Comprehensive preoperative management of patientswith pressure ulcer

Abstract

When a pressure ulcer is diagnosed as stage IV or III and there is an indication for surgery in clinical practice, the ulcer(s) should be given an opportunity to respond to local wound treatment. The average time is 4 weeks before a surgical decision for closure, providing that all other requirements for wound healing are met. Initially, the clinical appearance of the ulcer should be evaluated and then a plan set for local wound care to prepare the wound for surgical closure. Clinically, the wound should be as clean as possible before surgical closure, with a low level of bacterial colonization (less than 105) and no necrotic tissue, sign of infection, or purulent discharge present at the time of surgery.