Arch Plast Surg.  2018 Sep;45(5):418-424. 10.5999/aps.2018.00262.

National perioperative outcomes of flap coverage for pressure ulcers from 2005 to 2015 using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

• Tran BN
• Chen AD
• Kamali P
• Singhal D
• Lee BT
• Fukudome E

• KMID: 2422137
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2018.00262

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Complication rates after flap coverage for pressure ulcers have been high historically. These patients have multiple risk factors associated with poor wound healing and complications including marginal nutritional status, prolonged immobilization, and a high comorbidities index. This study utilizes the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) to examine perioperative outcomes of flap coverage for pressure ulcers.
METHODS
Data from the NSQIP database (2005-2015) for patient undergoing flap coverage for pressure ulcers was identified. Demographic, perioperative information, and complications were reviewed. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson chi-square were used to assess differences for continuous variables and nominal variables, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for complications.
RESULTS
There were 755 cases identified: 365 (48.3%) sacral ulcers, 321 (42.5%) ischial ulcers, and 69 (9.1%) trochanteric ulcers. Most patients were older male, with some degree of dependency, neurosensory impairment, high functional comorbidities score, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 or above. The sacral ulcer group had the highest incidence of septic shock and bleeding, while the trochanteric ulcer group had the highest incidence of superficial surgical site infection. There was an overall complication rate of 25% at 30-day follow-up. There was no statistical difference in overall complication among groups. Total operating time, diabetes, and non-elective case were independent risk factors for overall complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite patients with poor baseline functional status, flap coverage for pressure ulcer patients is safe with acceptable postoperative complications. This type of treatment should be considered for properly selected patients.

Keyword

Pressure ulcer; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Wounds and injuries

MeSH Terms

Comorbidity
Femur
Follow-Up Studies
Hemorrhage
Humans
Immobilization
Incidence
Logistic Models
Male
Nutritional Status
Postoperative Complications
Pressure Ulcer*
Quality Improvement*
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Risk Factors
Shock, Septic
Surgeons*
Surgical Wound Infection
Ulcer
Wound Healing
Wounds and Injuries