Home > Encyclopedia of Surgery > Laceration Repair

Definition

Laceration repair includes all the steps required to treat a wound in order to promote healing and minimize the risks of infection, premature splitting of sutures (dehiscence), and poor cosmetic result.

Purpose

A laceration is a wound caused by a sharp object producing edges that may be jagged, dirty, or bleeding. Lacerations most often affect the skin, but any tissue may be lacerated, including subcutaneous fat, tendon, muscle, or bone.

A laceration should be repaired if it:

• Continues to bleed after application of pressure for 10–15 minutes.
• Is more than one-eighth to one-fourth inch deep.
• Exposes fat, muscle, tendon, or bone.
• Causes a change in function surrounding the area of the laceration.
• Is dirty or has visible...