1 Year Retrospective Case Series: Wound Outcomes Utilizing Novel Hydro-desloughing Wound Dressing*

Introduction: Wound healing, a complex process, often requires debridement to remove dead or infected tissue. Debridement methods include autolytic, enzymatic, mechanical, and surgical, chosen based on wound type. Autolytic debridement, a non-invasive method, uses the body’s enzymes and moisture to liquefy non-viable tissue, promoting repair and regeneration. Hydro-desloughing dressings* enhance this process by bonding to slough and disrupting necrotic tissue. The dressing combines antimicrobial properties with autolytic benefits, offering a multifaceted approach to wound care. Methods: Data was collected through a retrospective review of patients with various wound types, treated with hydro-desloughing dressings* as primary care or preoperative preparation to surgical management. Six qualifying patients at a single academic hospital from April-October 2024 were analyzed. Demographics, comorbidities, cultures, operative techniques, and perioperative protocols were doc- umented. Outcomes included postoperative complications and wound healing progress. Results: Six patients had diverse wound types: surgical wound de- hiscence, pyoderma gangrenosum, partial-thickness burn, and an open wound after skin cancer excision with exposed bone and osteomyelitis. The hydro-desloughing dressing* proved especially effective for two surgical dehiscence cases, the open skin cancer-related wound, and the partial-thickness burn. Two patients with pyoderma gangrenosum showed reduced bacterial colonization on bedside fluorescence imaging. One pyoderma patient achieved full epithelialization and wound healing. The other, with a distal lower extremity wound and exposed tendon, did not. The hydro-desloughing dressing* was too drying for the wound’s location and etiology. Discussion: This case series highlights hydro-desloughing dress- ings* as an effective adjunct to wound care in both clinical and perioperative settings. In the latter, it proved beneficial in treating and preparing slough-covered wounds for reconstructive surgery, supporting more efficient interventions and reducing postoperative complications. Proper dressing selection based on wound character- istics, such as slough and moisture, is crucial. Honey-based dressings may be better for minimally sloughed or dry wounds, as they promote a moist environment without excessive dryness. Conversely, wounds with significant slough benefit from absorbent dressings*, which remove devitalized tissue, reduce bacterial colonization, and manage exudate, resulting in a cleaner wound bed. Tailoring dressing selection to moisture and slough levels optimizes the wound environment, enhances healing, and patient outcomes.