Debridement

caSe 1

 - venOuS ulcer

A 63 year-old female with a history of venous ulcer disease and Sjögren’s syndrome presented 

with three full thickness, non-healing ulcers of the right posterior leg.  She reported being 

“terrified” of surgical intervention and steadfastly refused sharp debridement.  Persistent, 

consistent “bad” pain was reported as 4-6 on a 0-10 visual analog scale.  Medications included 

hydrochlorothiazide and propoxyphene napsylate as needed for pain.  Previous treatments with 

triple antibiotic ointment and papain-urea-chlorophyllin complex ointment were ineffective for 

the promotion of wound healing.  Initially, the wounds measured 1.0 cm x 1.0 cm, 5.0 cm x  

2.0 cm x 0.2 cm, and 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm with scant exudates and 100% eschar; hydrogel therapy 

was prescribed to promote autolytic debridement.  Increased pain was noted with hydrogel 

therapy (6-8 on a 0-10 visual analog scale).  ALH calcium alginate was initiated on 9/15/2009, 

covered with an absorbent cover dressing and changed one to two times per week.  Gradual 

wound improvement was noted; the patient reported, “The dressings are natural and I did not 

need surgical debridement.”

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Evidence Supporting the Use of MEDIHONEY

®

 Debridement of lower extremity wounds with ALH

 Becky Strilko RN, BSN, CWOCN, APN; Chris Barkauskas RN, BA, CWOCN, APN;  

  Andrea McIntosh, RN, BSN, CWOCN, APN, Silver Cross Hospital, Joliet, IL

 Poster Presentation, April 2010,  Orlando, FL

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