Characteristics and outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers treated with surgical debridement and standardized wound care

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose a significant clinical challenge, often leading to amputations and hospitalisation. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of DFUs treated with surgical debridement and standardised wound care. This descriptive cross-sectional study focused on diabetic patients with appropriate vascular conditions, as determined by an Ankle Brachial Index >0.9. Based on their infection status, participants were admitted to Poursina Hospital in Rasht, Iran, and subjected to initial supportive measures, antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement. The study incorporated primary treatment with wet bandages, silver spray and fibrinolysin ointment. Statistical analysis employed SPSS 22 software. Most patients were male (54.7%) and under 60 years old (50.7%). Overweight status was prevalent in 69.3% of diabetic ulcer patients, amongst whom 48% underwent wrist debridement. The 64% and 36% of the cases had grade III and grade II Texas index. Moreover, 96% of patients exhibited signs of infection and were classified as Stage Texas B. Reoperation was necessary for 34.7% of patients. The mean hospital stay was 8.5 ± 7.55 days, and the average recovery time was 15.2 ± 15.19 days. Out of 75 patients, 10 were unable to return to limb function due to disability. In this study, around one-third of patients required secondary repair with grafts and flaps. A small number of them were unable to recover because of underlying disability, and the mean recovery time in other cases was 24 days. Future studies should follow up with patients for longer periods to assess long-term therapeutic outcomes and quality of life.