• Gerard J Fulda, Sami U Khan, and David D Zabel.
• Department of Surgery, Christiana Care Health Services, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19718, USA. gfulda@christianacare.org
• Crit Care Clin. 2003 Jan 1; 19 (1): 91vi91-108, vi.

AbstractIntensivists frequently collaborate with plastic and reconstructive surgeons in treating patients with major wounds, following significant reconstructive procedures, and following free-tissue transfers. Pressure ulcers are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit; prevention, early recognition, and multidisciplinary treatment are critical components for successful management. Necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive, soft-tissue infection that requires rapid diagnosis, early surgical intervention frequent operative debridements, and soft-tissue reconstruction Catastrophic abdominal injuries and infections can be treated with an open abdominal approach and require the expertise of a plastic surgeon to reconstruct the abdominal wall. The success of free-tissue transfers and complex reconstructive procedures requires a thorough understanding of the factors that improve flap survival.

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