Which factor is known to promote healing in a surgical wound?

Proper nutrition is a crucial factor in promoting healing in a surgical wound. Nutritional status plays a significant role in tissue repair and recovery processes. Adequate intake of proteins, vitamins, and minerals supports the body's repair mechanisms, boosts immune function, and helps in the synthesis of collagen, which is essential for wound healing.

Factors like increased dead space can actually hinder healing by allowing fluid accumulation and creating a suitable environment for infection. Environmental sterility is also important, but it primarily focuses on preventing infection rather than actively promoting healing. Decreased dead space is beneficial because it minimizes the volume within the wound, facilitating healing by allowing tissues to come closer together and reduce the potential for complications. Thus, proper nutrition directly supports the biological processes necessary for optimal wound healing.