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Case Study/Series
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Biosurgery (Lucilia serivata) Therapy: Back to the Future First Author: Julie Cucco Authors: Leon Gervich, RN, MPH Elena Shur, RN, The key role of Lucilia sericata larvae and healing continues to emerge as science continues to revisit earlier therapy options. The function of Lucilia sericata larvae in promoting healthy granulation tissue is thought to be related to the secretions of the larvae in promoting granulation formation The larvae secretions is also thought to play a part in the in the promotion of the human dermal neonatal fibroblasts across this fibronectin surface. Research has shown that the wound contraction is thought to be related to the change in the motility of the fibroblasts and the formation of granulation tissue. The topical application of Lucilia sericata larvae may play an important role in wounds that have a significant amount of wound debris, but are unable to undergo the traditional surgical debridement intervention due to multiple medical co-morbidities. This poster presents a case series of 3 patients who exhibited lower extremity wounds but were unable to achieve a healthy, granulation tissue bed with surgical debridement due to underlying etiologies. Two patients have Diabetic foot ulcers with complications of neuropathy and ESRD, one patient had PVD with previous amputation of other leg. The three major steps were taken to support healing and reduce the risk of infection by following the principles of wound bed preparation: Debridement, increase in the blood flow to the wound and increase in growth factors. These steps should be taken consecutively. The treatment protocol included first the utilizing Lucilia sericata larvae for debridement, and then vacuum assisted closure to increase blood flow combined with hyperbaric therapy to promote growth factors release. Further research is needed on the effect the larvae has on the promotion of granulation tissue and in the identification of the exact mechanism of action at the cellular level. |
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