The role of the perioperative prone position in the low recurrence of pressure injuries in the pelvic region

Abstract

Objective: A pressure injury (PI) is a localised area of damage to the skin and/or underlying soft tissue as a result of a sustained mechanical loading. There are three key aetiological mechanisms to PI formation—direct cell deformation, inflammatory oedema and ischaemic damage—which are typically activated sequentially to drive a spiral of injury. This article discusses the role of the perioperative prone position as a rational approach to reducing the recurrence of pelvic PI after reconstructive surgery. Method: Patients with deep PI in the pelvic region, who were operated on from 2011 to 2019, were retrospectively evaluated. The protocol of care included training in the prone position, followed by maintenance of the prone position for 4–6 weeks postoperatively. The reconstruction was performed with fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous local or regional flaps. Results: The study evaluated a total of 26 patients. The rate of recurrence of PIs was 15.4% (4/26) in the mean follow-up of 54 months. Regarding postoperative complications, four cases of partial dehiscence of the suture occurred. Conclusion: This perioperative protocol of maintaining a prone position seems to be safe for the patient, and it can be used to prevent or reduce the recurrence of deep PIs on the pelvic region after reconstructive surgery.