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Facial Plast Surg 2024; 40(01): 068-079
DOI: 10.1055/a-2047-6356
Original Research

Optimizing Wound Care after Surgery of the Head and Neck: A Review of Dressing Materials

Peter J.F.M. Lohuis
1   Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2   Department of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lohuis-Filipović Medial Group, Zagreb, Croatia
3   Department of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bergman Clinics, Hilversum, The Netherlands
4   Department of Sleep Medicine, Ruysdael Clinics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
,
Felix Maldonado-Chapa 
1   Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2   Department of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lohuis-Filipović Medial Group, Zagreb, Croatia
,
Karla M. Santos-Santillana
2   Department of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lohuis-Filipović Medial Group, Zagreb, Croatia
,
Boris Filipović
1   Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2   Department of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lohuis-Filipović Medial Group, Zagreb, Croatia
,
Richard Dirven
1   Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
,
M. Baris Karakullukcku
1   Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
,
Luc Karssemakers
1   Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
,
Willem H. Schreuder
1   Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
,
Charlotte L. Zuur
1   Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
,
Jacqueline Timmermans
1   Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract

Wound healing is a complex biological process subject to complications that might jeopardize the patient's postoperative care. Appropriately approaching surgical wounds after head and neck surgery positively influences the quality and speed of wound healing and increases patient comfort. A large variety of dressing materials currently exist that allow the care of different types of wounds. Nevertheless, there is limited literature on the most suitable types of dressings after head and neck surgery. The objective of the present article is to review the most commonly used wound dressings, their benefits, indications, and disadvantages, and to provide a systematic approach for wound care within the head and neck. The Woundcare Consultant Society distinguishes wounds into three groups: black, yellow, and red. Each type of wound represents distinctive underlying pathophysiological processes with unique needs. Utilizing this classification along with the TIME model allows a proper characterization of wounds and the identification of potential healing barriers. This evidence-based and systematic approach can facilitate and guide the head and neck surgeon in selecting a wound dressing upon acknowledging their properties, which are herein reviewed and exemplified with representative cases.

Keywords

wound care - surgical wounds - head and neck - dressing material


Publication History

Accepted Manuscript online:
06 March 2023

Article published online:
06 April 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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