Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties Vol. 71, No. 2, July-December, 2016, pp 46-79
The PCS Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Lower Extremity Ulcers
Author(s): Martin Anthony A. Villa, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Ida Marie T. Lim, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Ma. Luisa D. Aquino, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Alfred Phillip O. de Dios, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Domingo S. Bongala Jr., M.D., F.P.C.S.; Enrico A. de Jesus, M.D., F.P.O.A.; Luinio S. Tongson, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Enrique Hilario O. Esguerra, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Andrei Caesar S. Abella, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Glenn Angelo S. Genuino, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Ricardo T. Quintos, M.D., F.P.S.V.S.; Ramon O. Ribu, M.D., F.P.C.S.; Pepito E. de la Pena, M.D., F.P.C.P., F.P.S.E.M.; Lilibeth M. Maravilla, M.D., F.P.C.P., F.P.C.C.; Rose Marie R. Liquete, M.D., F.P.C.S. and Ma. Kristina T. Simon, R.N.
Abstract:
Introduction:
The management of chronic lower extremity ulcers (CLU) in our country has not been consistent. It has involved various specialists including general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, vascular surgeons, plastic surgeons, endocrinologists, internists, dermatologists, and vascular medicine specialists. Because of the involvement of several specialists, the approach to the diagnosis and management of patients with CLU has been varied. The current practice is individualized depending on the primary specialist involved in the case. Only a few hospitals, in our country, employ a multidisciplinary team approach in the diagnosis and treatment.
The need to ensure that a complete assessment and adequate treatment for these patients are performed, prompted the Philippine College of Surgeons to formulate these guidelines. These guidelines are based on the most recent available evidence and opinion of local experts in the field. These recommendations are intended to assist general surgeons and practitioners involved in the care of patients with CLU in decision-making.
The guidelines are divided into three main categories: Assessment, Diagnostics and Wound Management. This project was funded by the PCS Foundation
Key words: Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Lower Extremity Ulcers