Internationale Zeitschrift für öffentliche Gesundheit und Sicherheit

Quality and Safety in Children's Hospital: The Onset of Accidental Skin Lesions after Surgery

Abstract

Antonino Sala, Francesco Puggelli, Diana Paolini, Simone Pancani, Enrico Pinzauti and Francesca Bellini

Introduction: The problem of the onset of accidental skin lesions after surgery is actually underestimated and yet quite unknown, especially in the pediatric setting. Skin involvement after surgery may be related to chemical, electrical, thermal or mechanical causes. The purpose of this report is to increase awareness among professionals about the postoperative skin lesions, to discuss their possible causes and to provide recommendations regarding these avoidable adverse events. Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study from June 01, 2015 to December 31, 2015. All detected lesions were investigated by using a monitoring form developed for this purpose. Results: A total of 3614 surgical procedures were performed. Fifteen lesions were detected after surgery, 10 erythematous and 5 II-degree lesion. Eleven patients were male and 4 were female (average age 5.3 years). The incidence was 0.41%. At univariate and multivariate analysis lying on the right-side position during surgery and urologic procedures were significantly associated with skin lesions. Discussions: The analysis of our series did not allow us to identify an unequivocal etiology but only several hypotheses about the main cause related to the onset of the skin lesion. The skin lesions were generally superficial and transient. The figures in our series were not conclusive enough to consider the position on the operating table and the urologic surgery as independent factors for the onset of skin lesions. Conclusions: A more accurate understanding of the problem and some strategies for adequate prevention turn out to be mandatory for the sake of the patient's safety.