A new paper from surgeons at the University Hospital Limerick in...

A new paper from surgeons at the University Hospital Limerick in Ireland.

Application of Novosorb biodegradable temporising matrix in wounds of different aetiologies: a case series

This case study series of 22 patients (aged 30 - 95 yrs) outlines the use of BTM in the management of significant complex wounds in patients who attended the vascular department of the University Hospital Limerick between 2021 and 2023. With the exception of one patient, all wounds were located on the leg or lower limb. The common denominator in all cases was exposed underlying structures, e.g. muscle, tendon and bone.

The majority of patients presented with acute conditions that in many cases were complicated by the patients' medical condition and comorbidities. Wound aetiologies included; crush injuries (n=2); peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (n=5), pressure ulcers (PUs) in patients with diabetes (n=3), PU (n=1), patients post complex haematoma evacuation (n=3), post-excision of squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) (n=1), vasculitis (n=1), fasciotomy (n=1), wounds following debridement for necrotising fasciitis (NF) (n=4), and cavity wound post radiotherapy and arterial bleed (n=1).

Twelve (54%) of the patients healed completely and one (4%) progressed towards complete vascularisation with the BTM in situ. Half of the patients who fully healed did so following application of the BTM alone and required no further surgical intervention. Two of the fully healed patients were aged 95 years.

Patients treated with BTM reported less pain, in particular in procedural pain at dressing changes. Patients also required fewer dressing changes; on average 1–2 times weekly. This was particularly important for patients who had extensive wounds, which had previously required theatre or sedation for dressing changes.

Limiting factors identified in achieving wound healing included ischaemia, vasculitis, underlying osteomyelitis and previous radiotherapy.

https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/jowc.2024.33.Sup3.S51