Revolutionary advances in the management of traumatic wounds in the emergency department during the last 40 years: part I.
OBJECTIVE
This report provides an overview of advances in wound repair devised by our research team during the last four decades. This collective review is presented in two parts.


CONCLUSIONS
The following components are included in Part I: 1) search and treat life-threatening trauma; 2) conduct a thorough history; 3) examine the wound using aseptic technique; 4) anesthetize the wound before cleansing; 5) hair removal, skin disinfection, hemostasis, surgical debridement, and mechanical cleansing; 6) antibiotics, drains, and open wound management.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of these comprehensive research studies, we have noted a marked reduction in the incidence of wound infection in traumatic wounds.
Edlich
Richard F
RF
University of Virginia Health Systems, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Rodeheaver
George T
GT
Thacker
John G
JG
Lin
Kant Y
KY
Drake
David B
DB
Mason
Shelley S
SS
Wack
Courtney A
CA
Chase
Margot E
ME
Tribble
Curt
C
Long
William B
WB
Vissers
Robert J
RJ
D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004203:Disinfection; D006204:Hair Removal; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents