Our Summary

This research was conducted in two hospitals in Japan to see if soft silicone foam dressings could help prevent pressure sores, which often occur during spinal surgery when patients are lying face down on a special frame. The researchers compared the use of these dressings with the use of polyurethane film dressings in the same patient to see if there was a difference in the number of pressure sores that developed.

The results showed that out of 100 patients, 11 developed pressure sores on their chest. The polyurethane film dressings were associated with a significantly higher rate of pressure sores than the soft silicone foam dressings. Additionally, the study found that patients with a lower diastolic blood pressure and longer surgery times were more likely to develop pressure sores.

The conclusion was that the use of soft silicone foam dressings significantly reduced the risk of developing pressure sores during spinal surgery, making them more effective than the polyurethane film dressings.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the research conducted in two hospitals in Japan?
  2. Did the study find any difference in the number of pressure sores that developed when using soft silicone foam dressings versus polyurethane film dressings during spinal surgery?
  3. Based on the research, what factors were found to increase the likelihood of developing pressure sores during spinal surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing spinal surgery to discuss the use of soft silicone foam dressings with their healthcare team to help prevent pressure sores during the procedure. Additionally, the patient should maintain good blood pressure control and discuss any concerns about prolonged surgery times with their surgical team.

Suitable For

Patients who are undergoing spinal surgery and are at risk of developing pressure sores, particularly those who are lying face down for an extended period of time during the surgery, are typically recommended to use soft silicone foam dressings to help prevent pressure sores. Additionally, patients with lower diastolic blood pressure and longer surgery times may also benefit from using these dressings to reduce their risk of developing pressure sores.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes consultation with surgeon to discuss treatment options and risks.
  2. Patient may undergo pre-operative testing and preparation.
  3. Patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or adjust their diet.
  4. Patient may be required to fast before surgery.
  5. Patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery.

After spinal surgery:

  1. Patient is taken to the recovery room immediately after surgery for monitoring.
  2. Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient may be prescribed pain medication and instructed on how to care for their incision site.
  4. Patient may be required to wear a brace or undergo physical therapy to aid in recovery.
  5. Patient may need to follow up with their surgeon for post-operative appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal surgery include:

  1. What type of dressing will be used during the surgery to prevent pressure sores?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of using soft silicone foam dressings compared to polyurethane film dressings?
  3. Are there any specific factors, such as blood pressure or surgery time, that may increase my risk of developing pressure sores during surgery?
  4. How will the dressing be applied and maintained during the recovery period?
  5. What steps can I take to help prevent pressure sores after surgery?
  6. How will pressure sores be monitored and treated if they develop?
  7. Are there any alternative methods or treatments available to prevent pressure sores during spinal surgery?
  8. What is the expected recovery time and outcome for patients who develop pressure sores during surgery?
  9. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions related to preventing pressure sores that I should be aware of?
  10. Can I have access to the results of any studies or research that support the use of soft silicone foam dressings for preventing pressure sores during spinal surgery?

Reference

Authors: Yoshimura M, Ohura N, Tanaka J, Ichimura S, Kasuya Y, Hotta O, Kagaya Y, Sekiyama T, Tannba M, Suzuki N. Journal: Int Wound J. 2018 Apr;15(2):188-197. doi: 10.1111/iwj.12696. Epub 2016 Dec 7. PMID: 27928911