title: Optimizing the patient for surgical treatment of the wound.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
authors.forename: Wesley T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: Mimi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: Linda G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal