Secondary intention is a term used in wound healing and surgical care. It refers to a method of healing where a wound is left open and allowed to heal naturally from the bottom up and from the edges inward rather than being closed with sutures, staples, or other methods. This process allows the wound to fill in with granulation tissue, which is a new tissue that replaces lost or damaged tissue, and eventually leads to a scar.
Wounds that heal by secondary intention might be larger, more complex, or contain some level of infection or contamination that prevents primary closure (where the wound edges are brought together directly). Examples include certain types of pressure ulcers, surgical wounds with a high risk of infection, or traumatic injuries.
Healing by secondary intention can take longer than healing by primary intention but can be effective for certain types of wounds. Key aspects of the management of wounds healing by secondary intention include keeping the wound clean, moist, and properly dressed to promote the healing process and minimize infection risk.