Objective: Pressure sores develop due to an ischemic environment depending on long-term pressure over a bony prominence. Surgical treatment is the most appropriate choice in patients with stage 4 pressure sores. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated our patients with grade 4 pressure sores on pelvic region and we aimed to present our surgical approach to pressure sores.
Method: Twenty three patients with grade 4 pressure at the pelvic region who were treated between January 2008 and January 2012 were evaluated. Etiological and epidemiological information of the cases recorded and the effectiveness of these treatment methods are discussed.
Results: Sixteen patients were male and seven patients were female. Ages ranged from 17 to 80 (mean:41). All patients had grade 4 pressure sores at their pelvic region and duration of the wound presence ranged from 15 days to 12 months (mean: 3,4 months). Twenty one defects were repaired in 18 patients who were operated. Defects were reconstructed using different flaps according to localization and size of the wound. Postoperative complications were observed as wound dehiscence in three patients, wound infection in one patient, partial flap necrosis in one patient.
Conclusion: Pressure sores are common in immobile patients. Surgery is the most effective treatment method in patient with advanced wounds. Patients condition, recovery expectations, possible complications should be taken into consideration when planning a treatment approach.
Key words: Pressure sores, flap, reconstruction, immobility
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