New techniques for wound management: A systematic review of their role in the management of chronic wounds.

Debridement is a crucial component of wound management. Recent technologies such as hydrosurgery (Versajet), ultrasound therapy (the MIST therapy device), or plasma-mediated bipolar radio-frequency ablation therapy (Coblation) seem to represent interesting alternatives for wound debridement. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe, evaluate, and compare these three recently developed methods for the management of chronic wounds.

Leech management before application on patient: a nationwide survey of practices in French university hospitals.

Background: Leech therapy in plastic/reconstructive microsurgery significantly improves a successful outcome of flap salvage but the drawback is a risk of severe infection that results in a drop of the salvage rates from 70-80% to below 30%. We report the results of a national survey conducted in all the French university hospitals to assess the current extent of use of leech for medical practices in the hospital and to investigate maintenance, delivery practices and prevention of the risk of infection.

Methods: Data concerning conditions of storage, leech external decontamination, microbiological controls, mode of delivery and antibiotic prophylaxis were collected from all the French university hospitals in practicing leech therapy, on the basis of a standardized questionnaire.

[Infection of chronic wounds in elderly patients].

Chronic wounds infection in the elderly patients presents the risk of functional decompensation, or irreversible worsening of a wound. The diversity of clinical situations, the absence of data from clinical trials in the literature and a certain fatalism in view of the poor prognosis of these conditions should not be allowed to delay the early preparation of a patient-centred care plan (aiming at complete scarring, remission or symptomatic relief). Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies must be flexible, to take account not only of functional issues, constraints and special features relating to the patient but also of the resources and technical means available.

[Smartphone applications for choosing dressings, a survey of private practice nurses].

Nurses are often on the frontline regarding the choice of dressing for chronic wounds. In this age of connected health, numerous tools are available to help them or guide them in their choices. A study was carried out in 2015 to assess the perceptions and practices of private practice nurses with regard to the use of smartphone applications to help them choose a dressing when treating chronic wounds.

[Treatment of pubic osteomyelitis secondary to pressure sores].

There is no consensus regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for pubic osteomyelitis secondary to pelvic pressure sores. Diagnosis is often difficult and bone biopsies with microbiological and anatomical-pathological examination remain the gold standard. The rate of cicatrisation of pressure sores is low.