Evaluation of Early Surgical Treatment Results Considering Venous Leg Ulcers

Lower leg ulcers are characterized by a chronic and recurrent course, being considered as a difficult therapeutic problem. Based on epidemiological data chronic ulcers concern 0.2 to 2% of the Western European population. The above-mentioned problem affects women more often than men, and increases with age. Treatment and recurrence prevention methods remain under discussion and research. The aim of the study was to evaluate the early surgical treatment results of venous leg ulcers at the Department of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin.

We evaluated patients hospitalized at the Department of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin during the period between 2009-2014. Inclusion criteria were as follows: venous leg ulceration, full documentation. The study group comprised 62 patients subjected to treatment for leg ulcerations, including 35 women and 27 men, aged between 30 and 94 years. The treatment method included the excision of the ulcers with the deep fascia, and the implantation of the mesh graft (thickness of skin) directly into the exposed muscle.

Amongst patients evaluated at discharge, the healing of the transplant was as follows: in case of 44 patients 90-100%, in 8 patients - 75-89%, in 5 patients 50-74% and in 5 patients less than 50%. The predominating bacteria collected from ulceration samples was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32%) and Staphylococcus aureus (35%).

The patient outcome shows that surgery is an effective method considering treatment of venous leg ulcers. Earlier qualification for this type of surgery will improve patient outcome.