SUMMARY
Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of fluid-filled support-surface utilization on the prevention of pressure ulcers.Methods: A fluid-filled support surface was placed onto the operating table of patients in the experimental group (n: 30) whereas patients in the control group (n: 30) were treated on standard operating tables. The study was carried out between February 2011 and May 2011 in a university hospital. A total of 60 patients who underwent surgery in orthopedic and neurosurgery clinics were included in the study. The study was an experimental study. Results: PUs were observed in only one patient (3.3%) in the experimental group, they were observed in 15 patients (50%) in the control group (p<0.05). All developing pressure ulcers were stage 1 PUs. A positive relationship was found between the development of pressure ulcers and the BPURAS score, and the duration of operation.Conclusions: We conclude that a support surface is beneficial when surgery lasts more than 4 hours and in patients whose preoperative risk score is high.