TY  - INPR
T1  - Mechanical debridement of leg ulcers and the surrounding skin using a monofilament fibre debridement pad designed for larger wounds and surface areas
T5  - Poster presented at WUWHS 2020
LA  - English
AU  - Zschieschang, Beata
AU  - Roes, Claas
AU  - Erfurt-Berge, Cornelia
AB  - Background and Aims
In the management of leg ulcers and hyperkeratosis of the surrounding skin, it is not uncommon for them to affect very large areas of the leg. The large size also leads to an increase in the level of exudate and the amount of devitalised tissue. As a result, a larger amount of material is needed to loosen and remove the devitalised tissue than is the case with smaller wounds. To evaluate the performance of this debridement pad optimised for larger wounds and the surrounding skin, a small case series was performed.

Methods
For the case series leg ulcers of various origins that needed debridement were treated once or over a longer period of time with the larger pad when indicated. The treatment was documented both photographically and in writing.

Results
Five patients between the ages of 64 and 83 were treated. All of them suffered from chronic ulcers covering a big area on their legs. At least some of the wounds were colonised with bacteria/biofilm. Two patients were suffering from hyperkeratosis, too. The debridement with the debridement pad was well tolerated by the patients. Biofilm as well as devitalised tissue were removed effectively. All wounds were healed or becoming better.

Conclusions
Most of the time one pad was sufficient, even for ulcers spreading to cover the entire gaiter area. A much larger area could be treated efficiently and quicker than it would have been possible with a smaller device. In addition, the enlargement of the device is accompanied by an increase in the absorption capacity for exudate, slough and debris.
CY  - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Y2  - 1599948000
ER  -