Maggot debridement therapy in the treatment of chronic wounds in a military hospital setup in Turkey.
BACKGROUND
The medicinal use of maggots for the biological debridement of chronic wounds is increasing around the world, due to its efficacy, safety and simplicity. Thousands of patients have been treated in private and governmental hospitals during the last 10 years.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the efficacy of maggot debridement therapy (MDT) in the debridement of chronic wounds in a military hospital.


METHODS
MDT was applied for 1-9 days to 7 male and 4 female soldiers or their family members (21-72 years old) with chronic wounds.


RESULTS
Complete debridement was achieved in 10 out of 11 patients, while in 1 patient the wound could be cleaned only partially. A remarkable reduction in the odor emanating from the wound and notable granulation were observed in all debrided wounds. Increased pain was observed in 1 patient with a venous stasis ulcer.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that MDT is a rapid and effective method for the debridement of chronic wounds in a military environment especially in times of war in developing countries.
Tanyuksel
Mehmet
M
Division of Medical Parasitology, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey.
Araz
Engin
E
Dundar
Kadir
K
Uzun
Gunalp
G
Gumus
Tuna
T
Alten
Bulent
B
Saylam
Fatma
F
Taylan-Ozkan
Aysegul
A
Mumcuoglu
Kosta Y
KY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006772:Hospitals, Military; D006801:Humans; D007814:Larva; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014421:Turkey; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*