TEMPERATURE-CHANGES IN THE OPERATIVE WOUN D DURING THE HEALING-PROCESS

Using biomechanical principles, the qualitative occurences in the woun d were quantified. On the basis of the empirical knowledge that the wo und, from its inception to healing, is warmer than its surroundings, w e presumed that there was a certain regularity in the course of temper ature values of the wound during primary healing. For measuring the te mperature of the wound and its surroundings an electric thermometer of the ELLAB type was used. First, the temperature of the skin in the ep igastric region in 30 healthy examinees, who were due to undergo a gal l-bladder concrements operation was determined. The temperatures were measured within a traced dotted network. After the operation, in the s ame examinees, the temperatures were registered proximal to the wound and in its closer surroundings throughout the first eight post-operati ve days. Statistically evaluated the results showed that the temperatu re of the wound and of its surroundings, measured after operation, was higher than prior to operation. The temperature of the wound graduall y rises up to the third post-operative day, and then gradually falls f rom the fourth post-operative day. This course of temperature is expla ined in part by the biological occurrences in the wound. The inflammat ory reaction as a consequence of damage to the tissue is responsible f or the initial increase of wound temperature. It lasts a limited time and has a limited intensity. This could be proved by histological prep arations of the wound. The persistence of increased temperature after the third post-operative day is a sign of disturbed healing and predic ts infection and secondary healing. The absence of an initial increase d temperature of the wound is a sign of severe ischemia of the tissue and of unfailing disturbed healing.