Tertiärläkning

Tertiärläkning, also known as delayed primary closure or secondary intention with delayed closure, is a wound healing process that involves a period of observation before the wound is surgically closed. It is typically employed for contaminated or infected wounds where immediate closure is contraindicated. The wound is left open for a period, often several days, to allow for the control of infection and the resolution of inflammation. During this time, the wound bed is frequently irrigated and dressed to promote granulation tissue formation and to prevent further contamination. Once the wound is deemed clean and free of infection, surgical closure can be performed. This may involve primary closure with sutures or staples, or a skin graft if significant tissue loss has occurred. Tertiärläkning offers the advantage of reducing the risk of dehiscence and infection compared to immediate primary closure in certain situations. However, it can also lead to a larger scar and a longer healing time. The decision to employ tertiärläkning is based on a careful assessment of the wound's characteristics and the patient's overall condition. It is a common technique in trauma surgery and in the management of complex surgical site infections.