What is the healing process called when open wounds are contaminated or exhibit significant tissue loss?

The healing process referred to when open wounds are contaminated or demonstrate significant tissue loss is known as secondary healing. This process is characterized by the formation of granulation tissue and a longer healing time compared to primary healing. In secondary healing, the wound margins may be far apart, and the body must fill in the defect with new tissue and blood vessels.

In this scenario, when the wound is contaminated, there is an increased risk of infection, and the body needs to promote healing through the natural processes of inflammation, granulation tissue formation, and reepithelialization. The granulation tissue plays a crucial role in providing a matrix for cells to migrate and proliferate, aiding in wound closure.

The other types of healing mainly pertain to less complicated scenarios. Primary healing refers to the closure of a clean wound with minimal tissue loss and direct approximation of wound edges, leading to a faster healing process. Tertiary closure involves initially keeping the wound open and closing it later when the risk of infection has diminished. Immediate healing is not a standard term commonly used to describe a specific type of wound healing in medical practice. Thus, secondary healing is the accurate term when considering open wounds with contamination or significant tissue loss.