Archives of Plastic Surgery

Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (대한성형외과학회)
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Clinical Application of Maggots in Chronic Difficult Wounds

다루기 힘든 만성창상의 치료에 구더기를 이용한 임상적 적용

  • Kim, Sug Won (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Christian Hospital) ;
  • Kang, Tae Jo (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju Christian Hospital)
  • 김석원 (연세대학교 원주의과대학 성형외과학교실) ;
  • 강태조 (연세대학교 원주의과대학 성형외과학교실)
  • Received : 2007.09.19
  • Accepted : 2008.04.14
  • Published : 2008.07.10
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Abstract

Purpose: Since ancient times, larval therapy has been applied to help wound healing. Its use has recently been rediscovered, and the interest in this therapy has been increased in clinical practice, as well as in research. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of maggot therapy for the treatment of intractable, chronic wounds. Methods: Twenty patients, suffering mostly from chronic wounds were treated using maggots of greenfly (Phaenicia sericata). Sterile maggots were administered to the wound twice a week. The causes of the development of wounds were diabetic foot(14), trauma(3), plate exposure(1), and unknown origin(2). Results: Complete debridement was achieved in 10 wounds; in 8 wounds, the debridement was partially achieved; 2 patients escaped. Four patients were healed without any additional surgical procedures but fourteen patients were treated with skin graft. Pain, reported by six patients, was relatively well controlled with oral analgesics. Conclusion: We found larval therapy to be effective for chronic wounds. Maggot therapy is a relatively rapid and effective treatment, particularly in necrotic wounds or the wounds resistant to conventional treatment.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : (주)두성 인터내셔날

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