Wound Care Overview
The surgeons at University Surgeons Associates provide surgical expertise to patients with wounds that are difficult to heal. It is estimated that eight million Americans suffer from such wounds. Chronic wounds can be caused by a number of different medical conditions. Any wound that does not heal within a month under routine medical treatment is a difficult to heal wound that might benefit from the specialized care available through the University Wound Care & Hyperbarics Center. A variety of diseases and reasons exist that prevent proper healing of a chronic wound. A multidisciplinary approach involving the staff of the Center, the primary care physician and specialists increases the likelihood of successful wound healing and prevention of complications or recurrence.
Conditions Associated with Non-Healing Wounds
- Diabetes
- Arterial Disease
- Venous Insufficiency
- Pressure
- Radiation Effects
- Tobacco Use
- Certain Medications
- Trauma
- Post-Surgical
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Edema
- Cancer
- Age
- Obesity
- Poor Nutrition
- Mixed Causes
Objectives of Comprehensive Wound Care
- Optimize Perfusion
- Remove Dead Tissue
- Treat Infection & Inflammation
- Control Edema
- Appropriate Dressing of the Wound
- Protection of the Wound & Pressure Relief
- Manage Wound Pain
- Treat Systemic Illnesses & Nutrition
- Advanced Therapies to Stimulate Tissue Growth
These difficult to heal wounds frequently require weeks to months to completely heal and many of the modalities used in treatment are arduous and time consuming. This means there must be a real commitment by the patient and their care givers to follow through with the recommendations and treatments as scheduled. Partial or incomplete therapy almost always results in failure to heal. The ultimate consequence of failure to heal is loss of limb or life.
Related Links and Resources
education
- UT Health Encyclopedia – DiabeticFoot Ulcer
- UT Health Encyclopedia – Venous Stasis Ulcer
- UT Health Encyclopedia – Pressure Ulcer
- UT Health Encyclopedia – Surgical Wound Care
- Wound Care Information Network
ADVOCACY GROUPS
WOUND CARE ORGANIZATIONS
- Wound Healing Society
- American Professional Wound Care Association
- Diversified Clinical Services – Wound Care
