Optimizing the patient for surgical treatment of the wound.
Plastic surgeons are consulted often to close wounds that fail or are difficult to heal. Optimizing the patient's medical condition before surgical closure of a wound can mean the difference between a successful outcome and an undesirable one. It is imperative that plastic surgeons have an extensive knowledge of the modifiable risk factors affecting the wound-healing process and their subsequent complications. This knowledge allows the surgeon to tailor the treatment options and intervene when appropriate to optimize outcomes for successful surgical closure of a wound. Whether the impairments to wound healing and closure are local or systemic, they must be addressed appropriately.
Myers
Wesley T
WT
Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
Leong
Mimi
M
Phillips
Linda G
LG
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D003646:Debridement; D004326:Drinking; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology; D005791:Patient Care / Q000592:standards; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D014945:Wound Healing; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery*
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal