Chronic Wounds

vascular surgery for chronic wounds

Chronic wounds are wounds that do not heal within the expected time frame, often due to underlying conditions or complications. They can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and may lead to more severe health issues if not addressed promptly.

These are open sores or wounds that occur in approximately 15% of patients with diabetes and are commonly located on the bottom of the foot.

  • Causes:
    • Poor blood circulation due to diabetes.
    • Nerve damage leading to decreased sensation.
    • Foot deformities or friction.

  • Expected Outcomes: With proper care, most DFUs can heal within weeks to months. However, untreated or improperly managed ulcers can lead to complications, including infections and amputations.

  • Benefits of Treatment:
    • Prevention of complications.
    • Improved quality of life.
    • Reduction in the risk of amputation.

These wounds result from poor blood circulation, typically due to blocked arteries.

  • Causes:
    • Peripheral arterial disease.
    • Atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the arteries.
    • Smoking or tobacco use.

  • Expected Outcomes: With appropriate vascular interventions and wound care, these wounds can heal, but the key is addressing the underlying arterial blockage.

  • Benefits of Treatment:
    • Restoration of blood flow.
    • Prevention of tissue death or gangrene.
    • Improved limb salvage rates.
venous ulcer treatment

These wounds have both arterial (ischaemic) and venous components, making them particularly challenging to treat.

  • Causes:
    • Combination of venous insufficiency and arterial blockage.
    • Underlying conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

  • Expected Outcomes:
    • Comprehensive treatment addressing both venous and arterial issues can lead to wound healing, but a multidisciplinary approach is often required.

  • Benefits of Treatment:
    • Comprehensive care addressing the root causes.
    • Improved healing rates.
    • Reduction in complications.

A medical procedure using a vacuum dressing to promote healing in acute or chronic wounds.

  • Procedure: The therapy involves the controlled application of sub-atmospheric pressure to the wound using a sealed wound dressing connected to a vacuum pump.

  • Expected Outcomes: Accelerated wound healing, reduced edema, and promotion of granulation tissue formation.

  • Benefits:
    • Faster wound healing.
    • Reduction in wound size.
    • Enhanced blood flow to the wound.

These are synthetic or naturally-derived materials used to replace or regenerate damaged skin.

  • Procedure: The dermal substitute is applied to the wound, providing a scaffold for cell migration and capillary growth.

  • Expected Outcomes: Enhanced wound healing, reduced scar formation, and improved skin texture.

  • Benefits:
    • Accelerated wound closure.
    • Improved cosmetic and functional outcomes.
    • Suitable for extensive or deep wounds.

An electroceutical therapy that uses electrical stimulation to promote wound healing.

  • Procedure: Small electrical currents are delivered to the wound bed, stimulating cellular activity.

  • Expected Outcomes: Enhanced wound healing, reduced pain, and inflammation.

  • Benefits:
    • Non-invasive treatment option.
    • Suitable for various wound types.
    • Accelerated healing process.

A solution that uses the patient's blood to create a clot, which is then applied to the wound.

  • Procedure: Blood is drawn from the patient, processed, and then applied to the wound.

  • Expected Outcomes: Formation of a protective layer, promoting natural healing processes.

  • Benefits:
    • Uses the patient's natural healing factors.
    • Suitable for various wound types.
    • Reduces pain and inflammation.

A surgical procedure where a thin layer of skin is removed from one area of the body and transplanted to the wound site.

  • Procedure: Skin is harvested from a donor site, typically the thigh or buttock, and then grafted onto the wound.

  • Expected Outcomes: Complete wound closure, with the graft integrating into the surrounding skin.

  • Benefits:
    • Immediate wound coverage.
    • Suitable for large or deep wounds.
    • Improved cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Seek Expert Care

Chronic wounds can be a significant impediment to daily life and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. If you or a loved one is struggling with a chronic wound, it’s essential to seek expert care. Our team offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services tailored to individual needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Mount Elizabeth Novena
Specialist Centre

38 Irrawaddy Road
#10-33/34/35
Singapore 329563
Tel: +65 6041 0933 

Farrer Park Hospital
Medical Centre

1 Farrer Park Station Road
#08-14 Connexion
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 6974 8859

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