[The temperature dynamics during the healing processing of a surgical wound]

Using biomechanical principles, the qualitative occurrences in the wound were quantified. On the basis of the empirical knowledge that the wound, from its inception to healing, is warmer than its surroundings, we presumed that there was a certain regularity in the course of temperature values of the wound during primary healing. For measuring the temperature of the wound and its surroundings an electric thermometer of the ELLAB type was used. First, the temperature of the skin in the epigastric region in 30 healthy examinees, who were due to undergo a gall-bladder concrements operation was determined. The temperatures were measured within a traced dotted network. After the operation, in the same examinees, the temperatures were registered proximal to the wound and in its closer surroundings throughout the first eight post-operative days. Statistically evaluated the results showed that the temperature of the wound and of its surroundings, measured after operation, was higher than prior to operation. The temperature of the wound gradually rises up to the third post-operative day, and then gradually falls from the fourth post-operative day. This course of temperature is explained in part by the biological occurrences in the wound. The inflammatory reaction as a consequence of damage to the tissue is responsible for the initial increase of wound temperature. It lasts a limited time and has a limited intensity. This could be proved by histological preparations of the wound. The persistence of increased temperature after the third post-operative day is a sign of disturbed healing and predicts infection and secondary healing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)