Jason Maggi

High Cost of Stage IV Pressure Ulcers

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to calculate and analyze the cost of treatment for stage IV pressure ulcers. METHODS A retrospective chart analysis of patients with stage IV pressure ulcers was conducted. Hospital records and treatment outcomes of these patients were followed up for a maximum of 29 months and analyzed. Costs directly related to the treatment of pressure ulcers and their associated complications were calculated. RESULTS Nineteen patients with stage IV pressure ulcers (11 hospital-acquired and 8 community-acquired) were identified and their charts were reviewed. The average hospital treatment cost associated with stage IV pressure ulcers and related complications was

Anesthetic Care for Patients with Skin Breakdown

129,248 for hospital-acquired ulcers during 1 admission, and

Operative Debridement of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

124,327 for community-acquired ulcers over an average of 4 admissions. CONCLUSIONS The costs incurred from stage IV pressure ulcers are much greater than previously estimated. Halting the progression of early stage pressure ulcers has the potential to eradicate enormous pain and suffering, save thousands of lives, and reduce health care expenditures by millions of dollars.

Effect of Closed Suction Drain Placement at the Time of Appendectomy on the Rate of Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Abscess

Wound patients commonly have multiple comorbidities, which should be optimized before anesthesia. These factors contribute not only to skin breakdown but also other causes of mortality and morbidity. Skin becomes more vulnerable to damage from pressure, friction, shear, and moisture when the skin is dry, less elastic, and less perfused. Careful assessment and implementation of an anesthetic plan using regional or general techniques can improve outcomes. The anesthesiologist plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis during the surgically stressful perioperative period of the wound patient. Aggressive wound management in the early stages is likely to prevent wound progression to deeper levels. Policies are being implemented to decrease the risk of pressure ulcers by prevention.