A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of bacteriophage therapy for chronic wounds. Customized bacteriophage cocktails were applied to wounds, resulting in 93.3% becoming sterile in 39 days, followed by complete healing within 90 days. In contrast, 83.3% of wounds treated with placebo remained colonized by bacteria without healing. The study […]
Category: Wounds
Weight Loss, Not BMI Alone, Predicts Wound Complication Risk in Obese Hernia Patients
A retrospective study analyzed 182 obese patients who underwent open transversus abdominis release (TAR) for complex ventral hernias. Among these patients, those with a BMI greater than 40 did not show significant differences in surgical site occurrences and infections compared to those with a lower BMI. However, patients who achieved at least a 3% preoperative […]
Sterile Gloves Are Not Superior to Nonsterile Gloves for Wound and Laceration Repair
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the use of sterile and nonsterile gloves for wound and laceration repair. The analysis found no significant difference in the rates of infection or wound healing between the two types of gloves. These results suggest that nonsterile gloves are equally effective in preventing complications during wound and laceration repair, […]
Aqueous Povidone-Iodine Irrigation Does Not Reduce Surgical Site Infection Incidence Compared to Saline Irrigation
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of intraoperative wound irrigation with aqueous povidone-iodine (PVP-I) versus saline in reducing surgical site infections (SSI) in clean-contaminated wounds after gastroenterological surgery. The study included 941 patients and found that the incidence of incisional SSI was slightly higher in the group receiving PVP-I (7.6%) compared […]
Global Telemedicine for Surgical Wound Assessment: Lower SSIs Found in International Cohort and Meta-analysis
Using telemedicine for remote wound reviews can be upscaled globally and may help reduce the risk of SSI after surgery. In an international cohort study of over 15,000 patients from 66 countries, telemedicine follow-up resulted in slightly lower SSI rates compared to in-person review. This association persisted after risk adjustment and was consistent across sensitivity […]
Decoding Aberrant Scarring: Unraveling Mechanisms and Implications
Skin wound healing often leads to abnormal scarring, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars, impacting millions globally. While the precise mechanisms remain elusive, evidence suggests ongoing inflammation in susceptible individuals perpetuates extracellular matrix changes, resulting in fibrotic lesions. Abnormal scarring, causing pain, functional impairment, and aesthetic concerns, lacks effective treatment. The study underscores the urgent […]
Prophylactic Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Emergency Laparotomy: No Significant Reduction in Surgical Site Infections
Examining 65,803 emergency laparotomy patients, researchers found no significant difference in surgical site infection (SSI) rates when comparing prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to standard dressings. Propensity-matched cohorts with completely or partially closed incisions showed similar SSI rates (13.4% vs. 11.9% and 3.6% vs. 4.4%, respectively). Secondary outcomes, including postoperative complications and hospital length […]
Boosting Wound Healing: Unleashing the Power of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Combo Therapy
Researchers explore the evolving landscape of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in wound healing. While MSCs show promise in tissue repair, their full potential is hindered. The study advocates for combination therapies, citing enhanced efficacy through biomaterials, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and stress-response manipulation. By synergizing MSCs with strategic approaches, the review illuminates a path toward […]
Single-Use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Reduces Surgical Site Infections
Analyzing 19 studies, researchers reviewed whether single-use negative pressure wound therapy (sNPWT) could diminish surgical site infections (SSIs) in at-risk patients with closed surgical incisions. The meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in composite, superficial, and deep SSIs with sNPWT compared to standard care across diverse surgical specialties. The -80 mmHg sNPWT device emerged as an […]
Mapping Review Reveals Strategies for Reducing Pain in Chronic Wound Dressing Changes
This mapping review addresses a pressing issue: pain during chronic wound dressing changes. Existing UK guidelines prioritize wound healing over pain management during these procedures. The review aims to gather, assess, and describe current research on strategies for assessing and reducing pain during chronic wound dressing changes. By sifting through the available evidence, it seeks […]