Does Every Wound Heal with Dressing? Repair of a Chronic Ankle Wound with Free Tissue Flap and Nursing Care: Case Report

Chronic wounds may not always heal with traditional dressings and may require reconstructive surgical intervention. Free tissue flaps are an effective method for repairing complex defects; however, the success rate is associated with nursing monitoring and quality of care during the early post-operative period. A 78-year-old male patient presented with a chronic wound on the posterior aspect of his left ankle that had been present for 2 years. The lesion was excised through wide excision, and the resulting defect was repaired with an anterolateral thigh free flap. Systematic nursing care was provided during the post-operative period, focusing on flap monitoring and risk-oriented nursing diagnoses. Complication-free flap survival was achieved through systematic nursing monitoring. Nursing interventions for infection, pain, anxiety, pressure injury, and respiratory function contributed to successful recovery and complete wound healing in this patient. This case demonstrates that dressing alone is insufficient for chronic wounds and highlights the importance of nursing care in free flap surgery.

Keywords: Chronic wound, flap monitoring, free tissue flap, nursing care, postoperative care