Literature to support measuring depth on surgical wound

[horsecrazy1]

Could anyone provide me with best practice regarding measuring depth of a new surgical wound please? I’m having difficulty finding literature to support how to capture depth of a new surgical wound healing via primary intention. Ex: 0 or 0.1 to symbolize that full epithelialization has not yet occurred. Thank you in advance for your assistance  

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

If it is healing by primary intention, I would consider the depth to be 0 since it should be a closed surgical line. If it is an open surgical wound (I&D, debrided wound) or if it begins to dehisce, then I would measure depth.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Intact closed surgical incisions with sutures present usually have 0 depth.  Any opening between sutures should be measured for depth by inserting sterile qtip to measure and record depth noted.  Posted several articles to help you with assessing  and documenting wound measurements.

Assessment of Surgical Wounds in the Home Health Patient

Guideline: Assessment & Treatment of Surgical Wounds Healing by Primaryand Secondary Intention in Adults & Children

Surgical Wounds & Incisions A Comprehensive Review Assessment & Management

How to Measure Wounds   steps includes pictures

Agency for Healthcare Research: Wound Classification

Wound Care: The Basics

SURGICAL CARE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT -- reducing the incidence of surgical complications

 

[FifthBeetle, ADN, LPN, RN]

My interpretation of these wounds, as they are defined in texts, is that a new surgical wound of primary intention should become approximated (being joined by bond, strips, staples, or sutures) and exhibit a “healing ridge” by around post op day 5. It should not be necessary (nor do I believe is it desirable) to obtain a depth on these wounds. To probe the wound for depth is to potentially disrupt the joining of fascia, skin and tissue matrices, etc. If an area of the wound is showing signs of dehiscence after this 5 day period,  there is an area of slough or eschar, or it’s not showing signs of remaining approximated, you may want to get a depth with your measurement. Also look to the peri-wound- is there ridge development? Is the skin cool, pale, and edematous? or ecchymotic? or in some other way raising doubt that the wound is approximating normally? Is it draining a lot? 
We already know a primary intention wound has depth- so unless an abnormality is developing, I don’t think this information is needed. Measure the length, call it a linear wound.