Standardised method of surgical treatment of chronic leg ulcers

Authors: Bitsch, Mikael¹; Saunte, Ditte Marie¹; Lohmann, Michael¹; Holstein, Per¹; Jørgensen, BO¹; Gottrup, Finn¹

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, Volume 39, Number 3, June 2005 , pp. 162-169(8)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

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By this author: Bitsch, Mikael ; Saunte, Ditte Marie ; Lohmann, Michael ; Holstein, Per ; Jørgensen, BO ; Gottrup, Finn

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Abstract:

Healing and recurrence rates were compared in leg ulcers of different aetiology in 385 patients with 406 chronic leg ulcers. Standard treatment was excision of the ulcer followed by meshed split-skin grafting and correction of superficial venous insufficiency in the area. The median age of the patients was 75 years (range 16–95). After one year 345 patients with 357 leg ulcers were alive. Overall healing rate was 64% (227 in 357 legs) after one year. The best results were achieved in traumatic ulcers (31 in 36 ulcers) and worst for the arterial ulcers (4 in 20 ulcers). Recurrence rate in venous and venous/ischaemic ulcers was 14% (33 in 235 legs) and 8% ( n =3) in the traumatic ulcers. Vasculitic ulcers tend to recur 59% (n=10), but the graft does relieve pain.

Keywords: Leg ulcer; varicose veins; vasculitis; vascular disease; skin grafting; venous surgery; compressing

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/02844310510006196

Affiliations: 1: Copenhagen Wound Healing Center, Bispebjerg Hospital, University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark