CALCIUM ALGINATE DRESSINGS WITH 2ND INTENTION HEALING OF SURGICAL WOUNDS - OUR EXPERIENCE

The use of calcium alginate has been shown to improve the healing of v enous and decubitus ulcers by increasing granulation tissue formation. In order to determine the effects of using calcium alginate in second intention healing of surgical wounds, calcium alginate was applied to post-Mohs surgical wounds that were deep and/or draining (wet) defect s. Each wound was allowed to heal by second intention and the decision to use calcium alginate was based on the underlying health problems o f the patient and his/her anticoagulated status. The patient was follo wed periodically until complete wound healing had occurred. The calciu m alginate was used until adequate granulation tissue was observed. Go od wound healing with minimal contractures and very good cosmetic resu lts were observed. Excellent results were seen in greater than 90 perc ent of patients and good results were seen in the remaining 10 percent . In conclusion, calcium alginate dressing can be used in post surgica l wounds which are allowed to heal by second intention. It offers anot her therapeutic option in the repair of surgical defects.