A chronic heavily exuding wound can have a devastating impact on a patient’s quality of life, often resulting in symptoms such as increased pain, depression, anxiety and stress, as well as a loss of independence and social isolation. For community nurses, wounds with high levels of exudate can incur increasing costs, both in time and resources. It is imperative to heal these wounds as quickly as possible and the community nurse should undertake a robust and holistic assessment before implementing a clear and evidence-based management plan, potentially including wound debridement and the use of an effective absorbent dressing in combination with compression therapy, where appropriate, to manage exudate. This article examines the development of chronic wounds and the problem of excess exudate production specifically, before going onto look at the benefits of one particular superabsorbent dressing (Flivasorb®; Activa Healthcare/L&R). The author uses extensive evidence as well as clinical expertise to provide an overview of the dressing, and presents a case study to demonstrate its benefits in practice.
There are a number of mechanisms at play that can delay wound healing. Wounds can become stuck in a prolonged inflammatory stage resulting in high volumes of wound exudate, which contains agents that contribute to delayed healing. Exudate plays an essential role in wound healing but at excessive volumes it can also facilitate biofilm formation, which can further delay healing. Maintaining optimum levels of exudate is vital for healthy wound healing, as is the prevention or disruption of biofilm formation in the wound bed. This article also looks at Sorbion Sachet S® (BSN medical), a triedandtested uperabsorbent dressing, which is now back on the Drug Tariff, but at a lower price. This article discusses the mechanisms used in the reintroduced superabsorbent dressing and how it provides a cost-effective solution to the problem of treating highly exuding chronic wounds where clinical efficacy and budgetary concerns are both top priorities.
Exudate management is one of the key challenges for clinicians who have to deal with wounds. The World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS, 2007) highlighted the importance of appropriate dressing selection for exudate control and removal of excess exudate. Correct dressing selection ensures that the wound bed remains moist without becoming saturated, which in turn prevents damage and pain to the surrounding skin and reduces the risk of infection from strikethrough. This article examines the role of exudate in wound healing, and the inherent challenges in its management, both for patients and carers. The role of superabsorbent dressings is discussed and the findings of an evaluation of clinicians’ requirements and expectations of superabsorbent dressings are presented.
June Jones, JJ TVE, Tissue Viability Education, Southport, Merseyside
Jo Barraud, Tamaris Communications, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
