Nonhealing Surgical Wounds

Nonhealing surgical wounds are incisions that fail to close or improve after an operation. At United Wound Care Centers of Illinois in Aurora, Illinois, John Konopelski, C-APN, DNP, Gladys Odoi, APRN, FNP-BC, MSN, and their team offer complete care for surgical wounds that fail to heal. Their approach combines advanced wound therapies, infection control, and support for underlying health conditions. Call United Wound Care Centers of Illinois or schedule a consultation online today for specialized care of nonhealing surgical wounds.

What is a nonhealing surgical wound?

A nonhealing surgical wound is an incision made during an operation that doesn’t heal as expected. Usually, surgical incisions close and improve within a few weeks. When a wound stays open, looks worse instead of better, or causes ongoing pain, it’s considered nonhealing.

Why don’t surgical wounds always heal?

Several things can interfere with the body’s natural healing process. Infection is among the most common reasons, especially when bacteria enter the incision site. Poor blood flow, chronic illnesses like diabetes, smoking, and some medications can also slow tissue repair.

Sometimes, mechanical stress on the wound, like too much movement, prevents proper closure. Poor nutrition and dehydration make the healing process even more challenging.

What are the warning signs of a nonhealing surgical wound?

Signs to watch for in your surgical wound include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Unusual or foul-smelling drainage
• Persistent pain
• Long-term warmth at the incision site
• Tissue that looks dark or breaks down

A wound that stays the same size or gets larger over time is another sign that you need professional care.

How are nonhealing surgical wounds diagnosed?

The United Wound Care Centers of Illinois wound specialists begin with a detailed history and physical exam. They might also order blood tests to check for infection or poor blood sugar control.

Imaging studies help detect hidden abscesses or other abnormalities beneath the skin. In some cases, the team performs a culture or biopsy, taking a cell or tissue sample to identify bacteria and other underlying problems.

Without treatment, nonhealing wounds can lead to severe complications like deep infection, tissue death (gangrene), or even life-threatening sepsis. Specialized wound care combines medical expertise with advanced treatments to give patients the best chance of recovery.

Which treatments are available for nonhealing surgical wounds?

Treatment depends on the root cause. Common steps include wound cleaning, debridement (removal of dead and infected tissue), and advanced dressings designed to keep the wound moist and protected.

If infection is present, you might need antibiotics. In some cases, the United Wound Care Centers of Illinois team might recommend negative pressure wound therapy (wound vacs) or hyperbaric oxygen therapy to stimulate healing.

Equally important is addressing underlying conditions, for example, managing diabetes, improving circulation, or promoting better nutrition.

Call United Wound Care Centers of Illinois today or book an appointment online for expert care for nonhealing surgical wounds.