E-Aid: Open Wound Identifier and Analyzer Using Smartphone Through Captured Image

Abstract Purpose Traditionally, previous wound infection was considered a contraindication to secondary skin closure; however, several case reports describe successful secondary wound closure of wounds “preconditioned” with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Although this has been increasingly applied in daily practice, a systematic analysis of its feasibility has not been published thus far. The aim of this study was to evaluate secondary skin closure in previously infected abdominal wounds following treatment with NPWT. Methods Single-center retrospective analysis of patients with infected abdominal wounds treated with NPWT followed by either secondary skin closure referenced to a group receiving open wound therapy. Endpoints were wound closure rate, wound complications (such as recurrent infection or hernia), and perioperative data (such as duration of NPWT or hospitalization parameters). Results One hundred ninety-eight patients during 2013–2016 received a secondary skin closure after NPWT and were analyzed and referenced to 67 patients in the same period with open wound treatment after NPWT. No significant difference in BMI, chronic immunosuppressive medication, or tobacco use was found between both groups. The mean duration of hospital stay was 30 days with a comparable duration in both patient groups (29 versus 33 days, p = 0.35). Interestingly, only 7.7% of patients after secondary skin closure developed recurrent surgical site infection and in over 80% of patients were discharged with closed wounds requiring only minimal outpatient wound care. Conclusion Surgical skin closure following NPWT of infected abdominal wounds is a good and safe alternative to open wound treatment. It prevents lengthy outpatient wound therapy and is expected to result in a higher quality of life for patients and reduce health care costs.

Download Full-text

Healthcare seeking and hospital admissions by people who inject drugs in response to symptoms of injection site infections or injuries in three urban areas of England

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268814000284 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 143 (1) ◽

pp. 120-131 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

V. D. HOPE ◽

F. NCUBE ◽

J. V. PARRY ◽

M. HICKMAN

Keyword(s):

Hospital Admission ◽

Injection Site ◽

Urban Areas ◽

People Who Inject Drugs ◽

Hospital Admissions ◽

Medical Advice ◽

Respondent Driven Sampling ◽

Open Wound ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Healthcare Burden

SUMMARYPeople who inject drugs (PWID) are vulnerable to infections and injuries at injection sites. The factors associated with reporting symptoms of these, seeking related advice, and hospital admission are examined. PWID were recruited in Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds using respondent-driven sampling (N = 855). During the preceding year, 48% reported having redness, swelling and tenderness (RST), 19% an abscess, and 10% an open wound at an injection site. Overall, 54% reported ⩾1 symptoms, with 45% of these seeking medical advice (main sources emergency departments and General Practitioners). Advice was often sought ⩾5 days after the symptom first appeared (44% of those seeking advice about an abscess, 45% about an open wound, and 35% for RST); the majority received antibiotics. Overall, 9·5% reported hospital admission during the preceding year. Ever being diagnosed with septicaemia and endocarditis were reported by 8·8% and 2·9%, respectively. Interventions are needed to reduce morbidity, healthcare burden and delays in accessing treatment.

Download Full-text

The effect of diphenylhydantoin on open wound healing in guinea pigs

Journal of Surgical Research ◽

10.1016/0022-4804(78)90020-3 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 41-44 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

R.Bruce Donoff

Keyword(s):

Wound Healing ◽

Guinea Pigs ◽

Open Wound

Download Full-text

EP.TU.854Happy Patients and Updated Open Wound Management Protocols

British Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1093/bjs/znab311.108 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽

Author(s):

Harish Peri ◽

Rafique Umer Harvitkar

Keyword(s):

Chronic Wound ◽

Clinical Audit ◽

Wound Dressings ◽

Wound Management ◽

Open Wound ◽

Current Management ◽

Pdsa Cycle ◽

Management Protocol ◽

Open Injuries

Abstract Introduction Open injuries have a potential for serious bacterial wound infections and may lead to long term disabilities, chronic wound or bone infection, and even death. This QI study was undertaken to ring in changes to the current management protocol and align them as per WHO guidelines. Method Implementing changes through a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle post an initial clinical audit among 38 patients of the organization. Re-audits were done to measure the outcome against the standard and establish a new protocol. Results Initial audit showed only a dismal 37% (n = 14) of patients being managed as per WHO protocol. Patient satisfaction percentage (as measured by a questionnaire) was also low with only 54% of patients satisfied with the treatment. Significant variations were noted post implementation of changes after the first PDSA cycle where >90% (n = 35) of patients reported that they noticed better wound healing, transition to optimal performance and were satisfied with treatment outcomes. Conclusions Timely wound dressings, appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis and increased patient’s awareness on wound hygiene through means of regular educational sessions and updated management protocols have led to healthier patients, lesser long term disabilities and happy patients.

Download Full-text