title: Versajet hydroscalpel: treatment of diabetic foot ulceration.
abstract: Treatment of diabetic foot ulceration continues to be a challenge to healthcare professionals. Wound healing can be affected in a number of ways, and it is of paramount importance that wound healing is achieved as quickly as possible to minimize the risk of amputation. One key aspect of management is wound debridement. A number of techniques can be employed, including, in severe cases, surgical debridement. These case histories illustrate where the novel Versajet hydroscalpel (Smith & Nephew) would be a useful tool for debriding a foot ulcer effectively without the patient undergoing orthopaedic surgery. The Versajet debrides quickly and efficiently, and a pink and granulating wound base was achieved in all cases. It should be considered for use in specialist centres where complex diabetic foot ulcers are treated and the expertise is available to use it.
authors.affiliation: Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: Joanne E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: McCardle
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D002983:Clinical Competence; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003646:Debridement / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000191:economics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing