Problem: Pressure ulcer development during surgery is a significant problem, with a reported incidence of 12 to 45%. In 2005, 14 patients at our institution developed pressure ulcers during surgery, adding significantly to their healthcare cost. Although the literature has identified risk factors for surgery-related pressure ulcer development, there are no valid screening tools currently available.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which identified risk factors are present in our surgical patients.

Research Questions: (1) What is the frequency of identified risk factors, and (2) which of these risk factors are most related to or effect the development of pressure ulcers in our population of surgical patients?

Method: A prospective chart audit of 220 consecutive surgical patients who were hospitalized for at least five days post-surgery was conducted. Data collected included: age, sex, BMI, diagnosis, risk factors, surgery type, and surgical time. Nurses reported pressure ulcers to the wound care specialists.

Statistical Analyses: Descriptive analyses were done on all variables.

Results: Over nine weeks 220 subjects entered the study. 5.3% (12) patients developed ulcers after surgery. Type of surgery significantly effected frequency of pressure ulcers: 17.39% of orthopedic and 12.5% of vascular surgeries developed ulcers with p= .002. Other factors showing a correlation were a history of prior pressure ulcer p= .000, end stage renal disease p= .018, and peripheral vascular disease p= .018.

Conclusion: Type of surgery significantly affected the likelihood of developing a post-operative pressure ulcer. Cardiac patients went to an ICU and were placed on pressure relief beds after surgery. The 12 patients with ulcers went to the recovery room. History of pressure ulcers, end stage renal disease, and peripheral vascular disease were significant risk factors. A tool for measuring pre-operative pressure ulcer risk can now be developed.