Management of wounds and wound infections in the intensive care unit

Many factors combine to make management of wounds and wound infections in patients in intensive care units (ICUs) a complex task. An understanding of the anatomy, pathophysiology, and bacteriology provides a framework to approach these patients. The patient's underlying disease influences the care of the wound. Wound factors such as necrotic tissue, bacterial load, or presence of fistulae or a foreign body have important impact on the patient's care. With assessment and knowledge of normal healing, timely intervention in the ICU can identify patients whose wounds are not healing properly and allow for corrective interventions to help the patient return to normal function.