The Use of Autologous Platelet Gel in Toenail Surgery: A Within-Patient Clinical Trial

A number of studies have stressed the importance of platelets in acute and chronic wound healing, although their clinical utility remains controversial. To analyze the use of autologous platelet gel in the surgical treatment of ingrown toenails, a within-patient clinical trial was conducted. Thirty-five healthy volunteers (70 feet) underwent surgical treatment for bilateral ingrown hallux nails. Recovery time (days), postoperative pain (analog chromatic scale), and inflammation (digital circumference) at 48 hours postoperative were the outcomes of interest. Recovery time and postoperative pain were less in the experimental group, although the differences of means were not statistically significant. Based on these results, we suggest that local application of APG in surgical ingrown toenail wounds may produce a slight increase in acute inflammatory phase dermal wound healing, but it does not cause a statistically significant reduction in recovery times or postoperative pain.     

Treatment of Superficial Surgical Wounds after Removal of Seborrheic Keratoses: A Single-Blinded Randomized-Controlled Clinical Study

BACKGROUND: For the treatment of superficial surgical wounds, there are a number of options, including topical antibiotic ointments, dressings, and specialized wound care materials, such as hydrocolloid dressings. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the wound-healing activity of a commercially available hydrocolloid wound dressing (Avery H2460, Avery Dennison, Turnhout, Belgium) in comparison with a control treatment (Fucidine cream with Cutiplast sterile dressing) in superficial wounds after surgical removal of seborrheic keratoses. METHODS: In a single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial, the hydrocolloid wound dressing (Avery H2460) was compared with healing by secondary intention as a control. Sixteen patients between 18 and 80 years of age with seborrheic keratoses were enrolled. Wound healing was evaluated after 7 and 10 days and then daily until complete closure of the wound area. In 7 of 16 patients, biopsies were taken after 14 days of reepithelization. RESULTS: The hydrocolloid wound dressing (Avery H2460) induced a significantly (p<.05) faster healing (median: 8.5 days) in comparison with the control treatment (median: 10 days). The histologic investigations showed no significant differences for the investigated parameters in both groups. CONCLUSION: The faster healing in comparison with the control treatment supports the use of the hydrocolloid wound dressing (Avery H2460) for the treatment of superficial surgical wounds.     

Stimulation of steroid-suppressed cutaneous healing by repeated topical application of IGF-I: different mechanisms of action based upon the mode of IGF-I delivery

BACKGROUND: Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is accepted as a potent stimulus of wound healing when applied in combination with its binding proteins. However, there is only one study published that has investigated the effect of repeated topical application of unbound IGF-I on ischemic wound healing. The aim of this study was to show the effect of daily topical IGF-I therapy on cutaneous ulcer healing in a steroid-suppressed wound model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full-thickness wounds were created on the back of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Before surgery, animals received depot-steroids subcutaneously. Wounds were treated daily with either a standard hydrogel dressing (control), topical IGF-I dissolved in 0.2% methylcellulose gel (IGF-I gel), or a hydrogel dressing containing IGF-I (IGF-I dressing). After 7 days of treatment, wounds were excised and measured by photoplanimetry. SMA- and PCNA-expression as well as the formation of granulation tissue were assessed in tissue sections. Results are given as median(min-max). Differences between groups were calculated by the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Subcutaneous injection of depot-steroids induced a significant delay in healing, as shown by an enlarged wound size [44(33-65) versus 25(20-35)] mm(2); P = 0.001). In steroid-treated rats, both IGF-I gel and IGF-I dressing enhanced excisional healing, as shown by a significant reduction in wound size (P = 0.0001), with IGF-I released from the dressing being even more effective than IGF-I gel (P = 0.03). However, in these animals only IGF-I released from the hydrogel dressing stimulated SMA- (P = 0.03) as well as PCNA-expression (P = 0.001) and increased granulation tissue formation (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that a repeated application of topical IGF-I enhances cutaneous ulcer healing. In addition, only the controlled release of IGF-I from the hydrogel dressing is capable of reversing the steroid-induced delay of healing, suggesting different mechanisms of action with respect to the mode of IGF-I delivery.     

烧伤创面用药

For bum patients, topical treatment is as important as systemic treatment. Reasonable and timely wound treatment will influence the homeostatic equilibrium, and the progression, the prognosis, and the outcome of the disease. The therapeutic principle should be varied for wounds with different depth of injury. But avoiding or at least alleviating infection, and accelerating healing period, were the common principles. In common, the medication for local wound treatment includes: topical antiseptic, surgical dressing products, artificial skins, and so on.Ideal topical antiseptic should have the following zcharacteristics: the antimierobial spectrum is broad, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA; be able to penetrate necrotic tissue; does not induce drug resistatance easily; no local irritating effect and not painful; no side effect to body; can be applied easily; low cost. The functions of surgical dressing in clude: protect the wounds, keep the microcirculation open, and accelerate wound healing. Artificial skin has been used as the autoskin carrier in skin transplantation operation for large burn area to protect the autoskin grafts, accelerate wound healing, and cover the wounds temporarily. Bums therapy has developed for 50 years in China, the study of local treatment for burn wounds has also experienced a tortuous path of trial and error. This review might contribute some ideas future research.     

富血小板血浆治疗下肢缺血性难愈创面的临床观察

背景与目的 下肢缺血性难愈创面在经过积极腔内介入或开放手术重建肢体血运后,仍然存在住院周期长、治疗难度大、费用较高等,且创面愈合效果不佳。富血小板血浆（PRP）具有制备简单、来源丰富、相对安全无副作用等优势,可直接作用于创面并增强创面愈合进程,已广泛应用于难愈创面修复领域,但对于下肢缺血性难愈创面少有报道。本研究探讨PRP在下肢缺血性难愈合创面治疗中的临床疗效及安全性,以期为此类难愈性创面的临床治疗提供参考和借鉴。方法 在2021年1月—2022年12月北京医院血管外科、河南中医药大学第一附属医院周围血管科收治的下肢缺血性难愈创面患者中,选取患肢踝肱指数（ABI）>0.5~<0.9、创面床分期为红期（肉芽组织期）、创面面积>1~<20 cm²、无死腔或引流不畅的难愈性创面;抽取患者自体静脉血50 mL,采用密度梯度离心法二次离心,制备PRP及PRP凝胶。在戒烟、降脂、抗凝、抗血小板、改善循环、降压、降糖全身治疗基础上,创面清创后局部给予PRP创基直接注射和创面外用PRP凝胶联合治疗,隔7 d换药1次。观察14 d后创面面积（依据创面面积判定疗效）、肉芽评分、渗出量评分、创面深度评分,以及炎性指标［白细胞（WBC）、C-反应蛋白（CRP）水平、红细胞沉降率（ESR）水平］、疼痛评分与不良反应发生情况。结果 经PRP治疗14 d后,患者创面面积较治疗前明显缩小［（10.16±4.07）cm² vs.（5.11±3.38）cm²,P=0.000］,其中创面面积痊愈8例（12.7%）、显效25例（39.7%）、有效24例（38.1%）、无效6例（9.5%）,总有效率90.5%;创面局部深度、肉芽组织及渗出量量化评分均较治疗前明显改善（均P<0.05）。治疗后均未应用抗生素治疗,炎性指标WBC、CRP、ESR水平较前降低,患者自我疼痛评分较前减低（均P<0.05）;治疗过程中均未见明显不良反应。结论 PRP创基直接注射和创面局部外用凝胶的联合方法,可促进肉芽生长、上皮爬行,加快创面愈合过程,抑制创面炎症反应,降低患者疼痛感,用于治疗下肢缺血性难愈创面安全有效。     

Randomised clinical trial of Hydrofiber dressing with silver versus povidone-iodine gauze in the management of open surgical and traumatic wounds

This prospective, randomised clinical trial compared pain, comfort, exudate management, wound healing and safety with Hydrofiber dressing with ionic silver (Hydrofiber Ag dressing) and with povidone-iodine gauze for the treatment of open surgical and traumatic wounds. Patients were treated with Hydrofiber Ag dressing or povidone-iodine gauze for up to 2 weeks. Pain severity was measured with a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Other parameters were assessed clinically with various scales. Pain VAS scores decreased during dressing removal in both groups, and decreased while the dressing was in place in the Hydrofiber Ag dressing group (n = 35) but not in the povidone-iodine gauze group (n = 32). Pain VAS scores were similar between treatment groups. At final evaluation, Hydrofiber Ag dressing was significantly better than povidone-iodine gauze for overall ability to manage pain (P < 0.001), overall comfort (P < or = 0.001), wound trauma on dressing removal (P = 0.001), exudate handling (P < 0.001) and ease of use (P < or = 0.001). Rates of complete healing at study completion were 23% for Hydrofiber Ag dressing and 9% for povidone-iodine gauze (P = ns). No adverse events were reported with Hydrofiber Ag dressing; one subject discontinued povidone-iodine gauze due to adverse skin reaction. Hydrofiber Ag dressing supported wound healing and reduced overall pain compared with povidone-iodine gauze in the treatment of open surgical wounds requiring an antimicrobial dressing.     

Systematic review of dressings and topical agents for surgical wounds healing by secondary intention

BACKGROUND: The best dressing for postoperative wounds healing by secondary intention is unknown. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to assess the effectiveness of dressings and topical agents on such wounds. Main endpoints were wound healing, pain, patient satisfaction, costs and hospital stay. Systematic methodological appraisal and data extraction were performed by independent reviewers. RESULTS: Fourteen reports of 13 randomized clinical trials on dressings or topical agents (gauze, foam, bead, alginate and hydrocolloid dressing) for postoperative wounds healing by secondary intention were identified; they were of weak methodological quality. In general, no statistically significant differences in wound healing were found for various dressing comparisons (11 of 13 trials). Patients experienced significantly more pain (four of six trials) and were less satisfied when gauze was used (three of six trials). Gauze was inexpensive, but its use was associated with significantly more nursing time than dressing with foam (two of three trials). No substantial differences in hospital stay were found (four of five trials). CONCLUSIONS: Only small, poor-quality trials exist, rendering the evidence insufficient. Foam is best studied as an alternative to gauze and appears to be preferable in terms of pain reduction, patient satisfaction and nursing time.     

Allogenic platelet gel in the treatment of pressure sores: a pilot study

Although platelet gel is considered one of the most popular tools in the treatment of chronic ulcers, current consensus on its use is not unanimous. A prospective randomised trial was carried out at the Plastic Surgery Unit of the ‘Salvatore Maugeri’ Foundation Hospital of Pavia (Italy). The study involved 13 patients affected by spinal cord injury with 16 pressure sores over a period of 20 months. The ulcer was considered the experimental unit of the study irrespective of the number of ulcers per patient. Each consecutive ulcer was randomised to be treated either with allogenic platelet gel or with current best practice approach to chronic wounds dressing protocol. At the end of the treatment 15 ulcers out of 16 improved clinically. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated in volume reduction between the two groups, although a statistically significant difference could be demonstrated in the onset time of granulation tissue proliferation as in the wounds treated with platelet gel the healing process was triggered earlier. Our study suggests that platelet gel is mostly effective within the first 2 weeks of treatment while a prolonged treatment does not provide any significant advantage versus the current best practice approach to chronic wounds protocols.     

负压封闭引流术联合银离子敷料治疗难愈性烧伤创面的临床效果

的 探究负压封闭引流术联合银离子敷料在难愈性烧伤创面治疗中的应用效果。方法 选择 2021年8月-2023年2月京山市人民医院收治的80例难愈性烧伤患者为研究对象，以随机数字表法分为对照组 和试验组，每组40例。对照组接受负压封闭引流术（VSD）治疗，试验组接受负压封闭引流术联合银离子敷 料治疗，比较两组创面恢复情况、临床指标、疼痛程度、创面分泌物细菌检出率及并发症发生率。结果 试 验组创面红期时间、创面愈合时间及敷料维持时间均优于对照组（P＜0.05）；试验组换药次数、住院时间 及治疗总费用均优于对照组（P＜0.05）；试验组治疗后VAS评分低于对照组（P＜0.05）；两组治疗后创 面分泌物细菌检出率均低于治疗前，且试验组低于对照组（P＜0.05）；试验组并发症发生率为2.50%，低 于对照组的15.00%（P＜0.05）。结论 采用负压封闭引流术联合银离子敷料治疗难愈性烧伤创面的效果良 好，可有效促进创面愈合，提高敷料使用率，减轻疼痛，同时可降低创面分泌物细菌检出率和并发症发生 几率，有利于促进患者快速康复出院，减少治疗费用，减轻患者的经济负担。     

Quantum molecular resonance technology in hard‐to‐heal extremity wounds: histological and clinical results

Chronic wounds are commonly associated with high morbidity rates due to the patient's need of frequent dressing changes and repeated visits to the outpatient wound clinic. Furthermore, chronic wounds are often characterised by severe pain, which can cause significant disability to the patient. New technologies aim to develop an optimal device to reduce discomfort of the patient and to heal wounds. The device Rexon‐age^® is introduced for the first time in wound healing, and preliminary data on clinical and histological results are shown. From April 2014 to April 2015, 11 patients – 7 females and 4 males – were enrolled in the present study. The study was conducted at the Plastic and Reconstructive Institute of the Università degli Studi di Torino, Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino, Italy. For histological characterisation, pre‐ and post‐treatment biopsies on the wound bed were performed. Data regarding age, gender, weight, height, comorbidity, drug therapy and topical pre‐treatment and dressings of the wound were collected as well. Moreover, local factors regarding the wound data were as follows: aetiology, time of the wound formation until first Rexon‐age treatment, wound dimensions, wound bed, moisture, margins and anatomical region of the wound. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to monitor the pain before and after each treatment. Rexon‐age treatment resulted in improvement in granulation tissue and wound contraction. Moreover, a significant reduction of pain was observed with the reduction of painkillers drug usage. Among these Rexon‐age‐treated patients, three patients displayed 60–80% reduction in pain intensity, and two patients showed complete pain relief. In outpatient follow‐up appointments, we registered long‐term durability of pain relief. As assessed by histological analyses, post‐treatment biopsies of all nine patients revealed a decreased amount of inflammatory cells and lower expression levels of metalloproteinases (e.g. MMP9). We observed increased capillary thrombosis as well as up‐regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. The current study presents the first evidence that Rexon‐age‐based therapy can significantly ameliorate and accelerate the healing process of chronic wounds. Although this study analysed only a small number of patients, we could consistently observe positive effects on both the clinical aspect of the lesions, which underwent size reduction and wound reactivation, and the quality of life of our patients due to long‐term pain relief.     

Use of topical morphine gel in epidermolysis bullosa wounds—A series of case studies

In recent years, the use of topical morphine gel has increased in the palliative care setting to reduce pain in chronic wounds and fungating tumours. However, there is a paucity of evidence to support its effectiveness. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic skin fragility disorder characterised by painful chronic wounds. Adequate control of wound pain can be challenging in this patient group due to other complexities associated with the more severe sub-types of the disease. Topical morphine gel has been used as an adjunct therapy in a small number of EB patients in our tertiary centre in an attempt to improve pain control and quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of topical morphine gel used in a variety of EB wounds as well as patient reported reduction in pain through a series of case studies. The case studies suggest a positive effect of topical morphine gel on painful wounds across a spectrum of EB subtypes.     

腹腔镜手术切口处理:爱必肤粘合剂与传统方法的对比研究

目的:对比研究爱必肤粘合剂与传统方法对腹腔镜手术切口的作用。方法:将腹腔镜手术53例、185个切口用爱必肤胶粘合,同期腹腔镜手术39例、140个切口用传统无菌胶带粘合,观察其愈合时间、并发症、感染率、切口疼痛程度及美观效果。结果:爱必肤组切口愈合时间短、切口疼痛轻(P<0.05);感染率、并发症、美观效果两者无差异。结论:爱必肤可促进切口愈合,减轻切口疼痛,临床应用安全有效。     

Enhanced wound‐healing performance of a phyto‐polysaccharide‐enriched dressing – a preclinical small and large animal study

Alginate is a natural rich anionic polysaccharide (APS), commonly available as calcium alginate (CAPS). It can maintain a physiologically moist microenvironment, which minimises bacterial infection and facilitates wound healing at a wound site. Patients with burn injuries suffer from pain and an inflammatory response. In this study, we evaluated the CAPS dressing and traditional dressing containing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for wound healing and scar tissue formation in a burn model of rat and swine. In our pilot study of a burn rat model to evaluate inflammatory response and wound healing, we found that the monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β were up‐regulated in the CAPS treatment group. Next, the burn swine models tested positive for MCP‐1 in a Gram‐positive bacterial infection, and there was overproduction of TGF‐β during the burn wound healing process. Rats were monitored daily for 1 week for cytokine assay and sacrificed on day 28 post‐burn injury. The swine were monitored over 6 weeks. We further examined the pain and related factors and inflammatory cytokine expression in a rodent burns model monitored everyday for 7 days post‐burn. Our results revealed that the efficacy of the dressing containing CAPS for wound repair post‐burn was better than the CMC dressing with respect to natural wound healing and scar formation. The polysaccharide‐enriched dressing exerted an antimicrobial effect on burn wounds, regulated the inflammatory response and stimulated anti‐inflammatory cytokine release. However, one pain assessment method showed no significant difference in the reduction in levels of adenosine triphosphate in serum of rats after wound dressing in either the CAPS or CMC group. In conclusion, a polysaccharide‐enriched dressing outperformed a traditional dressing in reducing wound size, minimising hypertrophic scar formation, regulating cytokines and maximising antimicrobial effects.     

A modified collagen gel dressing promotes angiogenesis in a preclinical swine model of chronic ischemic wounds

We recently performed proteomic characterization of a modified collagen gel (MCG) dressing and reported promising effects of the gel in healing full‐thickness excisional wounds. In this work, we test the translational relevance of our aforesaid findings by testing the dressing in a swine model of chronic ischemic wounds recently reported by our laboratory. Full‐thickness excisional wounds were established in the center of bipedicle ischemic skin flaps on the backs of animals. Ischemia was verified by laser Doppler imaging, and MCG was applied to the test group of wounds. Seven days post wounding, macrophage recruitment to the wound was significantly higher in MCG‐treated ischemic wounds. In vitro, MCG up‐regulated expression of Mrc‐1 (a reparative M2 macrophage marker) and induced the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐10 and of fibroblast growth factor‐basic (β‐FGF). An increased expression of CCR2, an M2 macrophage marker, was noted in the macrophages from MCG treated wounds. Furthermore, analyses of wound tissues 7 days post wounding showed up‐regulation of transforming growth factor‐β, vascular endothelial growth factor, von Willebrand's factor, and collagen type I expression in MCG‐treated ischemic wounds. At 21 days post wounding, MCG‐treated ischemic wounds displayed higher abundance of proliferating endothelial cells that formed mature vascular structures and increased blood flow to the wound. Fibroblast count was markedly higher in MCG‐treated ischemic wound‐edge tissue. In addition, MCG‐treated wound‐edge tissues displayed higher abundance of mature collagen with increased collagen type I : III deposition. Taken together, MCG helped mount a more robust inflammatory response that resolved in a timely manner, followed by an enhanced proliferative phase, angiogenic outcome, and postwound tissue remodeling. Findings of the current study warrant clinical testing of MCG in a setting of ischemic chronic wounds.     

Evaluation of Effect and Comparison of Superoxidised Solution (Oxum) V/S Povidone Iodine (Betadine)

Wounds expose a patient to serious hazards like wound infection, tissue destruction, disfiguring and disabling scars. Use of superoxidised solution (oxum) in infected wounds, ulcers, diabetic wounds, abcesses, burns reduced morbidity and hospital stay with its early wound healing effect. To evaluate the effect of superoxidised water (Oxum) V/s povidone iodine (Betadine) on similar types of wounds. We retrospectively analysed the records of two hundred patients with different types of wounds who attended Department of Surgery, Guru Nanak Dev Hospital/Govt. Medical College, Amritsar from January 2008 to January 2009. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A where topical management and dressing was done using oxum and group B where topical management and dressing was done using betadine. A standard grading in terms of percentage decrease in wound size, periwound oedema/erythema, pus discharge and percentage increase in granulation, fibrin and epithelisation was noted in various types of wounds in both groups. Oxum treated wounds showed reduction in inflammation and their healing earlier than betadine group. Oxum application was safe having no pain and allergic manifestation.     

The associations between diode laser (810 nm) therapy and chronic wound healing and pain relief: Light into the chronic wound patient's life

Chronic wounds have become one of the major issues in medicine today, the treatments for which include dressing changes, negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, light irradiation, surgery and so forth. Nevertheless, the application of diode lasers in chronic wounds has rarely been reported. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of diode laser (810 nm) irradiation on chronic wounds. Eighty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. The control group (41 patients) received traditional dressing change therapy, while the diode laser treatment group (48 patients) were patients received additional treatment with diode laser (810 nm) irradiation for 10 min at each dressing change. Wound healing time was compared between two groups, while the pain relief index was creatively introduced to evaluate the effect of relieving wound pain, which was calculated by the difference in pain scores between the first and last dressing changes divided by the number of treatment days. The wound healing time of the diode laser treatment group was 22.71 ± 8.99 days, which was significantly shorter than that of the control group (37.44 ± 23.42 days). The pain relief index of the diode laser treatment group was 0.081 ± 0.055, which was significantly increased compared with that of the control group (0.057 ± 0.033). Our findings suggest that diode laser irradiation has the potential to promote healing in chronic wounds and relieve wound pain.     

负压封闭引流治疗腹壁感染创面的临床效果分析

目的探讨负压封闭引流（VSD）治疗腹壁感染创面的临床效果。 方法选取2014年12月至2016年1月,内蒙古包钢医院收治的70例腹壁感染创面患者为研究对象,依据随机数字表法将其分为观察组与对照组,每组35例。观察组采用VSD进行治疗,对照组采取常规治疗。比较2组创口愈合时间、住院天数、换药次数及换药费用,统计治疗过程中并发症发生情况。 结果观察组创口愈合时间和住院时间分别为（10.42±4.09）d、（20.52±3.59）d,与对照组（17.75±6.32）d、（28.40±4.27）d比较,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）;观察组换药次数和换药费用分别为（10.45±2.70）次和（1002.43±188.69）元,均显著少于对照组（16.03±5.04）次、（2481.30±310.55）元,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）。观察组治疗过程中2例横结肠患者发生创周张力性水疱,消毒后抽取疱液,再次置入敷料时加垫纱布,1周后拆除VSD材料,水疱区域完全愈合。 结论VSD治疗腹壁感染创面的临床效果优于常规治疗,可有效促进患者康复,因此值得推广应用。     

分层换敷料法用于浅表软组织损伤创面换药

目的探讨分层换敷料法用于浅表软组织损伤创面的应用研究,寻找浅表软组织损伤换药的最佳方法。方法将符合纳入标准的患者随机分为观察组25例和对照组24例。对照组在常规清创消毒创面的基础上,用1层外科油纱和碘仿纱覆盖包扎处理,换药时敷料全部揭除;观察组在常规清创消毒创面的基础上,用3层外科油纱和碘仿纱覆盖包扎处理,换药时保留内层外科油纱。结果观察组创面换药次数、愈合时间、治疗总费用显著少于/短于对照组(均P<0.05)。结论3层外科油纱换敷料方法用于浅表软组织损伤创面更有助于创面愈合、减少换药次数、缩短治疗时间和降低治疗费用。     

Evaluation of the efficacy of topical sucralfate on healing haemorrhoidectomy incision wounds and reducing pain severity: A randomised clinical trial

The healing of haemorrhoidectomy wounds is a main concern of surgeons and patients. Various modalities can improve the quality of wound care after surgery. Antibiotics and topical agents, such as solutions and ointments, have been evaluated. The current research investigates the effects of sucralfate ointment on wound healing (epithelialisation) and postoperative pain after open haemorrhoidectomy. This trial involves two groups of randomly collected patients (n = 40) who underwent open haemorrhoidectomy surgery by the Milligan‐Morgan method. A 10% topical sucralfate ointment was applied to the investigated group''s wounds, while the control group patients used Vaseline as a placebo. The present work measured the two outcomes as follows: pain severity by a Visual Analogues Scale (VAS) score and epithelialisation by a surgeon''s visual inspection. During the postoperative phase, the mean VAS was 3.70 for the investigated group and 6.90 for the control group. On the average, the completion of epithelialisation for the investigated group was on day 13 as opposed to day 20 for the control group. The topical application of sucralfate ointment on post‐haemorrhoidectomy wound is an effective method for the promotion of healing, also lessens the severity of pain, and reduces the need for analgesics.     

The impact of negative‐pressure wound therapy with instillation on wounds requiring operative debridement: Pilot randomised,controlled trial

Presence of bacteria in wounds can delay healing. Addition of a regularly instilled topical solution over the wound during negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may reduce bioburden levels compared with standard NPWT alone. We performed a prospective, randomised, multi‐centre, post‐market trial to compare effects of NPWT with instillation and dwell of polyhexamethylene biguanide solution vs NPWT without instillation therapy in wounds requiring operative debridement. Results showed a significantly greater mean decrease in total bacterial counts from time of initial surgical debridement to first dressing change in NPWT plus instillation (n = 69) subjects compared with standard NPWT (n = 63) subjects (?0.18 vs 0.6 log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in the primary endpoint of required inpatient operating room debridements after initial debridement. Time to readiness for wound closure/coverage, proportion of wounds closed, and incidence of wound complications were similar. NPWT subjects had 3.1 times the risk of re‐hospitalisation compared with NPWT plus instillation subjects. This study provides a basis for exploring research options to understand the impact of NPWT with instillation on wound healing.