Secondary Intention Wounds

Secondary intention wounds usually involves some loss of tissue. They are left open to allow the free drainage of exudate and the formation of granulation tissue to fill the cavity left by dead or excised tissue.

The selection of wound dressing depends on a holistic assessment including the condition of the wound¹. Cavity wounds with significant exudate can be packed with alginate dressings such as 3M™ Tegaderm™ Alginate Dressing which encourage granulation from the bottom up. For shallow wounds, hydrocolloid dressings such as 3M™ Tegaderm™ Hydrocolloid Dressing and 3M™ Tegaderm™ Hydrocolloid Thin Dressing can be used to promote autolysis (natural breakdown of dead tissue) and offer excellent absorbency to control exudate. For medium to highly exuding wounds, polyurethane foam dressings such as 3M™ Tegaderm™ Foam Dressing can be used to absorb exudate.

To reduce trauma during dressing changes a wound contact dressing such as 3M™ Tegaderm™ Contact Dressing can be left in place whilst secondary absorbent dressings are replaced. 3M™ Cavilon™ No Sting Barrier Film can also protect the wound from trauma and the peri-wound area from maceration.

1. Bently J (2001) Promoting patient partnership in wound care. Br J Community Nurs
6(10):493-498

Information provided with support from the Wound Healing Research Unit, Cardiff.