The Application of Infrared Thermography in the Prediction of Skin Healing in Surgery

The Application of Infrared Thermography in the Prediction of Skin Healing in Surgery THERMS: THermography for Evaluation of Recovery and Monitoring of Surgical Wounds

This study investigates whether infrared thermography, a harmless and non-invasive thermal camera technique, can help monitor how surgical wounds heal after skin surgery. The goal is to detect wound problems earlier, such as infection or delayed healing, and to support doctors in making timely clinical decisions.

This study evaluates whether infrared thermography, a non-invasive technique that measures skin surface temperature, can help monitor how surgical wounds heal after dermatologic procedures. Surgical wounds may develop complications such as infection, delayed healing, or graft problems, and these issues are often detected only when visible changes appear on the skin. Because temperature changes can occur earlier than visible symptoms, thermal imaging may provide an earlier signal that a wound is not healing normally.

Participants in this study will have thermal images taken at several routine follow-up moments after their skin surgery. The imaging procedure is quick, painless, and does not touch the skin. By comparing temperature patterns over time, the study aims to understand whether specific thermal changes are linked to normal recovery or to early signs of wound problems.

The information gained from this study may help determine if handheld thermal cameras could be used as a supportive tool in clinical practice. Earlier identification of healing problems may allow clinicians to adjust treatment sooner and improve patient outcomes, while also providing a simple, accessible way to document wound progress.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Voluntary written informed consent of the participant or their legally authorized representative has been obtained prior to any screening procedures
2. Adult subjects (>18 years of age) at time of enrolment
3. Patients undergoing a surgical excision under local anesthesia
4. Indications of the excisions were skin lesions suspected to be malignant, skin lesions confirmed to be malignant via prior biopsy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient has history of pre-existing diabetes type I and II
2. Patients with pre-existing chronic wound problems
3. Patients with renal dysfunction,
4. Patients with venous insufficiency confirmed via radiographic imaging
5. Patients who received radiotherapy in the affected area in the past
6. Patients with chronic steroid use in the past (> 3 months) or a immunosuppressant medication history
7. Female who is pregnant