2021, Cilt 8, Sayı 1, Sayfa(lar) 085-092
Effective Evidence-Based Practices in Preventing Intraoperatively Acquired Pressure Ulcers
Didem KANDEMİR1, Serpil YÜKSEL2
1Dr. Öğr. Üyesi, Maltepe Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Yüksek Okulu, İstanbul, Türkiye
2Dr. Öğr. Üyesi, Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Fakültesi, Konya, Türkiye
Keywords: Evidence-based practice, intraoperative, operating room, pressure injury, prevention

Patients undergoing surgery are at high risk for pressure injuries. Especially during long-term surgical interventions, the change in tissue caused by pressure may result in serious pressure injuries in the 3-7. days after surgery. In this review, it was aimed to discuss evidence-based interventions that are effective in preventing intraoperatively acquired pressure in the light of the literature. In the review, studies and guides on intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers, which were obtained by scanning electronic databases, published between 2006-2020, and whose full text was available, were examined. The incidence of intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers varies between 1.3-51%, and this ratio constitutes 45% of all hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. Effective evidence-based interventions in preventing intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers were discussed under the titles of risk assessment, positioning, use of prophylactic dressing, and support surface. In order to prevent these injuries, factors that increase the risk of pressure injuries such as long operation time, hypothermia, and hypotensive attacks should be determined. On the operating table, pressure redistributing mattresses should be used. During the operation, the patient should be positioned in a way that reduces the risk of pressure injury, and the heels should be elevated. If necessary, heel suspension devices should be used. In the postoperative period, a different position should be given from the position given during the operation. In conclusion, in preventing surgical pressure injuries, it is important to carefully evaluate individual and surgical intervention-related risk factors and plan prevention interventions by considering these factors and evidence-based interventions.