A hidden or forgotten enemy is more dangerous than the visible one. Pressure ulcers or commonly known as bedsores have been recognized as a disease entity for ages. Pressure sores have been found in Egyptian mummies, some of which 1 are more than 5,000 years old. It is unrealistic in vulnerable patients to prevent pressure sores indefinitely as it is impossible to deliver perfect 2 nursing care 24x7x365 days.
Bedsore can turn fatal and every medical practitioner is prepared for this fact thus their goal is to minimize the damage of ulcers.
Over the centuries the global medical and scientific community is trying to study and understand bedsores and their process but medical experts, including India’s eminent laparoscopic surgeon Dr Amita Jain with her professional experience, believe this disease is here to stay, and for doctors to manage these ulcers, they must understand the basic pathology well.
Pressure ischemia, i.e. when prolonged sleeping posture due to severe illness or coma, causes stoppage of blood circulation to body parts that are in touch with the bed and constantly bear the whole body’s weight. There are four stages in pressure or bed sore formation.
Stage 1 – This is the mildest stage where pressure sores only affect the upper layer of the skin. There may be a red area on the skin or a discolored area that may be harder to see. The spot doesn’t get lighter when you press on it, or even 10 to 30 minutes after you stop pressing. This means less blood is getting to the area.
Symptoms: Pain, burning, or itching are common symptoms. The spot may also feel different from the surrounding skin: firmer or softer, warmer or cooler.
Stage 2 – at this stage the sore digs deeper below the surface of the patient’s skin. The area may be swollen, warm, and may look like looks like a pus-filled blister. The sore may ooze clear fluid or pus and it could be painful.
Stage 3 – at this state the sore has gone through the second layer of skin into the fat tissue.
Stage 4 – This is the most serious stage where the sores outstretch below the subcutaneous fat into the deep tissues such as muscle, tendons, and ligaments. In severe cases, they might extend as far down as the cartilage or bone. There is a broader risk of infection at this stage.
Procedures for Treatment
India’s leading laparoscopy surgeon Dr Amita Jain says that the treatment included several procedures that consists of managing the sores with hydrocolloid dressings. Hydrocolloids are basically, occlusive, waterproof dressings that are normally, indicated for superficial wounds having low amounts of drainage. These fancy bandages make a matrix over the wound, acting as a scab, letting the body retain healing fluids and safeguarding the wound. Besides they are assisted using skincare and pressure devices such as pillows and cushions. But these remedies are primarily for grade I and II pressure bed sores.
While for patients suffering from grade III and IV sores, an iodized-based dressing was done followed by saline-soaked application besides receiving intravenous antibiotics….
The article is referred from Dr Amita Jain’s Journal, titled “STURDY SURGICAL MODALITIES FOR SOLACING PRESSURE SORES”. You can read the complete journal here – https:/ /www.worldwidejournals.com/international-journal-of-scientific-research-(IJSR)/article/sturdy-surgical-modalities-for-solacing-pressure-sores/MzA4MDQ=/
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi