Postoperative Mobility and its Relationship with Surgery-Related Pressure Injuries: Incidence and Risk Factors in Bariatric Surgery Patients

USLU Y., Tülübaş R., AKYÜZ Y., Atabey M.

Obesity Surgery, vol.36, no.1, pp.128-136, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 36 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s11695-025-08393-4
  • Journal Name: Obesity Surgery
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.128-136
  • Keywords: Bariatric surgery, Obesity, Postoperative complications, Pressure ulcer, Risk factors
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for surgery-related pressure injuries (PIs) in bariatric surgery patients and to assess the effect of postoperative mobility on PI development. Methods: This prospective, correlational, monocentric study included 279 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery. Patients were assessed for PIs every 8 hours during the first 48 hours postoperatively. Mobility status was evaluated via the Observer Mobility scale, and PI risk was measured via the Munro and Braden scales. Results: The incidence of surgery-related PIs was 19%, with most patients classified as stage 1, predominantly affecting the knees, coccyx, and abdominal region. Independent risk factors for PI development included abnormal skin (p = 0.015), higher Munro scale scores (p < 0.001), increased postoperative pain (p < 0.001), and reduced mobility (p = 0.006). Conclusions: In bariatric surgery patients, the use of surgery-specific risk assessment tools, effective pain management, early mobilization, and proper device placement play critical roles in reducing the risk of surgery-related PIs.