A new approach in the management of chronic nonhealing leg ulcers.
Chronic leg ulcers are a major cause of mortality and morbidity. The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen treatment is being evaluated in the management of nonhealing leg ulcers to improve skin graft survival. Twenty-seven patients with 36 chronic leg ulcers were examined. Each wound received 12 preoperative hyperbaric oxygen treatments, split-thickness skin grafting, followed by 12 postoperative hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Wound transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements (TCOM) were taken. The graft take was evaluated. At 18 months follow-up, 18 skin grafts (50%) showed complete take, 15 (41.7%) demonstrated partial take, and 3 (8.3%) failed. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is an effective adjunct in the management of chronic leg ulcers, and its use resulted in increased graft take and survival.
Saber
Alan A
AA
Department of Surgery, Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008, USA. saber@kcms.msu.edu
Yahya
Kareem Z
KZ
Rao
Arun
A
Castellano
Michael
M
Cioroiu
Michael
M
Grossi
Robert
R
Tornambe
Robert M
RM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016038:Skin Transplantation