Jet Lavage Irrigation Resolves Stage 4 Pelvic Pressure Injury Undermining

Patients with stage 4 pelvic pressure injuries that have large, undermined cavities are at high risk for treatment failure and often fall into the category of palliative care. This case series identified five cases where treatment had stalled, and surgical reconstructive options were limited. Jet lavage irrigation in the outpatient setting was assessed as a treatment alternative.

From an investigational review board study assessing the use of low-pressure jet lavage irrigation in the outpatient setting for chronic wounds, five patients were identified where the wound dimension increased at least 50% resulting from undermined cavities. All were considered high risk with Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of 5 or greater, and their wound healing had stalled with extended treatments of topicals and medicated dressings. A team of physical therapists irrigated these patients' wounds at the bedside with 3 L of saline 3 to 5 days per week using a special long irrigation tip to reach the depth of the undermined cavity. Digital planimetry was used to assess healing with wound size as the outcome.

Reduction of the undermined cavities was seen early within the first 3 weeks. No patient developed wound sepsis, and bacterial contamination was determined by use of autofluorescence digital imaging. Undermining resolution occurred in four patients, and one patient with an improving wound died of COVID-19.

This simple method offered clear benefits in each patient, but only one patient survived to complete wound healing. Patient and family satisfaction were high regarding the treatment, which created a painless, odor-free wound.