Complications in spinal cord injury persons with "traditional" colostomy: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction is a frequent consequence of spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D). A colostomy is considered when conservative treatments fail [1, 2]. In the last year we observed several SCI/D persons with colostomy, admitted to our institution with multiple complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We present four cases of SCI/D persons treated with Hartmann's procedure and admitted to our institution for pressure ulcer (PU) treatment. All patients underwent PU surgery with good results. All patients reported a subjective good evacuation setting. No one assumed laxative therapies at home. At admission, all patients underwent abdominal radiography that showed an important constipation, with cases of sub-occlusion or complete occlusion with gastroparesis. One person presented a parastomal, strangulated hernia and underwent hernia reduction and patch positioning around the stoma. During hospital stay, bowel management required an important administration of laxatives and frequent, almost daily, stoma washes. DISCUSSION: Some considerations must be made regarding the use of traditional techniques in SCI/D people, such as Hartmann's, leaving a large part of the colon and the anatomical position of the stoma itself represent limitations to fecal progression and may cause constipation. A specific approach, tailored on the SCI/D patients' characteristics, such as the one described by our group, should be considered. Even if colostomy has been performed, appropriate therapies and health education on how to manage the stoma are fundamental to prevent complications.

Improving the Care and Cost of Treating Community-Acquired Stage 3 and 4 Decubitus Ulcers.

INTRODUCTION: The healthcare costs for treatment of community-acquired decubitus ulcers accounts for $11.6 billion in the United States annually. Patients with stage 3 and 4 decubitus ulcers are often treated inefficiently prior to reconstructive surgery while physicians attempt to optimize their condition (debridement, fecal/urinary diversion, physical therapy, nutrition, and obtaining durable medical goods). We hypothesized that hospital costs for inpatient optimization of decubitus ulcers would significantly differ from outpatient optimization costs, resulting in significant financial losses to the hospital and that transitioning optimization to an outpatient setting could reduce both total and hospital expenditures. In this study, we analyzed and compared the financial expenditures of optimizing patients with decubitus ulcers in an inpatient setting versus maximizing outpatient utilization of resources prior to reconstruction. METHODS: Encounters of patients with stage 3 or 4 decubitus ulcers over a 5-year period were investigated. These encounters were divided into two groups: Group 1 included patients who were optimized totally inpatient prior to reconstructive surgery; group 2 included patients who were mostly optimized in an outpatient setting and this encounter was a planned admission for their reconstructive surgery. Demographics, comorbidities, paralysis status, and insurance carriers were collected for all patients. Financial charges and reimbursements were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Forty-five encounters met criteria for inclusion. Group 1's average hospital charges were $500,917, while group 2's charges were $134,419. The cost of outpatient therapeutic items for patient optimization prior to wound closure was estimated to be $10,202 monthly. When including an additional debridement admission for group 2 patients (average of $108,031), the maximal charges for total care was $252,652, and hospital reimbursements were similar between group 1 and group 2 ($65,401 vs $50,860 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The data derived from this investigation strongly suggests that optimizing patients in an outpatient setting prior to decubitus wound closure versus managing the patients totally on an inpatient basis will significantly reduce hospital charges, and hence costs, while minimally affecting reimbursements to the hospital.

Transiliac-Shortening Osteotomy to Treat Ischial Pressure Injury due to Fixed Pelvic Obliquity: A Case Report.

CASE: A 17-year-old adolescent boy with Gross Motor Function Classification System 5 cerebral palsy and neuromuscular scoliosis underwent posterior spinal fusion and segmental spinal instrumentation from T3 to the pelvis. He developed a right ischial pressure injury a few months postoperatively, which persisted despite nonoperative measures. He subsequently underwent an ipsilateral transiliac-shortening osteotomy 16 months after spinal surgery to treat his residual pelvic obliquity and the ischial pressure injury, which healed completely. At the 1-year follow-up visit, there were no further signs of pressure injury. CONCLUSION: This case report describes transiliac-shortening osteotomy as a viable treatment option for non-healing ischial pressure injuries secondary to fixed pelvic obliquity.

Impact of shear stress on sacral pressure injury from table rotation during laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed in the lithotomy position.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of shear stress on surgery-related sacral pressure injury (PI) after laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed in the lithotomy position. We included 37 patients who underwent this procedure between November 2021 and October 2022. The primary outcome was average horizontal shear stress caused by the rotation of the operating table during the operation, and the secondary outcome was interface pressure over time. Sensors were used to measure shear stress and interface pressure in the sacral region. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of PI. PI had an incidence of 32.4%, and the primary outcome, average horizontal shear stress, was significantly higher in the PI group than in the no-PI group. The interface pressure increased over time in both groups. At 120 min, the interface pressure was two times higher in the PI group than in the no-PI group (PI group, 221.5 mmHg; no-PI group, 86.0 mmHg; p < 0.01). This study suggested that shear stress resulting from rotation of the operating table in the sacral region by laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed in the lithotomy position is the cause of PI. These results should contribute to the prevention of PI.

Healing an ischial tuberosity pressure ulcer in a patient with neurogenic heterotopic ossification: a case report.

Neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) is widely recognised as an aberrant bone formation in soft tissue following central nervous system injury. It is most frequently associated with pain and limited movement, especially in the hip. However, it may be neglected in patients with paraplegia with a pressure ulcer (PU). We report the case of an 18-year-old male patient who presented with a hard-to-heal ischial tuberosity PU and who had undergone three operations at other hospitals during the previous six months, which had failed to repair the PU. There was a history of paraplegia as a consequence of spinal cord injury two years previously. Computed tomography and three-dimensional reconstruction showed massive heterotopic ossification (HO) in the wound bed and around the right hip. Histological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of HO. The HO around the wound was completely excised, negative pressure wound therapy was used to promote granulation, and a gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flap was used to cover the wound. We conclude that for patients with paraplegia, with a hard-to-heal PU, it should be determined whether it is associated with NHO. Surgical resection of HO surrounding the wound and improving the microcirculation are critical for repair and reconstruction of these PUs.

Surgical treatment of sacral pressure injury in ambulating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective cohort with complications analysis and elaboration of a surgical treatment protocol.

BACKGROUND: The sudden increase of intensive care unit patients during the coronavirus pandemic led to an increase in the incidence of sacral pressure lesions. Despite being ambulating patients, in many cases the lesions were deep (Grade III and IV), mainly due to the long-term intubation and being bedridden during the pandemic. Most of these wounds necessitated surgical repair. OBJECTIVES: To measure the success and the rate of complications in reconstructions of grade III and IV hospital acquired sacral pressure lesions in ambulating patients after hospitalization for COVID-19. Developing a well-established protocol for surgical treatment of hospital acquired sacral pressure lesions during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Prospective cohort involving ambulating patients with grades III and IV sacral pressure lesions developed after hospitalization for COVID-19 from May 2020 to August 2020 (4 months). All of them were submitted to reconstruction with fasciocutaneous flaps. Demographics, comorbidities, and preoperative laboratory tests were compared and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was made in order to identify risk factors for complications. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were submitted to fasciocutaneous flaps to repair sacral pressure lesions with a total complication rate of 36.0%. Hemoglobin levels lower than 9.0 mg/dl (p = 0,01), leukocyte levels higher than 11.000/mm3 (p = 0,1), and C Reactive protein levels higher than 142 mg/dl (p = 0,06) at the time of reconstruction and bilateral flaps were independent factors for complications. CONCLUSION: Specific preoperative laboratory tests and surgical techniques were associated with a statistically significant increased complication risk. It was established a protocol for surgical treatment of hospital-acquired sacral pressure lesions to diminish these risks, focusing on ambulating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Clinical efficacy of posterior femoral muscle flaps combined with posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap and closed lavage in the treatment of stage â £ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers].

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of posterior femoral muscle flaps combined with posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap and closed lavage in the treatment of stage Ⅳ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study. From March 2021 to March 2022, 15 patients with stage Ⅳ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Dezhou Dongcheng Hospital, including 11 males and 4 females, aged 31 to 72 years. The pressure ulcer wound size ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 10.0 cm×6.0 cm, with cavity diameters of 10-14 cm. Five cases were complicated with ischial tuberosity bone infection. After clearing the lesion, the biceps femoris long head muscle flap with an area of 10.0 cm×4.0 cm-18.0 cm×5.0 cm and the semitendinosus muscle flap with an area of 8.0 cm×4.0 cm-15.0 cm×5.0 cm combined with the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap with an area of 6.5 cm×5.5 cm-10.5 cm×6.5 cm was transplanted to repair the pressure ulcer wound. The flap donor area was directly sutured, and the closed lavage with tubes inserted into the wound cavity was performed for 2-3 weeks. The postoperative survival of the muscle flaps and skin flaps, the wound healing of the donor and recipient areas were observed. The recurrence of pressure ulcers, the appearance and texture of flaps, and scar conditions of the donor and recipient areas were followed up. Results: All the muscle flaps and skin flaps in the 15 patients successfully survived after surgery. Two patients experienced incisional dehiscence at one week after surgery due to improper turning over, during which the incision in the recipient area was pressed on, and the wounds healed after dressing changes of 3 to 4 weeks; the wounds in the donor and recipient areas healed well in the other patients. All patients received follow-up after surgery. During the follow-up period of 6 to 12 months, none of the patients experienced pressure ulcer recurrence, and the texture, color, and thickness of the skin flaps closely resembled those of the surrounding skin at the recipient site, with only linear scar left in the donor and recipient areas. Conclusions: When using the posterior femoral muscle flaps combined with the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap and closed lavage to treat stage Ⅳ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers, the tissue flap can be used to fully fill in the dead space of the pressure ulcers. After treatment, the wound heals well, the appearance of the donor and recipient areas is better, and the pressure ulcers are less prone to reoccur.

Management of deep sacral and ischial pressure injuries with free-style local perforator flaps: A D+P+DPD model.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports on the treatment of sacral and ischial pressure injuries have not provided clear algorithms for surgical therapies. The objective of this study was to establish a reconstruction algorithm to guide the selection of an ideal free-style perforator flap that can be tailored to the defect in question. METHODS: We used 23 perforator flaps to reconstruct 14 sacral and 8 ischial defects in 22 patients over 5 years. A reconstruction algorithm system was developed based on the anatomical features of the perforator vessels (diameter, D; pulsatility [++∼+++], P) and their position in the skin island (DPD) (ie, D+P+DPD). A perforator-based propeller flap was applied as the first-line choice; if this plan was not feasible, we applied an altered V-Y advancement model or another second-choice technique. RESULTS: All flaps survived, and only 1 patient experienced partial wound dehiscence, which healed by secondary intention. After an average follow-up period of 11.2 months, no patient experienced recurrence or infection. CONCLUSIONS: Free-style perforator flap selection is determined by pressure injury and the desired advantage of a specific approach. The use of free-style perforator-based propeller flaps allows a surgeon to transfer healthy tissue into the defect, shifts the suture line away from the bony prominence, and preserves additional future donor sites. In cases where unexpected variations are encountered, the V-Y advancement model or another technique can be used. The simplified surgical algorithm (D+P+DPD) can provide versatility and reliability, achieve a durable, natural esthetic outcome, and minimize injuries to future donor sites.

Long-term debridement effect of denervated large sacrococcygeal pressure injury: A case report.

RATIONALE: Complicated pressure injury in paraplegic patients is common and difficult to manage. Previous case studies have documented short-term management; however, little is known regarding suitable approaches to long-term clearing of extensive pressure injury in the sacrococcygeal area under denervation. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 53-year-old man was bedridden for 1.5 years owing to cervical vertebral fracture-dislocation (C5-C6), resulting in extensive sacrococcygeal pressure injury. DIAGNOSES: On admission, he presented with the injury complicated by infection (stage IV necrosis), and his vital signs were unstable. INTERVENTIONS: The infection was treated with a range of antibiotics, including clindamycin phosphate, metronidazole, cefoperazone sodium, and sulbactam sodium. Debridement of the pressure injury was performed, helping remove the necrotic tissue and stimulate tissue regeneration. OUTCOMES: The patient was discharged after 88 days of hospitalization. The extent of the pressure injury at discharge was reduced compared with that at admission. At 4-month follow-up, the injury was nearly healed, with no signs of any further complications. LESSONS: This case study suggests that wound debridement is a cost-effective and clinically efficacious approach to long-term complicated pressure injury management.

[Clinical repair strategy for ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers based on the sinus tract condition and range of skin and soft tissue defects].

Objective: To investigate the clinical repair strategy for ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers based on the sinus tract condition and range of skin and soft tissue defects. Methods: The study was a retrospective observational study. From July 2017 to March 2023, 21 patients with stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, including 13 males and 8 females, aged 14-84 years. There were 31 ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers, with an area of 1.5 cm×1.0 cm-8.0 cm×6.0 cm. After en bloc resection and debridement, the range of skin and soft tissue defect was 6.0 cm×3.0 cm-15.0 cm×8.0 cm. According to the depth and size of sinus tract and range of skin and soft tissue defects on the wound after debridement, the wounds were repaired according to the following three conditions. (1) When there was no sinus tract or the sinus tract was superficial, with a skin and soft tissue defect range of 6.0 cm×3.0 cm-8.5 cm×6.5 cm, the wound was repaired by direct suture, Z-plasty, transfer of buttock local flap, or V-Y advancement of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap. (2) When the sinus tract was deep and small, with a skin and soft tissue defect range of 8.5 cm×4.5 cm-11.0 cm×6.5 cm, the wound was repaired by the transfer and filling of gracilis muscle flap followed by direct suture, or Z-plasty, or combined with transfer of inferior gluteal artery perforator flap. (3) When the sinus tract was deep and large, with a skin and soft tissue defect range of 7.5 cm×5.5 cm-15.0 cm×8.0 cm, the wound was repaired by the transfer and filling of gracilis muscle flap and gluteus maximus muscle flap transfer, followed by direct suture, Z-plasty, or combined with transfer of buttock local flap; and transfer and filling of biceps femoris long head muscle flap combined with rotary transfer of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap; and filling of the inferior gluteal artery perforator adipofascial flap transfer combined with V-Y advancement of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap. A total of 7 buttock local flaps with incision area of 8.0 cm×6.0 cm-19.0 cm×16.0 cm, 21 gracilis muscle flaps with incision area of 18.0 cm×3.0 cm-24.0 cm×5.0 cm, 9 inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps or inferior gluteal artery perforator adipofascial flaps with incision area of 8.5 cm×6.0 cm-13.0 cm×7.5 cm, 10 gluteal maximus muscle flaps with incision area of 8.0 cm×5.0 cm-13.0 cm×7.0 cm, 2 biceps femoris long head muscle flaps with incision area of 17.0 cm×3.0 cm and 20.0 cm×5.0 cm, and 5 posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flaps with incision area of 12.0 cm×6.5 cm-21.0 cm×10.0 cm were used. The donor area wounds were directly sutured. The survival of muscle flap, adipofascial flap, and flap, and wound healing in the donor area were observed after operation. The recovery of pressure ulcer and recurrence of patients were followed up. Results: After surgery, all the buttock local flaps, gracilis muscle flaps, gluteus maximus muscle flaps, inferior gluteal artery perforator adipofascial flaps, and biceps femoris long head muscle flaps survived well. In one case, the distal part of one posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap was partially necrotic, and the wound was healed after dressing changes. In another patient, bruises developed in the distal end of inferior gluteal artery perforator flap. It was somewhat relieved after removal of some sutures, but a small part of the necrosis was still present, and the wound was healed after bedside debridement and suture. The other posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flaps and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps survived well. In one patient, the wound at the donor site caused incision dehiscence due to postoperative bleeding in the donor area. The wound was healed after debridement+Z-plasty+dressing change. The wounds in the rest donor areas of patients were healed well. After 3 to 15 months of follow-up, all the pressure ulcers of patients were repaired well without recurrence. Conclusions: After debridement of ischial tuberosity pressure ulcer, if there is no sinus tract formation or sinus surface is superficial, direct suture, Z-plasty, buttock local flap, or V-Y advancement repair of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve nutrient vessel flap can be selected according to the range of skin and soft tissue defects. If the sinus tract of the wound is deep, the proper tissue flap can be selected to fill the sinus tract according to the size of sinus tract and range of the skin and soft tissue defects, and then the wound can be closed with individualized flap to obtain good repair effect.

Combined application of gluteus maximus muscle flaps and random pattern skin flaps in repairing sacrococcygeal sinus tracts: a prospective study and technical note.

BACKGROUND: Sacrococcygeal sinus ulcers are caused by pressure sores, trauma, or surgery. Several surgical techniques have been developed for its treatment; however, studies are ongoing to develop the ideal method. The present study aims to introduce an innovative application of gluteus maximus muscle flaps (GMMFs) packing combined with local random pattern skin flaps (RPSFs) in repairing sacrococcygeal sinus tracts (SSTs). METHODS: This was a prospective analysis study conducted on the patients (n = 26) with SSTs underwent an innovative repairing surgery in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, China between December 2015 and December 2020. The repairing surgery was GMMFs combined with RPSFs. The demographic information and the clinical parameters including operative time, postoperative healing time, and recurrence rate were used to evaluate the efficacy of the operation. RESULTS: Except one case of partial necrosis at the edge of the flap due to severe fibrosis, which was cured after dressing change, all the other cases showed effective healing after the operation. CONCLUSION: The combined application of GMMFs and RPSFs for the treatment of sacrococcygeal sinus tracts gains the advantages of short operative time, quick postoperative recovery, and low postoperative recurrence rate.

A Guide to Perforator Flap Selection for Buttock Pressure Sore Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Perforator flaps have been increasingly used to repair stage IV buttock pressure ulcers. However, no one has proposed an approach for stage IV buttock pressure ulcers repairing based on the subregion of buttock pressure ulcers. This study aims to evaluate the effect of perforator flaps in the repair of stage IV buttock pressure ulcers, and flap selection was based on the location of the pressure ulcers. Over the past 5 years, we evaluated 65 cases of stage IV buttock pressure ulcers repaired using perforator flaps. Flap selection was based on the subregion of each buttock pressure ulcer, following our approach. A total of 87 perforator flaps were used for 65 cases, including 42 superior gluteal artery perforator flaps, 19 fourth lumbar artery perforator flaps, and 26 descending inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps. All patients showed satisfactory reconstruction. The authors' approach can support surgeons in selecting the appropriate flaps to repair stage IV buttock pressure ulcers and achieve excellent reconstructive outcomes. This method makes the selection of flaps for pressure ulcer repair systematic, simple, and highly feasible and thus is worthy of promotion.

Rotational V-Y Fasciocutaneous Advancement Island Flap to Cover Deep Sacrococcygeal Defects due to Pilonidal Disease, Pressure Ulcers, and Other Inflammatory Conditions.

The sacrococcygeal area supports the lower body and endures mechanical forces during movement. However, current treatment methods for deep caudal sacrococcygeal defects have limitations, resulting in insufficient tissue for deep pocket obliteration and considering only the two-dimensional advancement plane in a three-dimensional defect topology. Our study proposes using a rotational V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement island flap to reconstruct deep caudal sacrococcygeal defects. By considering the three-dimensional nature of the defect, we distinguish a coccygeal plane of the V-Y flap from a sacral plane and set different directions and depths of movement for each plane. From March 2016 to July 2022, 12 patients underwent successful treatment with this surgery, and no complications or recurrences were observed in the study group. Our research found that patients in our study exhibited a smaller intercoccygeal angle than the average angle of the general Korean population, as previously reported. This implies a more pronounced curvature between the sacral and coccygeal planes. Therefore, our methods, which consider the three-dimensional structures of sacrococcygeal pathology, are significant. This technique provides a mechanically robust reconstruction after resecting deep sacrococcygeal pathology, with well-padded tissue to prevent dead space and wound disruption.

Lower-Extremity Fillet Flap for Reconstruction of Complex Stage IV Pressure Sores and Plantar Flap for Lumbosacral Padding.

BACKGROUND: The lower-extremity fillet flap is a suitable option for the repair of complex (multiple or complicated with osteomyelitis) stage IV pressure sores. If prepared from a nonfunctional extremity, it can close complex wounds and avoid the unnecessary burden of a nonfunctional organ that restricts patient movement, thereby improving quality of life. METHODS: We used a lower extremity fillet flap for reconstruction in 5 patients with complex stage IV pressure sores. The flaps were prepared from the nonfunctional lower extremity with multiple lesions by using iliofemoral disarticulation. The mean age of the patients was 60 years old, and the mean follow-up period was 18 months. A plantar flap was used in 1 patient for prophylactic padding of the lumbosacral region. In another patient, the plantar flap was used as a sensate flap. RESULTS: No major complications, such as total or partial flap loss, occurred in these patients. In 1 patient, a hematoma developed under the flap that led to dehiscence; however, it healed uneventfully without flap loss. Patients developed minimal pelvic stability and balance loss because of iliofemoral disarticulation, but it did not affect their sitting ability and mobility. After the operation, all patients became increasingly active and mobile because of the absence of excess weight on their nonfunctional legs, allowing them to easily perform daily activities such as turning in bed, using a wheelchair, eating, and dressing. Pressure sores did not develop in any of the patients during the postoperative follow-up period. The patient who underwent lumbosacral padding with a sensate plantar flap began to perceive touch over the flap in the fifth postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a lower-extremity fillet flap can be a good repair option in complex stage IV pressure sores because it prevents recurrence and enables patients to perform daily activities more easily. Furthermore, plantar flaps can provide prophylactic padding in the lumbosacral region.

The niche of dermal graft to reconstruct a complex pressure injury wound in sacral region: A case report.

RATIONALE: Pressure ulcers are a common health issue, particularly among elderly and bedridden patients who are vulnerable to pressure injuries in the sacral region. Currently, free flap and local flap surgeries are the gold standard procedures for the reconstruction of such injuries. However, the recurrence rate of flap surgery appears to be high. In this context, we presented a case involving a sacral pressure ulcer reconstructed with dermal grafting. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 59-year-old male with a medical history of hepatitis C, brain hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and multiple fractures presented with a sacral ulcer. Owing to the patient's history of recurrent pressure injuries and the challenges associated with postoperative wound care, the patient and his family were hesitant to proceed with flap surgery. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with a stage IV pressure ulcer measuring 4 cm × 4 cm in size in the sacral region, according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel staging system. INTERVENTIONS: Before surgery, the patient received standard wound care with dressing for 4 months, along with short-term oral antibiotics due to a positive wound culture for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During the surgery, a dermal graft with a size of 35 cm2 and a thickness of 0.014 inches was harvested from the patient's left thigh. The graft was then secured to the wound bed. OUTCOMES: Although the dermal graft failed with sloughing after 1 week, the wound bed showed improvement with granulation. After 1.5 months, the wound area had decreased to half of its original size, and the wound eventually healed after 3.5 months. LESSONS: Dermal grafts have a niche in reconstructing pressure injury wounds in the sacral region, because of the relative ease of wound care and additional benefits even in cases where the graft fails.

Surgical treatment of sacral pressure wounds in patients with COVID-19: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in an increased number of patients requiring intubation and intensive care. This has led to an increased incidence of sacral pressure ulcers requiring surgical management. We report our experience of COVID 19 related sacral pressure ulcers requiring surgical reconstruction. METHODS: A case series study was performed with 12 patients who presented grade IV sacral pressure ulcers after hospitalization for COVID-19 in a single institution. The mean age was 49.8 years and the most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension, diabetes and obesity, each present in 6 patients. All of them were submitted to surgical reconstruction with fasciocutaneous flaps after improvement of their clinical status. Follow up time was of at least 30 days after reconstruction. Preoperative laboratory tests and surgical outcomes were compared to data available in the literature. RESULTS: No major dehiscence was observed and minor dehiscence happened in 2 cases (16.7%). Out of the 12 patients, 8 (66.7%) had hemoglobin levels less than 10.0 and 5 (41.7%) had albumin levels less than 3.0, though this did not lead to a higher rate of complications. CONCLUSION: This study showed that ambulating patients with grade IV pressure ulcer after COVID- 19 infection may undergo debridement, negative-pressure wound therapy and closure with local flaps with adequate results and minimal complication rate.

Vastus Lateralis and Vastus Intermedius Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction for Complicated Trochanteric and Ischial Pressure Sores with Extended Girdlestone Resection: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: Most paraplegic patients with complicated trochanter sores or ischial sores present with lower limb muscle atrophy. Therefore, in patients who have undergone Girdlestone arthroplasty, filling the dead space and replacing the volume defect through an appropriate surgical technique is extremely challenging. This study presents a case series of vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius myocutaneous flap reconstruction after extended proximal femoral osteotomy in paraplegic patients. The aim of study is to investigate (i) whether sufficient volume replacement was achieved, (ii) whether muscle volume was maintained during long-term follow-up, and (iii) the presence of donor site morbidity. METHOD: A retrospective review was conducted with eight patients who underwent this method from March 2017 to December 2021. A total of nine flaps was elevated, and the defect was successfully reconstructed without dead space. Computed tomography was performed to identify the changes in thickness and volume of the muscle portion. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to assess the significance of the differences in muscle thickness between pre- and post-measurements. RESULTS: After surgery, all patients healed within 1 month; three patients experienced minor complications. The average follow-up period was 14.5 months, during which only one patient with an ischial pressure ulcer developed wound disruption and recurrence. The average thickness of the rotated muscle was 51.95 mm at 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively and 53.07 mm at 6 months postoperatively (𝑝 = 0.071). CONCLUSION: All nine cases healed well without major complications. When comparing the volume of the rotated muscle on radiological examinations before and after surgery, no significant differences were observed. Our modified Girdlestone resection technique provides a simple and reliable method for reconstructing complex trochanteric or ischial sores in paraplegic patients. It ensures anatomical consistency, ample volume, and structural stability by leaving the rectus femoris (RF) in place. Careful tension management is required when using this flap in the ischial area.

Near-total gluteal defect reconstruction with bilateral delayed giant lumbar artery perforator flaps: A case report.

The reconstruction of the near-total or total gluteal defects is challenging. Reconstructive options were restricted when the gluteal flaps were sacrificed. The lumbar artery perforator flap (LAPF) has been recently popularized as an alternative option for sacral and gluteal pressure ulcers. Extension of flap size may be needed in extensive defects. We aim to use the delay phenomenon to increase lumbar artery perforator flap territory to reconstruct near total gluteal defect. A 36-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with defect sizes of 23 × 23 cm and 25 × 17 cm for the right and left gluteal regions. She had a history of multiple surgeries for her paraplegia-related sacrogluteal pressure sores. The reconstruction was started on the left side with delaying incisions to the flap borders. Seven days later, the left gluteal defect was reconstructed with 27 × 19 cm LAPF based on a second lumbar artery perforator. At the same session, the delaying incision was performed to the borders of the right LAPF. On day 14, the right gluteal defect was closed with a 25 × 25 cm-sized right LAPF. No flap loss and early complications were seen. The patient was discharged without complication after 10 days after the last operation. The patient was followed up for 1 year. A right ischial pressure ulcer due to wheelchair use was encountered, which was managed with conservative wound care in the 8th month. Giant-sized lumbar artery perforator flaps may be obtained by delay phenomenon to reconstruct near-total or total gluteal pressure sores.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) after Hybrid Reconstruction of Occipital Pressure Sore Using Local Flap and Skin Graft.

Background and objectives: Pressure sores are a common medical burden among patients, particularly those who are bedridden or frail. Surgical management of occipital pressure sores poses unique challenges due to limited elasticity and the spherical shape of the scalp. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel reconstruction method utilizing a local transpositional flap and split-thickness skin graft with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for occipital pressure sore treatment. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with occipital pressure sores who underwent hybrid reconstructions using a local flap and split-thickness skin graft in conjunction with NPWT. Surgical outcomes, including flap survival rate, graft take percentage, and complications, were assessed. A comparative analysis was performed between the NPWT group and the conventional dressing group. Results: The NPWT group (n = 24) demonstrated a significantly higher mean graft take percentage at postoperative day 14 compared with the conventional dressing group (n = 22) (98.2% vs. 81.2%, p < 0.05). No significant difference in flap survival rate was observed between the two groups. Conclusions: As the aging population continues to grow, occipital pressure sores have gained significant attention as a crucial medical condition. The innovative surgical method incorporating NPWT offers an efficient and safe treatment option for patients with occipital pressure sores, potentially establishing itself as the future gold standard for managing this condition.

Surgical therapy for complex pelvic pressure injuries: a review of outcomes for five consecutive years and a proposal for a navigator in the care pathway.

INTRODUCTION: An advanced pelvic PI is a challenging problem that requires care from multiple disciplines. OBJECTIVE: This study is a critical evaluation of wound recurrences after surgical repair, and an analysis of factors that may contribute to surgical failures. This study also provides a literature review of pelvic PIs and proposes how a navigator embedded in the wound care department could play a role in decreasing surgical failures. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 33 consecutive surgeries for closure of complex pelvic PIs in 22 patients was conducted. RESULTS: Recurrences developed in 17 of 33 surgeries (52%). Recurrences were seen most frequently in those undergoing simultaneous repair of 2 sites and those who had undergone prior surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term healing after repair of complex pelvic PIs remains a challenge, especially in certain high-risk populations. A significant portion of recurrences develop after a period of healing, so identifying and addressing factors that lead to wound breakdown following hospital discharge is a critical area of care improvement. A navigator care coordinator within the wound care department may play an important role in preventing wound recurrences.