1020 chapter 11

Adhesion

a band of scar tissue that joins two surfaces of the body that are usually separate

Anastomosis

a surgically created connection between adjacent blood vessels, parts of the intestine, or other body channels

Approximated

coming close together or being similar in quality, nature, or quantity

Autologous

cells or tissues obtained from the same individual

Capillarity

the fine branching blood vessels forming a network between arterioles and venules

Chronic wounds

skin wounds that do not heal, heal slowly, or recur

Cicatrix

the scar of a healed wound

Collagen

the most abundant protein in the body, forming fiber-like structures for connective tissue

Compress

an absorbent pad pressed onto the body to stop bleeding or reduce inflammation

Dead space

a void left when tissue or organs are removed that may fill with fluid

Debridement

the removal of damaged tissue or foreign material from a wound

Dehiscence

the partial or complete splitting open of a wound

Edema

swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues

Elasticity

the ability of material to return to its original shape after stretching or compression

Evisceration

protrusion of organs through a surgical wound

Exudate

fluid and cellular material that leaks from blood vessels during inflammation

First intention

wound healing with edges closely reapproximated

French-eyed needle

a suturing needle with a V-shaped notch for threading suture material

Friable

tissue that is easily irritated and prone to bleeding or tearing

Gangrene

death of body tissue due to lack of blood supply or severe infection

Granulation

red, bumpy tissue that forms in a healing wound bed

Granuloma

a small collection of white blood cells and tissue

Hematoma

a localized collection of blood outside blood vessels

Hemolysis

destruction of red blood cells

Hemostasis

the stopping of blood flow

Hemostat

a surgical instrument used to control bleeding

Herniation

protrusion of tissue through an abnormal opening

Homologous

having a corresponding or similar structure or position

Immunosuppressed patients

patients with weakened immune systems and increased risk of infection

Inert

inactive or lacking biological reaction

Inflammation

localized redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function due to injury or infection

Ischemia

inadequate blood supply to tissue or organs

Keloid

raised, thickened scar tissue extending beyond the original wound

Lacerations

deep cuts or tears in skin or tissue

Ligate

to tie off a vessel or structure

Memory (suture)

the ability of a suture to return to its original shape

Monofilament sutures

single-strand sutures such as nylon or prolene

Packing

gauze placed into deep wounds to absorb drainage and promote healing

Pliability

the ability of a material to bend or conform easily

Primary suture line

a continuous running suture using one strand

PTFE

polytetrafluoroethylene; a synthetic mesh material

Rh (Rhesus) factor

an inherited antigen found on the surface of red blood cells

Second intention

wound healing where the wound is left open and heals by granulation and contraction

Secondary suture line

sutures used to reduce tension on the primary suture line

Seroma

accumulation of serous fluid in a dead space

Serosanguinous

containing both blood and serous fluid

Swaged

a needle with suture permanently attached by the manufacturer

Synthetic

made by chemical synthesis rather than natural origin

Tensile strength

the maximum force a material can withstand before breaking

Third intention

delayed wound closure after the wound is initially left open

Tissue reaction

inflammatory response or deformation caused by sutures

Vessel loops

flexible silicone devices used to retract or identify vessels

Wound disruption

reopening of a surgical incision