By the time a pressure ulcer has progressed to Stage 4, the wound is deep the muscle and bone in the area is involved--usually decayed.   Frequently, infection can develop in the dead tissue impeding the healing process.

Advanced stage pressure ulcers need to be free of dead or damaged tissue in order to heal. Even with the most attentive medical care, some pressure ulcer's require surgical intervention.  Surgical Debridement is when a surgeon uses a scalpel to remove the dead tissue, bone and fluid from the area around the pressure ulcer. 

Debridement of the pressure ulcer may be accompanied by 'flap reconstruction'.  Flap reconstruction is when tissue is harvested from the persons body to cover the open wound.  The goal of the reconstruction is to improve the hygiene and appearance of the wound and and reducing the risk of further infection.

Surgical treatment of pressure ulcers has one of the highest complication rate of any surgical procedure.  Recovery from the procedure is time intensive and painful.  Therefore, the use of surgical intervention to treat pressure ulcers is usually considered to be a last resort.

Pressure ulcers are preventable.  If your loved one has developed a pressure ulcer while a resident of a nursing home, hospital or assisted living facility, contact the the team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.  We can  help determine what parties may be at fault and advise you of your rights.

Resources For Pressure Ulcer Treatment

Emedicine: Pressure Ulcers, Surgical Treatment and Principles

Mayo Clinic: Bedsores. Treatments and Drugs

Related Bed Sore FAQ Entries:

What is mechanical debridement of bed sores?

What is chemical debridement of bed sores?

What is biological debridement of bed sores?

What is surgical debridement of bed sores?