Operating room acquired pressure ulcers

Six patients developing sacral pressure ulcers during vascular, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgical procedures are presented. Neither risk rating score nor time spent on the operating table identified these patients at unusual risk. The ulcers were usually not evident until the second postoperative day. The ulcers all had an initial bruise-like appearance or ecchymotic perimeter. They became larger and necrotic despite treatment. Healing did not begin until 12-14 days post-operatively or even longer if additional surgeries were required. A discussion of pressure ulcer development during surgery and recommendations for further study are included.