In-patient management of leg ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
To review in-patient management of leg ulcers and to compare our experiences with those from other similar centres.


METHODS
A retrospective study.


METHODS
University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.


METHODS
Forty five patients hospitalised with leg ulcers.


RESULTS
There were 27 males and 18 females (MF 3:2). The age range was 8-90 years (mean 32.5 years). The commonest sites were around the ankle(55.6%) and the distal third of the leg (40%). Trauma, diabetes mellitus and sickle-cell disease accounted for the commonest aetiological factors(35.6%, 22.2% and 17.8% respectively). Coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus were the commonest organisms isolated on culture. All the patients had routine wound dressing and antibiotics but only 25 patients (56%) responded fully to this line of preliminary management. The other 20 patients had wound debridement in addition. Nineteen patients(42%) needed skin grafting while four patients (9%) had below-knee amputation.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience shows that leg ulcers whose nature portend an increase in morbidity and mortality are best managed as in-patients. The underlying causes should be addressed while local wound care is administered. Skin grafting and amputation should be employed when necessary.
Ohanaka
E C
EC
Department of Surgery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Osarenkhoe
O
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents