Management of complex wounds treatment with a hydrofiber dressing in a public hospital in Bogota (Colombia)

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of the use of a last generation hydrofiber dressing with silver, for the treatment of complex wounds that are difficult to heal.Materials and research methods. A prospective observational case-follow-up study was carried out, which included patients with acute or chronic wounds that were difficult to heal, treated in the plastic surgery service of a public hospital in Bogota-Colombia, who underwent healing with hydrofiber dressings reinforced, with silver ions, benzethonium chloride and EDTA (Aquacel Agplus®, ConvaTec). The wound was monitored, evaluating infection control, exudate and biofilm, as well as the number of required dressings and the time required for the complete closure of the wound.Research results. A total of 55 patients were included, with a median age of 44 years. In all cases, a follow-up was carried out until the definitive closure of the wound. At the end of the study, it was observed that, in 35 (63.6 %) patients, the wounds evolved to complete closure by second intention in an average of 59.3 days, requiring 12.5 dressings. 20 (36.4 %) patients had adequate wound bed preparation for definitive surgical coverage with grafts, flaps or dermal substitutes, in an average of 31.4 days, requiring 6.5 dressings on average.33 (60.0 %) wounds were infected and adequate infection control was achieved on average with 5 dressings. A decrease in the direct and indirect signs of biofilm was achieved after 6 dressings.Conclusion. The results show that the dressing studied is effective to control exudate, infection and biofilm, as well as to prepare the bed for a definitive surgical coverage.