Preliminary experiences with early primary closure of foot wounds after lower extremity revascularization

Neal R. Barshes, Carlos F. Bechara, George Pisimisis, Panos Kougias

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background The costs associated with local wound care after revascularization can be significant, and it has been suggested that early closure or healing of foot wounds can be a source of cost savings. We sought to determine the safety and effectiveness of attempts to primarily close chronic foot wounds early after revascularization. Methods We performed a single-center 1-year review of patients who underwent primary wound closure during the same hospitalization as revascularization. Results Seven patients underwent an attempt at early primary wound closure. Most (71%) were diabetic. The wounds were primarily closed at a median of 6 days after revascularization (range 3-8 days). The limb-salvage rate at 6 months was 86%. Four patients remained completely healed with primary closure. One healed secondarily with wound care, and 2 required major amputation. Wound-closure techniques included the use of toe/forefoot amputations, skin grafting, and local flaps. Conclusions Early primary closure after revascularization may be a safe technique to consider for carefully selected foot wounds without ongoing soft tissue infection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)48-52
Number of pages5
JournalAnnals of Vascular Surgery
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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