The efficacy of artificial dermis in the repair of chronic wounds

Objective To explore therapies for chronic wounds.Methods The therapies for chronic wounds in 62 patients who had been hospitalized during 2008 to 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were randomly divided into control group ( 32 patients ) and study group ( 30 patients ).The control group received anti-infection,microcirculation improvement and their wounds were covered by gauze soaked with povidone iodine cream with regular dressing change; the study group received anti-infection,microcirculation improvement and early debridement and their wounds were covered by artificial dermis ( PELNAC ) to induce dermal reconstruction after infection control and to promote granulation tissue regeneration and/or scar formation a nd wound healing.Some bigger wounds were treated by skin grafting after satisfied growth of granulation tissues.Results In the control group,the average length of hospital stay was ( 58.2 ± 1.3 )days; 18 patients were treated by skin grafting or skin flap transplantation for wound healing and the wounds in 14 patients were healed by wound dressing with remarkable scar formation.In the study group,the average length of hospital stay was ( 31.4 ± 1.1 )days; the wounds in the patients were covered with artificial dermis with little scar formation,7 of whom with bigger wounds were treated by skin grafting after wound bed preparation ( granulation tissue growth ) by artificial dermis.Conclusions Artificial dermis could accelerate the healing speed of chronic wounds.Wound repair with artificial dermis could shorten length of hospital stay and decrease surgical duration and risks.It is worth popularizing. Key words: Artificial dermis (PELNAC); Repair; Chronic wounds