Wundhöhlen

Wundhöhlen, also known as wound cavities, are spaces that form within or beneath a wound. These cavities can arise from various causes, including the debridement of necrotic tissue, trauma, surgical procedures, or chronic inflammation. The presence of a wound cavity can significantly impact the healing process.

The formation of a wound cavity is often a consequence of tissue loss or separation. Dead or dying tissue may slough off, leaving an empty space. Similarly, blunt force trauma can cause tissues to separate, creating a void. In surgical contexts, cavities can be intentionally created to remove diseased tissue or to facilitate the insertion of implants. Chronic wounds, particularly those with poor circulation or infection, are prone to developing cavities due to ongoing tissue breakdown.

Wound cavities can present challenges for wound management. They can be difficult to clean thoroughly, increasing the risk of infection. Furthermore, a cavity may not fill in effectively with new tissue, leading to prolonged healing times and an increased risk of complications such as dehiscence (wound reopening).

Treatment of wound cavities focuses on promoting healthy granulation tissue formation and encouraging the cavity to fill in. This often involves appropriate wound debridement to remove non-viable tissue, followed by the use of specialized wound dressings that can pack the cavity and promote healing from the base upwards. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a common technique used for managing larger or deeper wound cavities, as it helps to draw wound edges together and stimulate granulation. The goal is to convert the cavity into a flat, granulating wound bed that can then be closed.