Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Outcomes of Secondary Intention Wound Care Methods

Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Outcomes of Secondary Intention Wound Care Methods

This is a randomized controlled trial which is designed to determine whether aggressive and frequent debridement of an acute post-surgical wound shortens healing time.

Secondary intention is an established method of allowing post-surgical defects to heal. Previous studies have shown a positive association between the frequency of debridement and healing rates in chronic wounds. However, the effect of debridement on acute, post-surgical wounds is not well-described in the literature.

This randomized controlled trial is designed to determine whether aggressive and frequent debridement of an acute post-surgical wound shortens healing time.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Dermatology patients at Lahey Clinic:
2. who have undergone Mohs surgery or excision
3. who are older than 18 years
4. who are able to give consent
5. who had postoperative defects allowed to heal by secondary intention on the a) head and neck, b) trunk and upper extremities, c) lower extremities
6. who are willing and able to return to clinic in Peabody, MA, for all wound care visits

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unable to consent (due to language barrier or mental status)
2. Unable to perform daily wound care
3. Unwilling or unable to return for follow-up
4. Have baseline venous stasis or pitting edema of the affected limb
5. Wear compression stockings or require use of a compressive bandage (such as an Unna Boot) at baseline.