Obesity Surgery, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
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.