ABSTRACT
Wounds can be classified in several ways. One of the most important distinctions to make is between open and covered, or closed, wounds. In closed wounds the superficial layer is still intact and protects the wound against contamination; in open wounds there is a disruption of the skin or mucous membrane. Further classification of open wounds can be based on the degree of contamination, which partly depends on the duration of the injury:2-4 • Category 1. Clean wounds: nontraumatic
wounds not involving the respiratory, oropharyngeal, gastrointestinal or urogenital organs with no visible contamination; within 0-6 hours after surgery.
