Pediatric: Wound Closure and Suturing
Pediatric adaptation of: Closure of lacerations and wounds, with lunar-specific considerations for wound healing in a radiation-exposed, nutritionally-challenged population.
Indications
Lacerations requiring closure, surgical wound closure, traumatic injuries.
Contraindications
Heavily contaminated wounds, animal bites (delayed primary closure), wounds >12 hours old.
Equipment Required
Standard Equipment
Suture kit, local anesthetic, irrigation syringe, gloves, sterile drapes, antiseptic.
Lunar Medical Bay Substitutions
Standard plus: wound irrigation adaptor for saline bags (gravity cannot assist irrigation in 1/6g). Tissue adhesive (cyanoacrylate — very useful in lunar context where suture materials may be limited). Synthetic absorbable sutures preferred (avoid silk — inflammatory reaction). Radiation-sterilized supplies in shielded storage.
Procedure Steps
Irrigate wound thoroughly (high-pressure saline). Explore for foreign body. Local anesthesia. Debride devitalized tissue. Approximate wound edges. Simple interrupted sutures or tissue adhesive. Apply non-stick dressing.
Lunar Technique Modifications (1/6 Gravity)
LUNAR HEALING CONTEXT: Wound healing may be impaired in lunar residents (radiation-induced immune suppression, nutritional deficiencies, stress). Aggressive wound irrigation is critical (regolith contamination is particularly dangerous). Prophylactic antibiotics for contaminated wounds or immunosuppressed residents. Optimize nutrition — protein 1.5-2g/kg. Monitor wound closely for delayed healing. Regolith in wounds: requires thorough irrigation and possible debridement under telemedicine guidance.
Telemedicine Guidance Points
Contact Earth Medical Relay (+1.3s delay) at these critical decision points:
Consult for complex facial lacerations. Any tendon or nerve involvement. Contaminated deep wounds. Failure to heal at 1 week.
Training Requirements
Medical officers: wound management and suturing certification. All residents: wound first aid.
Possible Complications
Infection, dehiscence, scarring, foreign body retention.