Description

Coit et al used a grading scheme to describe surgical wound healing after lymph node dissection. The scale can help compare outcomes following different therapeutic interventions. The authors are from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.


Wound Appearance

Grade

normal healing

1

erythema, <= 1 cm from suture line

2

erythema, > 1 cm from suture line

3

purulent drainage, minor skin edge necrosis

4

purulent drainage, major skin edge necrosis, systemic sepsis (on the basis of the wound infection)

5

 

 

Grade

Interpretation

Management

1 or 2

uncomplicated

none

3

minor complication

antibiotics

4 or 5

major complication

open drainage, debridement, parenteral antibiotics

 


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.