Active Leptospermum Honey* and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy** for Non-Healing Post-Surgical Wounds

Purpose

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings are commonly used to contain exudates and improve moist wound healing outcomes. Clinicians often notice malodor, increased exudates, and fibrin slough in the base of the wound. A solution to address all three issues was sought.
Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation the participant will be able to:

1. Identify the characteristics of active Leptospermum honey that address malodor, increased exudates, and slough in a chronic, non-healing wound.
   
2. Describe method of dressing application.
   
3. Describe wound healing outcomes using a combination of Active Leptospermum Honey and negative pressure wound therapy.
   

Abstract

Evidence supports the ability of Leptospermum honey to decrease or eliminate malodor, decrease exudates, and clear slough. A multidisciplinary plan of care was developed for several patients with local and systemic risk factors and post-surgical, non-healing wounds. Active Leptospermum honey (ALH) paste dressings* (ALH) were initiated beneath a NPWT dressing to manage odor and promote gentle, yet rapid, autolytic and osmotic driven debridement in a moist wound healing environment. A thin layer of ALH paste was applied to the surface of the wounds and then covered with the NPWT dressing. The dressing was changed three times weekly. Once the wounds were filled with granulation tissue, NPWT was discontinued and ALH paste and absorbent cover dressings*** were utilized until complete epithelialization was achieved. ALH paste, used in combination with NPWT dressings for non-healing post-surgical wounds was associated with rapid reduction in odor, exudates and fibrin slough. Improved granulation tissue and epithelialization was noted in each case. The use of ALH paste, as part of an overall plan of care that included NPWT, resulted in rapid reduction of odor, exudates, and fibrin slough. Improved granulation tissue formation and epithelialization was noted in each case. Further studies are indicated.