The Use of Hyalomatrix(R) in the Treatment of Difficult To Heal Wound

PURPOSE: Although traditional and current treatment strategies may demonstrate success, persistence or recurrence of difficult-to-heal wounds remain significant problems. A novel product, Hyalomatrix(R) (Fidia Advanced Biopolymer, Abano Terme, Italy) is a bilayer of an benzyl esterified hyaluronan scaffold beneath a silicone membrane. The scaffold delivers hyaluronan to the wound, and the silicone membrane acts as a temporary epidermal barrier. We present the results obtained with Hyalomatrix(R) in the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds. METHODS: From November, 2008 to March, 2010, Hyalomatrix(R) has been used on total 10 patients with wounds that were expected difficult to heal with traditional and other current strategies. After average 37.4 days from development of wounds, Hyalomatrix(R) was applied after wound debridement. On the average, Hyalomatrix(R) application period was 17.6 days. After average 16.5 days from removal of Hyalomatrix(R) , skin grafts was performed. RESULTS: In all cases, regeneration of fibrous granulation tissues and edge re-epithelization were present after the application of the Hyalomatrix(R) . And all of the previous inflammatory signs were reduced. After skin grafts, no adverse reactions were recorded in 9 cases. But in one case, postoperative wound infection occured due to a lack of efficient fibrous tissues. In this model, the Hyalomatrix(R) acts as a hyaluronan delivery system and a barrier from the external environments. In tissue repair processes, the hyaluronan performs to facilitate the entry of a large number of cells into the wounds, to orientate the deposition of extracellular matrix fibrous components and to change the microenvironment of difficult-to-heal wounds. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that Hyalomatrix(R) could be a good and feasible approach for difficult-to-heal wounds. The Hyalomatrix(R) improves microenvironments of difficult-to-heal wounds, reduces infection rates and physical stimulus despite of aggravating factors.

A Case Report of Isolated Inguinal Tuberculous Lymphadenitis

PURPOSE: Tuberculous lymphadenitis constitutes about 30% of all types of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Cervical lymphadenitis is the commonest form (70%), followed by axillary and inguinal. But inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis is rare form. Especially isolated inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis was seldom reported. In Korea, that case was not reported. This case emphasizes the need for awareness of tuberculosis as a possible cause of isolated inguinal adenitis. METHODS: We experienced one case of isolated inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis. We analyzed clinical features, preoperative assessments and method of treatments. RESULTS: A 37-year-old female patient presented with a painless swelling in the left inguinal region of 12 month's duration. There was no history of urethral discharge, dysuria, genital sores, unprotected sexual contacts or trauma. Examination revealed enlarged left inguinal lymph nodes, 2 x 1 cm, non-tender and firm mass. The external iliac, popliteal, right inguinal and other groups of lymph nodes were normal. Serologic tests, urinary tests and chest radiologic test were normal. The excision of mass was performed under the general anesthesia. A excisional biopsy showed chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis, consistent with tuberculosis. After excision, the primary repair was done and completely healed on postoperative 25 days. CONCLUSION: The isolated inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis was rare form of inguinal suppurative mass. Although medical management is the principal mode of therapy of tuberculous adenitis and surgery is rarely necessary, we didn't consider the possibility of tuberculous lymphadenitis in our case. A high index of suspicion is essential for a diagnosis of isolated inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis. Our case emphasizes this importance and illustrates the need for awareness of tuberculosis as a possible cause of isolated inguinal adenitis.

A Case Report of Isolated Inguinal Tuberculous Lymphadenitis

PURPOSE: Tuberculous lymphadenitis constitutes about 30% of all types of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Cervical lymphadenitis is the commonest form (70%), followed by axillary and inguinal. But inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis is rare form. Especially isolated inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis was seldom reported. In Korea, that case was not reported. This case emphasizes the need for awareness of tuberculosis as a possible cause of isolated inguinal adenitis. METHODS: We experienced one case of isolated inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis. We analyzed clinical features, preoperative assessments and method of treatments. RESULTS: A 37-year-old female patient presented with a painless swelling in the left inguinal region of 12 month's duration. There was no history of urethral discharge, dysuria, genital sores, unprotected sexual contacts or trauma. Examination revealed enlarged left inguinal lymph nodes, 2 x 1 cm, non-tender and firm mass. The external iliac, popliteal, right inguinal and other groups of lymph nodes were normal. Serologic tests, urinary tests and chest radiologic test were normal. The excision of mass was performed under the general anesthesia. A excisional biopsy showed chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis, consistent with tuberculosis. After excision, the primary repair was done and completely healed on postoperative 25 days. CONCLUSION: The isolated inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis was rare form of inguinal suppurative mass. Although medical management is the principal mode of therapy of tuberculous adenitis and surgery is rarely necessary, we didn't consider the possibility of tuberculous lymphadenitis in our case. A high index of suspicion is essential for a diagnosis of isolated inguinal tuberculous lymphadenitis. Our case emphasizes this importance and illustrates the need for awareness of tuberculosis as a possible cause of isolated inguinal adenitis.