ABSTRACT
Introduction: The number of patients in high risk of developing pressure ulcer is increasing. Despite of advances with new surgery techniques, high rates of relapse are reported. The purpose of this study was to describe the authors's experience with pressure sores reconstruction. Methods: Thirty eight procedures were realized in 22 patients between January/2004 and January/2007 at Hospital Geral Dr. Waldemar de Alcântara. Results: Fourteen reconstructions were made in the sacral region, 14 in the trochanteric region and 10 in the sciatic region. In the sacral region, the gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flaps (71%) and lumbosacral cutaneous flaps (28.6%) were used, with no recurrence. In trochanteric region, the fascia lata musculocutaneous flaps (85.7%) and cutaneous anterolateral thigh flaps (14.3%) were used, observing a rate of recurrence of 26.4%. For sciatic region, the Tulenko flaps (40%), fascia lata musculocutaneous flaps (20%) and gracilis musculocutaneous flaps (20%) were used. There was a recurrence rate of 60% in this area. The donor site of the flaps were repaired with direct advancement (84.2%) or skin grafting (15.8%). Surgical wound dehiscence was observed in 36.8%, although only 57.1% of these cases needed surgical repair. The overall rate of satisfaction with these procedures was 73.7%. Conclusion: The cutaneous and musculocutaneous flaps provide a good option for reconstruction of pressure sores, with acceptable morbity at the donor site and high satisfaction rate.
Keywords: Pressure ulcer/surgery. Surgical flaps. Reconstructives surgical procedures.