Collagen dressing: Wound dressings that stimulate new tissue growth by supporting and creating a scaffolding matrix that regulates extracellular components and moves the wound toward closure. These dressings are gels, pads, particles, pastes, powders, sheets, or solutions derived from bovine, porcine, equine, piscine, ovine, and avian sources. Some interact with wound exudate to form a gel. Indicated for partial- and full-thickness pressure injuries, venous ulcers, donor sites, surgical wounds, venous ulcers, donor sites, surgical wounds, vascular ulcers, diabetic ulcers, second-degree burns, abrasions, and traumatic wounds. They usually require a secondary dressing. Educational aids: Programs, resources, or software platforms that provide instructional education on how to use or apply management techniques and/or medical devices in managing wounds. Educational aids may be used by health care providers, patients, and/or caregivers. Evidence-based clinical practice: Making decisions about patient care based on literature evidence regarding a particular topic. This practice combines clinical expertise, patient preferences, and the best available evidence from high-quality research. Lipedema: A condition that is more common in women and is characterized by progressive accumulation of abnormal fat that is painful to touch and bruises easily. Typically, fat accumulates symmetrically on the upper thighs and extends to the lower legs but not the feet. The fat does not respond to diet or exercise. Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a condition marked by the retention of interstitial fluid (lymph) and edema of surrounding soft tissue, often affecting the extremities. It occurs when the lymphatic drainage system is impaired to the extent that the amount of lymphatic fluid within a given area exceeds the capacity of the lymphatic transport system to remove it. Primary lymphedema results from the abnormal development of the lymphatic system, often from abnormal or missing lymph nodes or channels. Secondary lymphedema is caused by damage to the lymphatic system, most commonly from lymph nodes having been dissected during cancer surgery.

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Surgical wounds: Wounds related to surgical interventions. Surgical incisions are entry sites sutured or held together by a margin approximation dressing or device after an operative procedure. Dehisced surgical wounds are defined by the separation of the incision line before complete healing that results in open wounds. Surgical site infections (SSI): An infection of a surgical wound, tissue, or organ space adjacent to the wound, occurring within 30 days of the procedure without involvement of surgical implants and 90 days if an implant is involved. Prehabilitation: The practice of improving the functional capability of a patient prior to a surgical procedure so the patient can withstand any postoperative inactivity and associated decline.”¹Reconstructive Plastic Surgery: A subdivision of plastic surgery that focuses on reconstructing defects and restoring functionality in patients with conditions such as significant tissue loss, congenital deformities, or disabilities. Skin Failure: This condition occurs when hypoperfusion and failure of another organ system necrotize skin and tissue.² It has also been defined as the weakening of the skin’s barrier function due to pathological factors, such as burns. It leads to poor temperature control and transcutaneous fluid loss, leaving the patient vulnerable to infection.³

References

1. Strong for Surgery: Prehabilitation. ACS. Accessed January 25, 2023. https://www.facs.org/for-patients/strong-for-surgery/prehabilitation/
2. Kim JH, Shin HK, Jung GY, et al. A case of acute skin failure misdiagnosed as a pressure ulcer, leading to a legal dispute. Arch Plast Surg. 2019;46(1):75-78. https://bit.ly/3ZAnXA2
3. Melandri D, Venturi M, Naldi L. Skin failure: A two-faced concept. Dermal Reports. March 11, 2022;14(1):9406. doi: 10.4081/dr.2022.9406