How long does it take for a surgical wound from tuberculosis of the chest wall to heal?

Tuberculosis of the chest wall varies in wound healing time from person to person. Most patients achieve basic wound healing within 1–2 months. However, healing time is significantly prolonged in cases with complex lesions, poor physical condition, or postoperative infection. A detailed analysis is as follows:

For patients with complete removal of the lesion and no underlying medical conditions, wound healing generally proceeds smoothly. Surface sutures can usually be removed about one week after surgery, at which point there is no redness, swelling, or fluid discharge from the wound, and the recovery phase begins gradually. Regular dressing changes are required during this period to keep the wound clean and dry, avoiding any pulling or tension on the wound.

If the lesion had already ruptured or become infected prior to surgery, or if the patient has comorbidities such as diabetes or malnutrition, wound healing may be adversely affected. These patients may experience persistent wound drainage, delayed healing, or local symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain. The dressing change frequency may need to be increased, and some patients may require targeted medication to manage their underlying conditions. Healing time in these cases may extend beyond three months.

After surgery, it is essential to strictly follow medical instructions for wound care, avoid exposing the wound to water, and wear loose clothing to minimize friction. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid excessive fatigue, and abstain from smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce irritation to the wound.