What is the medical term for the closure of a wound by sutures, staples, or adhesives?

The closure of a wound using sutures, staples, or adhesives is referred to as wound approximation. This term specifically describes the technique of bringing the edges of a wound together in order to promote healing and prevent infection. Proper wound approximation is essential to minimize scarring and ensure that the skin layers properly reunite.

Wound debridement, on the other hand, involves the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from a wound to improve healing. While necessary in some cases, it does not refer to the act of closing a wound.

Wound dressing pertains to the materials applied over a wound to protect it and promote healing, but it does not directly address the closure of the wound itself.

Wound healing is the overall process that includes various stages from hemostasis through to tissue remodeling after a wound has been closed but does not specifically describe the method of closure.

Understanding these terms helps clarify the practices involved in wound care and the importance of proper techniques for closing wounds effectively.