Fistulas

A fistula is an abnormal opening between two epithelial surfaces,1-3 usually involving a communication tract from one body cavity or hollow organ to another body cavity or hollow organ. For example, a gastrointestinal fistula joints the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract to another organ, while an enterocutaneous fistula involves a communication between the lumen of the…

Prevent Scarring – Scarring Reduction

Excessive scar formation results from an abnormal physiologic response to an injury deep in the dermis, including burn injury, laceration, abrasion, or surgery (Figure 1).1–3 Elevated fibrous scars that extend beyond the borders of the original wound and usually occur after excision are known as keloids, while hypertrophic scars are maintained within the initial site…

Vascular Evaluation – Venous Insufficiency
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Vascular Evaluation – Venous Insufficiency

In our last article, we briefly looked at some of the techniques most commonly used in clinical practice to assess arterial insufficiency. This week, we turn our attention to venous insufficiency. Many of the techniques used are the same or similar but offer a different diagnosis and, importantly, mandate a different wound management approach. Ankle-Brachial…

Vascular Evaluation – Arterial Insufficiency
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Vascular Evaluation – Arterial Insufficiency

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Many wounds seen by wound care specialists can be ascribed a vascular etiology, including arterial, venous, and diabetic wounds. In order to successfully manage wounds of this type, the underlying vascular dysfunction must first be addressed. A number of tests and measures are available for detecting arterial insufficiency, the simplest of which is an assessment…

Fetal Wound Healing

Scar formation is a major medical problem that can have devastating consequences for patients. The adverse physiological and psychological effects of scars are immense, and there are currently no reliable treatments to prevent scarring.1 It has been known since the 1970s that cutaneous wounds in early human fetuses, unlike those of adults, can heal without…

Nutritional Intervention

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Because of the known importance of good nutrition in improving healing in chronic wounds, an appropriate program of nutritional intervention should be implemented as quickly as possible once any nutritional deficit has been identified.1–4 Exploring why a patient is not eating or drinking properly can be an important first step in addressing any nutritional deficits….

Nutritional Categories & Wound Healing

As we mentioned last week, a number of key nutritional categories that are essential for both the prevention and management of chronic wounds. This week we will briefly review the major categories of nutrients, and describe their importance in wound care.1–4 Essential Nutritional Categories Water – Water is one of the most essential nutritional categories to…