Follow-up of Geriatric Patients With Pressure Ulcers By Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in Intensive Care Conditions

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to define the Follow-up results and the observation of relationship between the clinical features and wound conditions of geriatric patients with pressure ulcers treated in the intensive care unit by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (PRAS) Methods: The research was carried out at Evliya Celebi Training and Research Hospital of Kutahya University of Health Sciences between January 2018 and January 2020. All pressure ulcers on set of our patients was observed during hospitalization. Study was conducted on 215 patients hospitalized in neurology and general intensive care units. Ulcer diagnosis was performed by European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP). Patient data were collected and evaluated by surgical care nurse and PRC surgeon together during the visit. The confidentiality and personal rights of each patient were respected. Results: There were 215 patients with pressure injuries, 45.6% were hospitalized in the neurology intensive care unit and 42.5% were with the diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease, 41.6% of patients state of consciousness was evaluated as confused. Gender prevalence were 52.2% were female with mean age 72.5 +/- 2.4. There are 43.2% of the ulcers were in the sacral area, 52% were in stage 2, all patients had fecal / urinary incontinence. Conclusion: Awareness and education of the care professionals working in intensive care units in terms of preventive measures can save patients from pressure ulcers and avoid patients from the difficult and risky surgical interventions.