Perspectives on Wound Healing

Abstract

Wound healing is an important component of all surgical operations. Essential features of the healing process are common to wounds of all tissues. Healing requires restoration of epithelial continuity with restoration of strength in the supporting dermis. In addition to the complications from delayed wound healing, there is a negative psychological effect on the patient. In the adult mammal, injury to the stroma is typically irreversible and eventually leads to formation of a scar, a non-physiological tissue repair. Regeneration of stroma and recovery of the structure and function of the original tissue is typically not observed. This article reviewed the fundamental process of wound healing, the factors that delay wound healing and their clinical implications.