Some chronic wounds can be treated by surgery. The first step is a consultation to examine the wound and identify the forms of treatment that may be possible.
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Wound care is primarily conservative treatment
Chronic wounds include leg ulcers and pressure ulcers. Their treatment is primarily based on conservative management, which involves proper wound care including cleaning and changing of bandages. In some cases, however, surgical treatment of the wound may be an option and can help the wound to heal.
Surgery on a wound always requires a consultation with a plastic surgeon
Surgical procedures for chronic wounds are typically carried out using skin grafts or skin flap surgery to cover the wound, using skin tissue taken from a nearby part of the body. The aim is to close the wound permanently using the patient’s own tissue. Circumstances vary from patient to patient, so the plastic surgeon should always see the wound beforehand for the most appropriate treatment to be identified in each particular case.
Long waiting times poses challenges for surgery
Chronic wounds are variable in nature, and become infected easily. It is very common for the condition of the wound and the surrounding skin to vary seasonally. Surgery usually requires that the wound be well treated and the skin around it is clean. For this reason, surgery should ideally be performed promptly after consultation, ensuring that the wound is still operable.
At the Skin Hospital, we can usually arrange appointments within one to two weeks of the consultation, so access to treatment is quick.
The Skin Hospital welcomes patients with existing decisions to operate
Patients with wounds usually have a long patient care relationship, and have typically been thoroughly examined. Surgery waiting lists are also often long, and accessing treatment may take time. If the person has a diagnosis and a decision from their doctor regarding surgery, this can be dealt with quickly at the Skin Hospital.
Even when a decision to operate has already been made, the treatment starts with a consultation where the wound is examined by the surgeon who will be performing the operation. The patient’s medical history alone is not sufficient information for performing surgery, as wounds can change rapidly.
Due to the limitations of aftercare, not all wounds can be treated at the Skin Hospital. In the case of skin flap surgery on pressure ulcers, for example, post-surgery care requires prolonged immobilisation of the affected area and a hospital bed.
Our experts will be happy to assess your treatment needs and suitability for surgery.
