Surgical Management of Cutaneous Ulcers and Pressure Sores

The authors have written a useful text, targetting primarily practitioners involved in the care of patients with pressure sores and cutaneous ulcers. The multidisciplinary approach, which is the foundation of modern ulcer care, is clearly reflected in this text and in the choice of authors. The book is informative, and the chapters are written with clarity and expertise. The book offers state-of-the-art information with respect to the biologic, physiologic and medical treatment of ulcers. The text with respect to the various surgical techniques is not encyclopedic but is concise and offers an extensive bibliography for additional reference.

The first 4 chapters take the reader from the history to the basic biology of wound healing. The text in this section is well organized. The schematic drawings illustrate well the physiologic and biologic aspects of wound healing. The next chapter is dedicated almost entirely to topical therapy. The text is particularly useful on 2 levels: first, in providing the reader with clear guidelines for the management of various ulcers; second, in clarifying the vast array of commercially available topical products.

Two chapters follow that direct the reader to ulcers of arterial and venous disease. Again the text is concise and up to date and especially reflects the author’s experience in the treatment of venous ulcers.

Noteworthy chapters include chapter 9 with its comprehensive review of pressure ulcers and risk assessment tables and chapter 14 in which the approach to the diabetic foot is complete and concise. Both chapters will certainly help the reconstructive surgeon in the decision-making process.

The chapter on the use of the carbon dioxide laser is enlightening, given the experience of the senior author. Chapters 15 to 18 give a good overview of the various surgical options in pressure ulcers and provide representative colour illustrations. It is evident though that it was not the authors’ intent to provide a comprehensive description of the surgical techniques. However, they do provide a good bibliography for additional reference.

In summary, this book was written with the purpose of addressing the overall management of pressure sores and cutaneous ulcers. As well, the authors provide a concise, state-of-theart review of the biologic aspects of wound healing. The practising physician involved in the care of patients with ulcers will find this book a good addition to the library.