Surgical Aspects of Wound Care in Older Adults

Abstract

The physical, emotional, and financial toll of acute and chronic nonhealing wounds on older adults and their caregivers is immense. Surgical treatment of wounds in older adults can facilitate healing but must consider the medical complexity of the patient, the patient's desires for treatment and the likelihood of healing. Innovative approaches and devices can promote rapid healing. By using a team approach, from preoperative planning to postoperative care, with a focus on the needs and desires of the patient, successful outcomes with improved patient satisfaction are possible even in medically complex patients.

Keywords: Chronic wounds; Debridement; Flap reconstruction; Frailty; Older adult; Prehabilitation; Skin grafts; Traumatic wounds.