LACERATION REPAIR

General Information

DEFINITION--Repair of lacerations, open wounds in the skin extending to underlying tissue and sometimes muscle, blood vessels and nerves.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin; muscle; connective tissue.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Prevention of bleeding and infection.
• Examination to identify underlying injuries.
• Closure of the skin to hasten healing.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Family doctor, general surgeon, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, orthopedist or hand surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, outpatient surgical facility or emergency room.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by a combination of injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The wound is cleansed and irrigated. The wound is inspected for possible tendon or nerve injury.
• The skin edges are examined. Shredded tissue and debris are removed. Sometimes, a ragged edge is trimmed for better cosmetic results.
• The underlying tissue is closed with sutures that will be absorbed by the body. The skin is closed with small sutures, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.
• A bandage may be used to control bleeding.
• You may need an injection to prevent tetanus. Ask your doctor.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--Usually none.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Apply non--prescription antibiotic ointment to the wound before applying a bandage.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, to relieve minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 to 6 weeks after surgery.
• Resume driving 2 days after returning home.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the wound area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.