Processo de cicatrização da ferida operatória de idosos que foram submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos cardíacos

Abstract

Introduction: Understanding the healing process of the surgical wound in elderly people who underwent cardiac surgery reveals factors that may be related to complications in the postoperative period, helping nursing professionals to intervene early, preventing such complications and ensuring safety until the total epithelialization of the operative wound. Objective: to characterize the wound healing process of patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures. Methodology: this is a prospective quantitative-descriptive study carried out from August to December 2022 in a large hospital located in northeastern Brazil, approved by the research ethics committee under protocol nº CAAE: 58372722.9.0000.5013. The patients were previously selected through the surgical schedule and followed throughout the perioperative period until the 21st postoperative day using a validated instrument. Results: The final sample consisted of 34 patients. Males accounted for 58.82% and mean age of 70.29 years. The most reported comorbidities were arterial hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. The most common surgical procedures were myocardial revascularization and valve implants. The surgical wounds studied were located in the mediastinum, left lower limb and inframammary region. The phlogistic signs presented at the follow-up time were redness, heat, pain and edema. 67.64% showed no changes in the healing process; the dehiscence rate was 8.82%; readmission rate for complications in the healing of the surgical wound was 16.12%. Data were organized into codes and analyzed descriptively. Predictors of dehiscence development were selected and variables were defined and crossed to analyze their relationships using the chi-square test. Conclusion: Understanding the outcome of the pathophysiological process of healing surgical wounds in the elderly allowed us to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic limitations that affect this complex process and its influence on intervention methods that support better care.