title: Obesity: impediment to postsurgical wound healing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide physicians and nurses with an overview of the impact of obesity on postoperative wound healing and how preplanning protocols can minimize skin and wound care problems in this patient population.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in reducing skin and wound care problems in their patients who are obese.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  After reading the article and taking the test, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify obesity-related changes in body systems and how these impede wound healing. 2. Identify complications of postoperative wound healing in obese patients and the assessments and intervention strategies that can reduce these complications. 3. Identify skin and wound care considerations for obese patients and the role of preplanning protocols in avoiding problems.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Joyce A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Jan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D001458:Bandages; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D017592:Skin Care / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014945:Wound Healing