infected and will be very difficult to heal.

Finally, some people have a hard time healing from surgical wounds. This can be due to various factors, including age, health, and genetics.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of non-healing surgical wounds are pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. Your wound may also look like it is more profound, and it may look like there is a hole in the skin, or it might have pus draining from it. Some other symptoms may include:

• The wound may be tender.
• You may have a fever because of an infection.
• You may feel tired.
• You may have swelling in nearby lymph nodes.
• You may have sinus pain.
• You may have muscle weakness.
• You may have decreased range of motion during your surgery.
• You may have joint pain.
• You may have pain in your abdomen.

Treatment Options for Non-healing Surgical Wounds

There are many treatment options available for non-healing surgical wounds. Some of the most common include

1. Debridement

This removes dead or infected tissue from the wound to promote healing. Wound Debridement can be done using various methods, including mechanical, chemical, or autolytic.

2. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

This therapy uses a vacuum pump to draw out infection and promote healing.

3. Skin Grafts

Sometimes, skin grafts may be necessary to cover the wound and promote healing.

4. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a chamber with increased atmospheric pressure.

Risk factors for Non-healing surgical wound infections

The risk of formulating a surgical site infection is increased by any of the following:

• Having a compromised immune system
• Having had a previous infection at the surgical site
• Having diabetes
• Smoking
• Being obese
• Having a sizeable surgical wound
• Receiving cancer treatment
• Having a catheter in place
• Having a central venous catheter
• Having a large amount of tissue removed during surgery
• Receiving surgery in an area of the body with a high bacterial count
• Receiving surgery on the lower abdomen, pelvic area, or lower extremities.

How much does it cost to treat Non-healing Wounds?

The cost includes the cost of the supplies, which ranges from $1,000 to $3,500. The cost of treatment depends on whether the non-healing wound is infected. If the non-healing wound is infected, then additional treatments will be needed. The total cost to treat non-healing wounds can vary significantly.

FAQS

How should a non-healing surgical wound be cleaned?

The wound can be cleaned by soaking a sponge, washcloth, or gauze in the wound cleaner and gently cleaning the wound by gently rubbing the skin over it. A sterile bandage or dressing should be applied to cover the wound.

What happens if a non-healing surgical wound does not heal?

If a non-healing surgical wound does not heal, it can lead to infection, leading to serious health complications. If you have a non-healing surgical wound, it is essential to see your doctor so that they can decide the cause and provide you with the appropriate treatment. 

How do you deal with non-healing surgical wounds?

Some things can be done to help deal with non-healing surgical wounds. Some things that may be recommended include:

• Changing the dressing on the wound regularly
• Applying a topical antibiotic ointment to the wound
• Taking oral antibiotics
• Using a wound vacuum to help promote healing
• Undergoing surgery to revise the wound.

How are non-healing surgical wound infections diagnosed?

The most common way to diagnose a non-healing surgical wound infection is to take a tissue sample & send it to a laboratory for testing.

Why is the wound not healing?

Wounds will not heal without sufficient blood supply. Usually, this means bringing blood flow to the site of the wound. This can be accomplished by placing pressure directly on the wound, placing a medical dressing over the wound, or applying some bandage or compress.

A clean wound helps the blood clot and forms a thin layer of tissue over the wound. This thin layer of tissue keeps the bacteria out. Wounds left untended heal more slowly than wounds that are cleaned and dressed.

Best Doctor & Clinic to treat Non-surgical wound treatment in Waco, TX

If you are searching for the best clinic to treat your Non-surgical wound in Waco, TX. Look no further than Waco Heart and Vascular. Dr. Nicole Reid is a highly skilled and experienced doctor who can provide you with the best care. She has an excellent bedside manner and will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during your treatment.