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Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_1060_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

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Examination of an Ulcer
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Floor of the Ulcer
Floor is the one what is seen. It rests on the base. (Base is not seen; it is only felt). Floor may contain red granulation tissue in healing ulcer; pale, unhealthy granulation tissue in non-healing ulcer; thick slough without any granulation tissue in callous chronic ulcer; pigmented tissue in melanoma or pigmented BCC or pigmented SCC (rare). Wash leather slough/ wet chamois leather slough is seen in gummatous ulcer. Wash leather slough often also seen in post­irradiated necrotic slough in the floor of malignant ulcer. Often moving maggots may be present in the floor. They eat necrotic dead tissue only. Cultivated maggots are used as therapeutic desloughing agent. Slough is dead soft tissue in situ (Figs 2.17 to 2.19).
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Fig. 2.17: Ulcer leg with exposed bone. Patient underwent local rotation flap to cover. Area from where the flap is rotated is covered with split skin graft. Skin grafting is not possible over the exposed bone.
Fig. 2.16: Squamous cell carcinoma scalp. Note the
ulceroproliferative lesion with everted edge.
Discharge from Ulcer Bed
It can be serous (healing ulcer), serosanguinous, bloody (malignant ulcer), purulent (infective ulcer); colour of discharge has to be noted—greenish in pseudomonas infection (Fig. 2.20). Quantity , quality , colour and smell of discharge should be assessed. Dried up discharge looks like scab in the ulcer floor.
Fig. 2.18: Ulcer in the foot initially with slough, and later after slough excision and regular dressings. Area requires skin grafting later. Slough is dead soft tissue in situ.
Surrounding area has to be examined for inflam­mation, oedema, eczema, scars. Inspection of the entire part/limb should be done for deep vein throm­bosis, arterial disease, and neurological causes.
Always inspect opposite limb also.
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Fig. 2.19: Maggots in an ulcer.
Fig. 2.20: Non-healing ulcer foot in a diabetic patient with
pseudomonas infection. Note the greenish discharge in the wound. Pseudomonas infection is commonly hospital acquired.
Palpation
T enderness should be elicited over the edge, base and surrounding area. Acute ulcers are tender. Chronic ulcer is usually non-tender but can be tender if there is secondary infection, involvement of deeper struc­tures like periostitis in venous ulcer. Malignant ulcer is non-tender to begin with. It may only become tender in later period when it infiltrates into deeper plane (Figs 2.21A and B).
Warmness over surrounding area signifies acute
inflammation.
Palpation of Edge for Tenderness and Induration
Induration is feeling of hardness. It often suggests carcinoma. In chronic ulcer hardness can be felt because of thick fibrosis (Fig. 2.22).
A
B
Figs. 2.21A and B: Checking the temperature in sur-
rounding area and comparing opposite/normal area.
Examination of an Ulcer
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Fig. 2.22: Palpating the edge for tenderness and
induration.
Palpation of Base for Induration/Fixity
Base is the one on which ulcer lies. Base may be fascia, soft tissues or bone. If base is formed by bone then ulcer is fixed and non-mobile. Mobility should be checked in two planes. Induration of base is important in carcinoma. Hunterian chancre also shows induration.
Depth of Ulcer
Trophic ulcer is deep with bone as its base. Depth is measured in mm.
Bleeding on Palpation and Touching
Floor and edge should be palpated for this sign after wearing a sterile glove. Malignant ulcer is vascular and friable hence bleeds on touch. Healthy and exuberant granulation tissues in the floor can bleed on touch (Figs 2.23A and B).
Palpation of Deeper Structures and its Relation to Ulcer
Bone and soft tissues should be palpated. Bone thickening signifies periostitis or osteomyelitis due to ulcer penetration. It is felt by running thumb firmly over the surface of the bone. It is commonly elicited in lower tibia and malleoli in case of venous ulcer; in calcaneum in trophic ulcer. Mobility also of an ulcer should be checked by wearing a glove. Ulcer is held firmly at two opposite points over the margin and tried
A
B
Figs 2.23A and B: Palpation may cause bleeding on touch
in healthy granulation tissue or carcinoma. Base of an ulcer also should be palpated for tenderness and induration.
to move over the base. It should be checked in two perpendicular directions (Figs 2.24A to 2.25B).
Surrounding skin should be looked for oedema, inflammation, pigmentation, pallor (Fig. 2.26).
Inspection
Examination of Adjacent Joint
Joints are examined for both active and passive move­ments. Active movements are done by the patient. Passive movements are elicited by the clinician (Figs
2.27A and B).
Examination of Regional Lymph Nodes
Examination of regional lymph nodes is essential — Tender, palpable regional lymph nodes are found in
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A
B
Figs 2.24A and B: Bone thickening should be felt by
palpation over proximal and distal part of the ulcer. Here ulcer is in ankle region and so thickening of tibia and calcaneum should be checked.
SRB’s Clinical Surgery
A
acute infective conditions. Shotty, firm, discrete lymph nodes are felt in Hunterian chancre. Lymph nodes are not enlarged in BCC/rodent ulcer as malignant cells block the lymphatics early. Stony hard, initially discrete and mobile lymph nodes, but later when advanced fixed to deeper structures are features of secondaries from carcinoma. Initially regional lymph nodes may get enlarged due to infection as such, and not due to primary existing carcinoma. Such nodes are usually firm, not hard and may regress by trial antibiotic therapy. Lymph nodes enlarged due to sepsis may get suppurated and may form an abscess as soft, tender swelling. Lymph nodes involved by tuberculosis are matted, firm, often may lead to cold abscess or collar stud abscess.
Examination of Arterial Pulse
Examination of arterial pulse peripherally in relation to ulcer should be done (Figs 2.28A and B).
B
Figs. 2.25A and B: Mobility of an ulcer should be checked.
If there is free mobility it means it is not fixed to bone. If mobility is absent then it could be fixed to bone.
Fig. 2.26: Surrounding area should be
palpated for relevant findings.
Examination of an Ulcer
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A
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B
Figs 2.27A and B: Joint proximal to the ulcer area should be checked for any change in movement. Fibrous ankylosis
and total loss of joint movement can occur. Ankle joint should be examined by holding lower leg flexed with left hand and right hand placed just distal to ankle joint (with heel off the ground) to check for dorsiflexion (normal is 25°) and plantar flexion (normal 35°). Inversion (20°) and eversion (20°) is checked by holding the calcaneum with one hand and foot distally with other hand.
Examination for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are examined in standing position and all relevant tests should be done in case of venous ulcers.
Examination of Peripheral Pulses
Examination of peripheral pulses should be done to confirm if there is any ischaemia (Fig. 2.29).
Examination of Spine and Neurological System
Examination of spine and neurological system like sensation and muscle power in the region and specific segments (Fig. 2.30).
Gait of the Patient
Gait of the patient should be checked to find out the severity of loss of function due to ulcer (Fig. 2.31).
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A
B
Figs 2.28A and B: Regional lymph nodes should be palpa-
ted for enlargement. In lower limb ulcer, vertical superficial group of inguinal nodes are palpated. External iliac nodes are also checked above and on medial aspect of the inguinal ligament. Its enlargement signifies severity of the disease.
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A
Fig. 2.29: Palpation pf peripheral pulses to find out
Systemic Examinations
Systemic examinations like of abdomen, respiratory and cardiovascular system should be done properly (Figs 2.32A and B).
Induration of an Ulcer
Induration is a clinical palpatory sign which means a specific type of hardness seen in the diseased tissue. It is obvious in well differentiated carcinomas (squamous cell or adenocarcinomas). It is better felt in
ischemia.
B
Fig. 2.30: Examination of neurological system is a must.
Touch sensation and sense of positions are commonly tested. Checking the muscle power and grading should also be done. Spine should be examined for tenderness/ deformity.
Examination of an Ulcer
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A
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Fig. 2.31: Checking the gait in an ulcer patient.
squamous cell carcinoma. It is also observed in long­standing ulcer with fibrosis. It is absent or less in poorly differentiated carcinomas and malignant melanoma. Less indurated carcinoma is more aggressive. Specific types of indurations are observed in venous diseases and chronic deep venous thrombosis. Brawny indura- tion is a feature of an abscess. Induration is felt at edge, base and surrounding area of an ulcer. Induration at surrounding area signifies extent of disease (tumor). Outermost part of the indurated area is taken as the point from where clearance for wide excision is planned. Hunterian chancre shows induration.
Granulation Tissue
It is seen on the floor of an ulcer consisting of proli­ferating new capillaries and fibroblasts intermingled with RBCs and WBCs with thin fibrin cover over it. It contains fine capillary loops, fibroblasts with thin fibrin and plasma covering.
B
Figs 2.32A and B: Systemic examination like of abdomen,
respiratory, cardiovascular system, spine, neurological exa­mination is a must.
Types:
Healthy granulation tissue: It is seen in a healing ulcer. It has got sloping edge. It bleeds on touch. It has got serous discharge. Skin grafting takes up well in an ulcer with healthy granulation tissue (Fig. 2.33). Streptococci growth in culture should be less than
5
/gram of tissue before skin grafting.
10 Unhealthy granulation tissue: It is pale with puru-
lent discharge. Its floor is covered with slough. Its edge is inflamed and oedematous. It is seen in sprea­ding ulcer.
Unhealthy, pale, flat granulation tissue: It is seen in chronic nonhealing ulcer (callous ulcer).
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Fig. 2.33: Ulcer with healthy granulation
tissue ready for split skin grafting.
SRB’s Clinical Surgery
Exuberant granulation tissue (Proud flesh): It occurs in a sinus wherein granulation tissue protrudes out of the sinus orifice like a proliferating mass. It is commonly associated with a retained foreign body in the sinus cavity (Fig. 2.34).
Pyogenic granuloma: It is a type of exuberant granulation tissue. Here granulation tissue protrudes out from an infected wound or ulcer bed presenting as well localised, red swelling which bleeds on touching.
FNAC of the regional lymph node. Other tests like Chest X-ray, Mantoux test in suspected case of tuberculous ulcer. Haemoglobin and albumin levels in blood are important. Granulation tissue will not develop if Hb% is below 10 gm%; and if albumin is less than 3 gm%.
Fig. 2.34: Exuberant granulation (proud flesh) in an ulcer. It should be scooped out using Volkmann’s scoop prior to skin grafting.
Investigations for an Ulcer
Study of discharge: Culture and sensitivity, AFB study, cytology.
Edge biopsy: Biopsy is taken from edge because edge contains multiplying cells. Usually two biopsies are taken. Because of central necrosis, biopsy may be inadequate if taken from the centre. But in recurrent post radiation malignant ulcer biopsy is taken from centre, as active proliferating cells are present in the centre not in periphery due to vascular fibrosis in the edge by radiotherapy. X-ray of the part to see periostitis or osteomyelitis (Fig. 2.35).
Fig. 2.35: X-ray showing osteomyelitis with sequestrum inside. Osteomyelitis prevents ulcer healing. Bone thicken­ing on clinical examination is typical.
Assessment of an Ulcer
Cause of an ulcer should be found—diabetes/venous/ arterial/infective. Clinical type should be assessed. Assessment of wound is important—anatomical site; size and depth of the wound; edge of the wound; mobility; fixity; induration; surrounding area; local blood supply (Fig. 2.36). Wound perimeter may be useful in assessing this. Wound imaging is done by tracing it on a transparent acetate sheet at regular intervals. Presence of systemic features; regional nodal status; function of the limb/part; joint move­ments; distal pulses; sensations should be assessed. Severity of infection should be assessed—culture of discharge. Specific investigations like edge biopsy; X-ray of part; blood sugar; arterial/venous Doppler; angiogram are done.
Trophic Ulcer
It occurs due to impaired nutrition, defective blood supply, and neurological deficit. It usually occurs in
Examination of an Ulcer
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Fig. 2.36: Ulcer after wound debridement. Adequate wound excision is done whenever there is slough and necrosis to allow granulation tissue to develop.
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Fig. 2.37: Bedsore (decubitus ulcer) in sacral region—it
is a trophic ulcer. It is usually with punched out edge.
Stage 4—Full thickness skin loss with fascia and underlying structures like muscle/tendon/bone, etc.— late deep ulcer (Fig. 2.38). Pressure sore is tissue necrosis and ulceration due to prolonged pressure. Blood flow to the skin stops once external pressure becomes more than 30 mm Hg (more than capillary
the heel, in relation to heads of metatarsals, buttocks, over the ischial tuberosity, sacrum, over the shoulder, occiput. Because there is neurological deficit trophic ulcer is called as neurogenic ulcer/neuropathic ulcer. Initially it begins as callosity due to repeated trauma and pressure which then suppurates and gives way through a central hole which extends into the deeper plane as perforating ulcer (penetrating ulcer).
Neurological causes: Diabetic neuropathy, peri­pheral neuritis, tabes dorsalis, spina bifida, leprosy, spinal injury, paraplegia, peripheral nerve injury, syringomyelia. Bedsores are trophic ulcers.
Clinical features: It occurs in 5% of all hospitalised patients. It is painless ulcer which is punched out; nonmobile with base formed by bone (Fig. 2.37).
Staging of pressur e soreStage 1—Non-blanching erythema—early superficial ulcer; Stage 2—Partial thickness skin loss—late superficial ulcer; Stage 3— Full thickness skin loss extending into subcutaneous tissue but not through fascia—early deep ulcer;
Fig. 2.38: Trophic ulcers in the heel in two different patients. It often requires rotation flap/transposition flap to cover.
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occlusive pressure) and this causes tissue hypoxia, necrosis and ulceration. It is more prominent between bony prominence and an external surface.
Factors causing pressure sore : Normal stimulus to relieve the pressure is absent in anesthetised patient; nutritional deficiencies worsens the necrosis; inade­quate padding over the bony prominences in malnou­rished patients; urinary incontinence in paraplegic patient causes skin soiling—maceration—infection— necrosis.
anaemia, and malnutrition and vitamin deficiency . It is commonly caused by Fusobacterium fusiformis (vincent’s organisms) and Borrelia vincenti. There are abrasions, redness, papule and pustule formation, acute regional lymphadenitis and severe pain. Serosangui­nous discharge often undermined and raised edge is common. Eventually it forms a chronic indolent large ulcer. After long time when it heals, it forms a pigmented, parchment like scar. Squamous cell carcinoma may be a occasional late complication in such disease.
Ulcer due to Chilblains
It is due to exposure to intense cold causing blisters, ulceration in the feet. These ulcers are superficial. It is due to excessive cutaneous arteriolar constric­tion. The condition is also called as perniosis.
Ulcer due to Frostbite
It is due to exposure of the part to wet cold below the freezing point. There is arteriolar spasm, denaturation of proteins and cell destruction. It leads on gangrene of the part. These ulcers here are always
deep.
Martorelle’s Ulcer
It is seen in hypertensive patients often with atherosclerosis. It is seen in calf. Often it is bilateral. It is painful. Localised necrosis of calf skin occurring suddenly with sloughing away and formation of deep, punched out ulcer extending into the deep fascia is the pathology. There is sudden obliteration of the arterioles of the calf skin. All peripheral pulses are
present. It takes months to heal.
Bairnsdale Ulcer
It is a chronic, irregular, undermined ulcer due to Mycobacterium ulcerans infection. Discharge study will show acid-fast bacilli. Deep severe form with extensive dermal necrosis is called as Buruli ulcer.
Tropical Ulcer
It is an acute ulcerative lesion of the skin observed in tropical regions like Africa, India and South America. It is associated with lower socioeconomic group,
Diabetic Ulcer
Causes: Increased glucose in the tissue precipitates infection; diabetic microangiopathy affects microcir­culation; increased glycosylated haemoglobin decreases the oxygen dissociation; increased glycosylated tissue protein decreases the oxygen dissociation; diabetic neuropathy involves all sensory, motor and autonomous components; associated atherosclerosis affects the circulation.
Sites: Foot-plantar aspect—is the commonest site; leg; upper limb; back; scrotum; perineum, etc. Diabetic ulcer may be associated with ischaemia. Ulcer is spreading and deep (Figs 2.39 and 2.40).
Problems with diabetic ulcer: Neuropathy, in foot —clawing of toes, hammer toe (due to intrinsic muscle paralysis); multiple deeper abscesses; osteo­myelitis of deeper bones are common; reduced leuco­cyte function; resistant infection; spreading cellulitis; arterial insufficiency; septicaemia; diabetic ketoaci­dosis; associated cardiac diseases like ischaemic heart disease.
Meleney’s Ulcer (Postoperative Synergistic Gangrene, Pyoderma Gangrenosum)
It is commonly seen in postoperative wounds in abdomen and chest wall like in drainage of empyema or surgery for peritonitis. It is an acute rapidly sprea­ding ulcer with gangrene of skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is common in old age, immunosuppressed people and when surgery is done in infected condi­tions. It is caused by microaerophilic streptococci and anaerobes. It begins in scrotum or perineum and rapidly spreads to groin and lower abdominal wall.