Temperature Monitoring for Early Detection of Postoperative Wound Infections: A Narrative Review
Tomasz Fajferek, Aleksander Joniec, Seweryn Kaczara, Emma Mażul Kulesza, Jedrzej Mikolajczyk, Barbara Pietrzyk
Abstract
(1) Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant clinical challenge, with early detection hindered by the overlap between physiological postoperative inflammation and incipient infection. Continuous wound temperature monitoring offers a promising, non-invasive method to identify subtle thermal deviations that precede overt clinical signs. This review synthesizes current evidence on the utility of temperature monitoring as an early predictor of SSI and evaluates its clinical applications. (2) Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and Embase for English-language studies published between 2015 and 2025. Following PRISMA principles, eligible studies were selected that examined continuous or repeated local wound temperature measurements in adult postoperative patients and their association with a clinical diagnosis of SSI. (3) Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Key findings indicate that infected wounds may paradoxically exhibit lower temperatures “cold spots” than non-infected wounds in the early postoperative period. Dynamic indicators, particularly the temperature difference (ΔT) between the wound and adjacent skin and the temperature trajectory over time, proved more predictive than single, isolated measurements. Confounding factors such as patient adiposity were noted to influence thermal signatures. (4) Conclusions: Wound temperature monitoring is a valuable strategy for the early risk stratification of SSI. The analysis of thermal trends and dynamic parameters holds greater diagnostic significance than single readings. Integration with other biomarkers may further enhance specificity, but the development of standardized measurement protocols is essential for reliable clinical implementation and improved postoperative outcomes.