Dr. Harshal Bagde’s Clinical Opinion
Based on the information provided:
* Male, 67 years
*
Diabetes for 25 years
* Chronic
Kidney Disease (
Creatinine 2.5 mg/dL)
* Hip surgery on 28 May with plates and screws
* Bedridden after surgery
* Developing pressure sores (bedsores) over both buttocks, larger on the operated side
This patient is high-risk for progression of pressure ulcers because of:
1. Long-standing diabetes (poor wound healing)
2. CKD (impaired tissue repair)
3. Recent major surgery
4. Prolonged immobilization
5. Advanced age
First Priority: Determine the Stage of Bedsore
A physical examination is necessary to determine whether the ulcer is:
* Stage 1: Red, non-blanching skin
* Stage 2: Superficial skin loss/blister
* Stage 3: Deep ulcer with fat visible
* Stage 4: Muscle, tendon, or bone exposed
If there is black tissue, foul smell, pus, fever, or increasing pain, the wound may be infected and requires urgent assessment.
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Which Specialist Should You Consult?
The best specialist would be:
1. Plastic Surgeon (Wound Care Specialist) – Preferred
2. General Surgeon experienced in wound care
3. Diabetologist for glucose optimization
4. Nephrologist for CKD management
5. Orthopedic surgeon follow-up for hip surgery
A plastic surgeon can assess whether debridement, advanced dressings, VAC therapy, or flap surgery is required.
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Immediate Home Care Measures
1. Pressure Relief (Most Important)
Turn the patient every 2 hours:
* Back → Left side → Back → Right side
* Avoid prolonged sitting
Use:
* Air mattress (alternating pressure mattress)
* Soft foam cushions
* Pillows under thighs and calves
Avoid direct pressure on the ulcer.
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2. Wound Cleaning
Daily dressing with:
* Normal saline wash
* Avoid strong antiseptics like concentrated Dettol or hydrogen peroxide repeatedly, as they may delay healing
The dressing type depends on the wound appearance:
* Hydrocolloid dressing
* Foam dressing
* Silver dressing (if infection suspected)
A wound-care specialist should decide the most appropriate dressing.
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3. Nutrition
Wound healing requires adequate protein.
Discuss with the nephrologist because of CKD, but generally:
* High-quality protein within kidney-safe limits
* Eggs (if permitted)
* Paneer
* Protein supplements formulated for CKD patients
Check:
* Hemoglobin
* Serum
albumin
*
HbA1c
Poor nutrition is a common reason for non-healing bedsores.
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4. Diabetes Control
Target blood sugars should be optimized.
Poor glucose control can significantly delay healing and increase infection risk.
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Advanced Treatments for Faster Healing
Depending on wound stage:
Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC Therapy)
* Accelerates granulation tissue formation
* Removes wound exudate
* Often useful in Stage 3 and Stage 4 ulcers
Surgical Debridement
* Removal of dead tissue
* Required if necrotic tissue is present
Silver-based Dressings
* Useful when bacterial burden is high
Flap Reconstruction
* Reserved for large, deep chronic ulcers
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Warning Signs Requiring Urgent Medical Review
Seek immediate medical attention if:
* Fever
* Pus discharge
* Foul odor
* Black tissue
* Rapid increase in ulcer size
* Increasing redness around the wound
* Confusion or weakness
* Blood
sugar becoming uncontrolled
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My Recommendation
Given the patient’s diabetes, CKD, and the description of a “big patch” on the right buttock, I would advise evaluation by a Plastic Surgeon/Wound Care Specialist within the next 24–48 hours, rather than relying solely on home dressings. Early intervention can prevent progression to deep ulcers, infection, osteomyelitis, and prolonged hospitalization.
If possible, please upload a clear photograph of both bedsores. I can help estimate the stage of the pressure ulcer and suggest the most appropriate dressing strategy.