Biologic Maggot Therapy in Cutaneous Wounds and Postoperative Defects

Jun, Jae Hun; Jung, Han Jin; Lim, Hyun Jung; Lee, Weon Ju; Lee, Seok Jong; Kim, Do Won

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Maggots are larva of Phaenicia Sericata, the Green Blowfly, and treatments with maggot have recently become widespread revealing their effectiveness in the treatment of chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores, by removing necrotic tissue selectively and avoiding damage of healthy tissue.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and the adverse effects of maggot therapy in dermatology for the treatment of chronic wounds and rapid granulation tissue formation at postoperative defects before reconstruction.
METHODS
Fourteen patients with various kinds of skin wounds were included and applied a biobag containing therapeutic maggots on their wounds.
RESULTS
Four cases were included for treatment of acute and chronic skin wounds; 10 cases of surgical defects were included for reduction of the treatment period. Maggot therapy periods ranged from 4 to 17 days (mean: 8.3 days). Complete elimination of necrotic tissue was achieved in 7 cases (50%) and partial elimination was achieved in 7 cases (50%). There weren't any cases of incomplete elimination or no response. Eight cases (57.1%) were in the 'excellent' group which had shown rapid granulation tissue formation and 3 cases (21.4%) were in the 'good' group, which had shown relatively rapid granulation tissue formation. But, there were 3 cases (21.4%) which had shown no difference from the previous time. Acute complications such as pain and bleeding had occurred in a few cases after maggot therapy.
CONCLUSION
We suggest that the maggot therapy is a useful and effective method to use in the field of dermatology.