Management of complex wounds treatment with a hydrofiber dressing in a public hospital in Bogota (Colombia)

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of the use of a last generation hydrofiber dressing with silver, for the treatment of complex wounds that are difficult to heal. Materials and research methods . A prospective observational case-follow-up study was carried out, which included patients with acute or chronic wounds that were difficult to heal, treated in the plastic surgery service of a public hospital in Bogota-Colombia, who underwent healing with hydrofiber dressings reinforced, with silver ions, benzethonium chloride and EDTA (Aquacel Agplus®, ConvaTec). The wound was monitored, evaluating infection control, exudate and biofilm, as well as the number of required dressings and the time required for the complete closure of the wound. Research results . A total of 55 patients were included, with a median age of 44 years. In all cases, a follow-up was carried out until the definitive closure of the wound. At the end of the study, it was observed that, in 35 (63.6 %) patients, the wounds evolved to complete closure by second intention in an average of 59.3 days, requiring 12.5 dressings. 20 (36.4 %) patients had adequate wound bed preparation for definitive surgical coverage with grafts, flaps or dermal substitutes, in an average of 31.4 days, requiring 6.5 dressings on average. 33 (60.0 %) wounds were infected and adequate infection control was achieved on average with 5 dressings. A decrease in the direct and indirect signs of biofilm was achieved after 6 dressings. Conclusion. The results show that the dressing studied is effective to control exudate, infection and biofilm, as well as to prepare the bed for a definitive surgical coverage.