Wound Care Center

The Wound Treatment Center at Providence Hospital Northeast offers a comprehensive approach that gives hope to those with nonhealing wounds and other conditions that cause lymphedema.

Many people suffer from different types of wounds that will not heal or that often close and reopen. The Wound Treatment Center is committed to providing the most up-to-date,
advanced wound care for patients who suffer with chronic non-healing wounds. For more than 10 years now the Wound Treatment Center has helped many of these patients achieve total wound healing, especially those suffering from venous leg and diabetic foot ulcers. Our care focuses on helping heal your wounds as quickly as possible.

Although we provide treatment for all types of wounds, we report outstanding healing rates for venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. In 2008, when compared to over 1,000 outpatient wound care centers, we report:

• 98.7% of our venous leg ulcers healed within 50 days with the national reported healing average being 46% within 69 days.
• 94% of our diabetic foot ulcers healed within 67 days with the national average beeing 81% in 86 days.
• Patient satisfaction scores in the 99th percentile.

A unique part of our program includes lymphedema therapy. Lymphedema is an irreversible condition caused by disruption of the lymphatic system that results in swelling of the affected body part. Our certified lymphedema therapist, who is also a physical therapist, offers many options for the management of lymphedema related to wound care and complications following breast cancer.

We contribute much of our success to a dedicated team of experts committed to providing you with a comprehensive advanced plan of care. This specialized team consists of physicians, physical therapists, certified wound care nurses and an orthotist who assists with providing appropriate foot wear that promotes wound healing. These experts truly understand the discomfort and inconvenience of living with wounds and severe swelling. Because we want to help you heal, you have our commitment to provide advanced medical treatment in a professional caring manner.

If you or someone you know suffers from lymphedema or has a wound that will not heal, please call 803-865-4950 for more information.

More About Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Fluid builds up in soft body tissues and causes swelling. It is a common problem that may be caused by cancer and cancer treatment. Lymphedema usually affects an arm or leg, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Lymphedema can cause long-term physical, psychological, and social problems for patients.

For referrals, call the Wound Care Center at 803-865-4950 or fax 803-865-4955.

Information needed:

• A signed physician's order
• Patient demographics
• Patient insurance information

Appropriate diagnoses:

• Post mastectomy, lumpectomy with or without axillary node dissection
• Post radiation therapy for breast, cervical, prostate or other cancers
• Removal of lymph nodes
• Congenital lymphedema
• Interactable edema/lymphedema
• Late stages of venous insufficiency
• Non-healing leg ulcers with assocated edema
• Post-phlebitis syndrome
• Cellulitis with prolonged swelling (greater than six months)
• Post-trauma or surgery with prolonged swelling (greater than six months)

Additional Wound Care Information:

Bed Sores (Pressure Ulcers)
Bed sores can occur when a person is bedridden, unconscious, unable to sense pain, or immobile. Bed sores are ulcers that occur on areas of the skin that are under pressure from lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, and/or wearing a cast for a prolonged period of time.

Diabetes Foot Care 
Neuropathy and blood vessel disease both increase the risk of foot ulcers. The nerves of the feet are the longest in the body and often are affected by neuropathy. When a diabetes patient loses sensation in the feet, sores or injuries may go unnoticed until ulcers develop.

Venous Insufficiency 
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the leg veins do not allow blood to travel back to the heart. (Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood to the heart). Problems with valves in the veins can cause the blood to flow both directions, not just toward the heart. These valves that are not working properly can cause blood in the legs to pool. If chronic venous insufficiency is left untreated, pain, swelling, and leg ulcers may result.