Surgical management experience of pressure injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Juan Pablo Cardenas Larenas- Daniela Guardia Castro
- Daniela Arauco Rodríguez
- Ignacia Beytia Osses
- Francisco Bencina Matus
- Javier Moraga Concha
Published 2025-05-11
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Abstract
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system, potentially causing severe illness that may require mechanical ventilation. This situation led to an increased frequency of pressure injuries (PIs).
Objective: To explore the surgical management experience of pressure injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic by a new Plastic and Re-constructive Surgery Team at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Santiago (SJDH).
Methodology: Des-criptive and retrospective study of patients diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 pressure injuries, conducted from March 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022, at SJDH.
Results: A total of 76 patients were included in the study. 81.58% were male and 18.42% female, with an average age of 60.68 years. 69.74% were diag-nosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Stage 4 PIs were the most common (90.79%), primarily located in the sacral region (94.74%). The most frequently used flap for coverage was the unilateral gluteal rotation flap (35.53%). The average hospital stay was 86.2 ± 40.3 days.
Conclusions: The majority of patients requiring management for stage 3 and 4 PIs were due to COVID-19 infection during the study period. This experience underscored the importance and necessity of having a Plastic Surgery Team at our hospital.