Contaminated midline abdominal wounds are often left open and allowed to close via secondary intention to prevent surgical site infections. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) devices have decreased time of healing by secondary intention when compared to the prior standard of moist dressings. The authors report a modification of NPWT that utilizes the unique characteristics of the negative pressure system to achieve delayed primary closure while preventing surgical site infections by continuously draining the wound effluent.

Pressure-related chronic wounds, such as diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers, are an important health concern that affect millions of patients and accumulate billions in annual costs. Pressure-related chronic wounds may occur when soft tissues are mechanically compressed between bony prominences and a supporting surface. Interface pressure measurements allow the determination of the spatial and temporal mechanical loads that are transferred to soft tissues. These measurements are a basic engineering tool for evaluating the susceptibility of an individual to suffer a pressure-related wound. The purpose of this review is to: 1) describe the current techniques for body-support interface pressure measurements, 2) list the pressure value ranges measured under the foot in standing and walking, and under the buttocks in sitting (with particular emphasis on abnormal alterations in foot pressures as a result of diabetic neuropathy and alterations in sitting pressu

Background. It is well known that prostaglandins play an integral part in wound healing, yet there is scant evidence to support the use of exogenous topical prostaglandins as potential wound healing agents. This study on rats begins that exploration by studying the effects of topical misoprostol on acute wound healing. Methods. Twenty-six rats had 2-cm x 2-cm full-thickness wounds created on their dorsal surface: one-half had topical misoprostol powder mixed with saline applied daily for 3 weeks, while the other half had only normal saline applied. Photos to measure wound size were taken every 3 days to document any changes. Results. Statistical analysis revealed that topical misoprostol can lead to decreased healing times. Conclusion. Topical misoprostol powder can decrease the healing time of acute wounds in rats. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding, as well as to explore its use in chronic wounds.

The importance of the management of patients with problem wounds by multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) is uniformly emphasized. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the review of individual cases by MDT on the management plan proposed by the Surgical Wound Care Specialist (SWCS). Methods. Trained “field” nurse specialists assessed problem wound patients in ambulatory care settings followed by the evaluation by the SWCS. The initial management plan (IMP), including a statement regarding the probability of the plan change by the MDT, was formulated by a SWCS based on evaluation of electronically transmitted patient record (including photographs) by a “field” nurse, followed by direct face-to-face evaluation by the same SWCS. Subsequently, the MDT reviewed individual cases formulating the final management plan (FMP). Over a 24-month period (2005–2006) the MDT reviewed clinical data for 124 new patients and a collective decision about the FMP was made. Results. As t

The authors present a case report of a patient who suffered a puncture wound of the hand. The patient developed a chronic wound on the dorsum of her hand secondary to Mycobacterium abscessus. Debridement of the wound was performed and operative cultures grew M abscessus. Treatment of cutaneous infections from this organism includes debridement, culture of the organism, appropriate antibiotics, and wound care.