Our Summary

This research looked at the effects of a specific surgical treatment, called Z-plasty, on persistent, unhealing wounds. The researchers looked back at the medical records of 72 patients at Peking University Third Hospital who had this kind of wound between 2009 and 2019. They found 27 patients who were treated with Z-plasty and 45 patients who received the usual treatment.

They looked at various factors like age, sex, body weight, drinking and smoking habits, and other health conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease). They also noted how long the operation took, how much blood was lost during surgery, and how the wound was doing the day after surgery. They checked for complications like infection, blood clotting, wound reopening, and failure to heal within two weeks after surgery.

The researchers found no significant differences in age, sex, body weight, drinking and smoking habits, and other health conditions between the two groups. They also found no significant differences in operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, or cost of hospital stay.

However, they found that the group treated with Z-plasty had significantly fewer cases of abnormal wound color, which suggests a better blood supply to the wound. The Z-plasty group also had better wound healing overall. Therefore, they concluded that Z-plasty is a more effective treatment for chronic, non-healing wounds than the usual treatment.

FAQs

  1. What is Z-plasty and what is it used for in this research?
  2. What factors were considered in the research when comparing Z-plasty treatment to the usual treatment for persistent, unhealing wounds?
  3. What significant benefits were found from using Z-plasty treatment on chronic wounds compared to the usual treatment?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about Z-plasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the wound clean and dry, changing dressings as instructed, and avoiding activities that could put strain on the wound. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress and address any potential complications promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for Z-plasty are those with persistent, non-healing wounds that have not responded to conventional treatments. This includes patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, or surgical scars that are not healing properly. Z-plasty may also be recommended for patients with scars that are causing functional or cosmetic issues, such as contractures or keloids. Overall, patients who may benefit from Z-plasty are those who require improved blood supply to the wound and better wound healing outcomes.

Timeline

Before Z-plasty:

  • Patient has a persistent, unhealing wound
  • Medical records are reviewed to determine if Z-plasty is a suitable treatment option
  • Factors like age, sex, body weight, health conditions, and habits are considered
  • Surgery is performed, with factors like operation time and blood loss monitored
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and recovery process begins

After Z-plasty:

  • Wound healing process is monitored for complications like infection, blood clotting, and reopening
  • Patient is assessed for signs of successful healing, such as improved wound color and blood supply
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to track progress
  • Researchers analyze data to compare outcomes of Z-plasty vs. usual treatment
  • Conclusion is drawn that Z-plasty is a more effective treatment for chronic, non-healing wounds

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is Z-plasty and how does it work to treat persistent, unhealing wounds?

  2. What are the potential benefits of Z-plasty compared to other treatment options for chronic wounds?

  3. Are there any risks or complications associated with undergoing Z-plasty surgery for wound healing?

  4. How long does it typically take for a wound to heal after undergoing Z-plasty surgery?

  5. What is the expected recovery process like after undergoing Z-plasty surgery?

  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or follow-up appointments that I should be aware of?

  7. How experienced are you in performing Z-plasty surgeries for wound healing?

  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider for my specific wound condition?

  9. How will I know if Z-plasty is the most appropriate treatment option for my wound healing needs?

  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to optimize the success of Z-plasty surgery for wound healing?

Reference

Authors: Zhang X, Wang G, Sun Y, Ding P, Yang X, Zhao Z. Journal: Int Wound J. 2021 Dec;18(6):796-804. doi: 10.1111/iwj.13583. Epub 2021 Mar 17. PMID: 33733609