Mummification technique for cases of irreversible necrosis
Section: Hands on
How to quote
Vera Canudas A et al. Técnica de momificación para casos de necrosis irreversible. Metas de Enferm oct 2010; 13(8): 16-19
Authors
1Aina Vera Canudas, 1Milagros Sánchez Monforte, 1Cristina Morales Pérez, 2Juan M. Leyva Moral, 1Rosa Galí Yacer, 1Beatriz Sena Fernández
Position
1 Enfermera del Centro de Atención Primaria Vila Olímpica (Barcelona).2 Enfermero del Centro de Atención Primaria Vila Olímpica (Barcelona).
Contact address
Aina Vera Canudas. Carrer Joan Miró, 17. 08193 Barcelona.
Contact email: aina_vera@hotmail.com; milimonforte@hotmail.com
Abstract
Necrosis is cell death in living tissue that occurs when there is insufficient blood flow to a certain area. The most frequent causes of necrosis found in the distal parts of the extremities are usually vascular pathology and Diabetes Mellitus. The first can lead to gangrenous ischemia and the second one to complications of the diabetic foot that degenerate to necrotic ulcers. Risk factors are also very important, such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, obesity, deficient metabolic control, smoking and other toxic habits. For this reason health care professionals must underscore health care training and education that promotes prevention and healthy habits.
Mummification, also called self-amputation, is the technique used in certain cases of irreversible necrosis. Its objective is to limit the lesion, avoid humidity and infection by means of topical and dry wound care with 10% povidone iodine. The objective of wound care is to reach necrectomy and achieve an alternative to vascular surgery for patients in whom a surgical intervention would entail more risks than benefits. The mummification procedure is easily carried out, promoting self-care and monitoring on the part of the patient or primary caregiver, hence decreasing outpatient visits and trips. The materials used in this technique have a low economic cost, which generally does not affect the family’s economic situation or health care expenditure.
Mummification, also called self-amputation, is the technique used in certain cases of irreversible necrosis. Its objective is to limit the lesion, avoid humidity and infection by means of topical and dry wound care with 10% povidone iodine. The objective of wound care is to reach necrectomy and achieve an alternative to vascular surgery for patients in whom a surgical intervention would entail more risks than benefits. The mummification procedure is easily carried out, promoting self-care and monitoring on the part of the patient or primary caregiver, hence decreasing outpatient visits and trips. The materials used in this technique have a low economic cost, which generally does not affect the family’s economic situation or health care expenditure.
Keywords:
mummification; necrosisPovidone iodine
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