A treatment of last resort

Article Abstract:

A case study reviews a patient who suffered pain and odour from a foot wound following an operation, due to peripheral vascular diseases. Further surgical intervention had been refused by the patient, but traditional dressings were unable to alleviate the pain or contain the odour. Larval therapy was undertaken, whereby larvae were poured onto sterile swabs inverted over the exuding areas. Applications were made over several days and the wound started to improve, with clear evidence of granulation, indicating that larval therapy can remove or delay the need for amputation or surgery for some individuals with weeping necroses.

author: Evans, Heulwen

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Know how: ischaemic leg ulcers

Article Abstract:

Ischaemic leg ulcers are caused by the narrowing of peripheral femoral arteries. Insufficient oxygen reaches the tissues, resulting in necrosis of a toe or foot. Nurses need to know whether the ulcer is venous or arterial, and they should assess the flow of blood reaching the legs by using Doppler ultrasound. Dressings must keep the area moist, protect it, be easy to put on and remove and also should stay on as long as necessary. Orthopaedic foam, padding and bandages can also help to protect the wound from pressure as this worsens the condition. Pain is an important consideration.

Practice, Nurses, Ulcers, Idiopathic femoral necrosis

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Using larva therapy to debride an ischaemic toe

Article Abstract:

Ischaemic wounds benefit from the application of larva therapy. The case study of a severe toe wound and the management of larva therapy in wound treatment is given.

author: Johnson, Sue
Case studies, Wound healing

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subjects list: Health aspects, Care and treatment, Wounds and injuries, Wound care, Larvae
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