Special issues in plastic and reconstructive surgery

• Published in: Critical care clinics Vol. 19; no. 1; p. 91
• Main Authors: Fulda, Gerard J, Khan, Sami U, Zabel, David D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-01-2003
• Subjects: Anticoagulants - therapeutic use; Compartment Syndromes - etiology; Critical Care; Decompression, Surgical; Dextrans - therapeutic use; Fasciitis, Necrotizing - etiology; Fibrinolytic Agents - therapeutic use; Humans; Microsurgery; Postoperative Care; Pressure Ulcer - etiology; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Wound Healing
• ISSN: 0749-0704
• DOI: 10.1016/S0749-0704(02)00058-1

Intensivists frequently collaborate with plastic and reconstructive surgeons in treating patients with major wounds, following significant reconstructive procedures, and following free-tissue transfers. Pressure ulcers are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit; prevention, early recognition, and multidisciplinary treatment are critical components for successful management. Necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive, soft-tissue infection that requires rapid diagnosis, early surgical intervention frequent operative debridements, and soft-tissue reconstruction Catastrophic abdominal injuries and infections can be treated with an open abdominal approach and require the expertise of a plastic surgeon to reconstruct the abdominal wall. The success of free-tissue transfers and complex reconstructive procedures requires a thorough understanding of the factors that improve flap survival.