An observational study of temperature and thermal images of surgical wounds for detecting delayed wound healing within four days after surgery

AIM: To elucidate the infrared thermal patterns and temperature readings of the surfaces of surgical wounds for detecting delayed wound healing within four days after surgery. BACKGROUND: The nursing assessment of surgical wounds within the first four days after surgery is commonly based on visual and physical examination. Surgical wounds with delayed healing may be not detected if they do not exhibit signs such as redness or exudate within four days after surgery. DESIGN: This study was conducted using prospective observational design with reference to the STROBE Statement (see Supporting Information Appendix S1) to examine the temperatures of surgical wounds in their natural settings. METHODS: Based on convenience sampling, 60 participants admitted to the colorectal surgical ward for enterostoma closure from January-November 2013 were recruited. RESULTS: Although both infected and noninfected surgical wounds exhibited a significant increase in wound temperature from Days 1-4, the infected wounds revealed a statistically significantly lower temperature than the noninfected ones. Within the infrared thermal images, the infected wounds presented with partial warming of the skin surrounding and along the incision, suggesting that delayed healing could be identified. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that delayed wound healing can be detected within the first four days after surgery for early intervention of prevention and treatment before discharge. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This paper provides evidence-based information for healthcare professionals in assessing surgical wounds for delayed healing within the first four days after surgery. The findings herein enable the early detection of delayed wound healing, based on which early intervention of prevention and treatment may be instituted for affected patients before their discharge.