Repair of pressure ulcers in the elderly using autologous microskin implantation and negative pressure wound therapy: A retrospective study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Su, Shunqing^{a; 1} | Xiong, Disheng^{a; 1} | Zeng, Zhijian^{b; *} | Ding, Xiumei^a | Kuang, Jinan^a | Lin, Yuechun^a | Wu, Yongwei^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Wound Repair, Dalang Hospital, Dongguan, China | [b] Anorectal Department, Dalang Hospital, Dongguan, China

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Zhijian Zeng, Anorectal Department, Dalang Hospital, No. 85 Jinlangzhong Road, Dalang District, Dongguan 523780, Guangdong, China. E-mail: [email protected].

Note: [1] These authors contributed equally to this study.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers remain a worldwide problem. OBJECTIVE: To introduce an intermittent and feasible wound treatment method for the treatment of pressure ulcers in elderly patients. METHODS: This surgical procedure was performed on eight elderly patients suffering from pressure ulcers. Microskin measuring 0.1 × 0.1 centimeters was cut from a small amount of thin skin and then grafted onto the wound surface in conjunction with closed negative pressure therapy. RESULTS: Seven patients had their wounds closed after a single surgery, while one patient required two surgeries to close the wound. CONCLUSION: Autologous microskin implantation for the treatment of pressure ulcers in the elderly is an effective method to close the wound, which can prevent the elderly from living with wounds in their later years and is a viable treatment option.

Keywords: Elderly patients, pressure ulcers, skin grafts, vacuum sealing drainage, wound repair

DOI: 10.3233/THC-230707

Journal: Technology and Health Care, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 1667-1673, 2024