The Use of Silver Alginate dressing to Treat Infected Abdominal Dehisced Wound

The management of skin deficit wounds, wounds that dehisce and contaminated wounds is frustrating and time consuming. Dehiscence may stem from wound hematomas or from excessive intra-abdominal pressure secondary to abdominal coughing or vomiting that has disrupted the sutures. It is most commonly seen in patients with properties of poor wound healing, such as patients with diabetes, oncology patients, and patients taking steroid medications.  Alginate dressings are effective for wounds with a moderate-to-large amount of drainage. Silver is a broad-based antimicrobial agent that controls bacteria, mold, and yeast.
The results of using an alginate with silver to treat wound infection, manage drainage with ease of packing and removal was demonstrated in 4 surgical patients with post operative wound dehiscence and acute wound infections.