Bedsore (pressure ulcers)

Bedsores are wounds that develop usually when patients have a loss or decreased level of sensation that prevents them from feeling when they have been sitting or lying in one position too long. A wound, also known as a pressure ulcer or decubitus ulcer, starts out superficial but becomes deeper as time goes by and can involve skin, subcutaneous tissue (fat), and even bone. These wounds can be treated by modification of lifestyle including obtaining a specialty bed at home which redistributes pressure so that a patient is not putting pressure on the same area all the time, and improving nutrition.

Often, patients who need more aggressive surgical intervention are referred to a plastic surgeon (skin graft, muscle flap coverage of the wound). In some instances, these patients and their wounds are poorly cared for and need a procedure to remove dead tissue, which can be performed by a general surgeon.