Various surgical techniques in the comprehensive treatment of decubitus ulcers

Background. Decubitus ulcers (pressure ulcers) resulting from inhibited circulation to body parts under pressure from body weight constitute a particularly difficult problem in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with tetra- and paraplegia. The present article describes a comprehensive treatment program for decubitus ulcers developed and realized in cooperation between the Rehabilitation Clinic and the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University Hospital of the Bydgoszcz Medical University.
Material and methods. Ten patients of varying age with decubitus ulcers in various parts of the body are described, with particular emphasis on the program of preoperative treatment to reduce infections and prepare the patient for surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, and on the proper choice of surgical technique.
Results. The surgical techniques used to repair decubitus wounds are described. Of the ten patients, six recovered from surgery with no complications whatsoever, while four experienced post-operative infections that delayed healing. In no case, however, was the operation unsuccessful and all the patients eventually returned to rehabilitation.
Conclusion. Effective cooperation between rehabilitation and plastic surgery in cases of decubitus ulcer provides a very good outcome.