A prospective case series to demonstrate the benefits and effectiveness of sequential use of cadexomer iodine gel* and collagen matrix dressing with silver** in post-operative dehisced wounds. The cases discussed here are post-operative dehisced wounds with post-operative wound infection. Culture-directed IV antibiotics were given, simultaneous with the antimicrobial wound dressing.  The wounds were surgically debrided of non-viable tissue.  In all cases, the wound dehiscence sites/ulcers were cavitary, with significant depth, tunneling and undermining.  Topical antimicrobial dressing cadexomer iodine gel* was used to decrease bacterial bioburden, decrease exudate and remove slough and non-viable tissue in these deep cavitary wounds.  Ulcers were packed with packing strips to eliminate dead space. 
After a week on the cadexomer iodine gel*, exudate and slough had decreased, with increasing granulation, decreased depth and undermining of ulcers.  Patients were then switched to a novel collagen matrix dressing with silver**.  This novel collagen matrix dressing is a blend of triple helix and denatured porcine collagen, mixed with sodium alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, EDTA and silver.  This dressing acts by targeted control of  MMPs,  facilitates  fibronectin activation, and promotes cell migration.   In all cases, enhanced granulation, tissue regeneration and epithelialization were achieved within a relatively short time period (1-2 weeks). 
Sequential use of cadexomer iodine gel* and collagen matrix dressing** have been shown to be beneficial in deep cavitary post-operative wounds complicated by wound dehiscence and infection.  Benefits of the sequential treatment include: reduction of bioburden and slough, followed by targeted control of MMPs, thus leading to increased healing rates, patient comfort, and improved quality of life for the patients. 
*IODOSORB Gel – Smith & Nephew Wound Management Inc., Largo, Fl.
** BIOSTEP Ag – Collagen matrix dressing with silver – Smith & Nephew Wound Management Inc., Largo, Fl.