Journal of Clinical Medicine Review Effectiveness of Chronic Wound Debridement with the Use of Larvae of Lucilia Sericata Dariusz Bazali ´nski 1,2, Maria Kózka 3, Magdalena Karnas 4 and Paweł Wi˛ech 2,* 1 Father B. Markiewicz Podkarpackie Specialist Oncology Centre, Specialist Hospital in Brzozów, 36-200 Brzozów, Poland;
[email protected] 2 Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences of the University of Rzeszów, University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland 3 Department of Clinical Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
[email protected] 4 New Medical Technologies, Holy Family Specialist Hospital, 36-060 Rudna Mała, Poland;
[email protected] * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +48-667-192-696 Received: 8 October 2019; Accepted: 29 October 2019; Published: 2 November 2019 Abstract: The process of successful wound healing depends on effective debridement and infection control. One method of wound debridement, known since antiquity, is based on the use of fly larvae. Solid scientific evidence proves that maggot debridement therapy (MDT), like surgical intervention, can be effectively and safely used to remove necrotic tissue. Based on a review of the related literature, this study was designed to assess the effectiveness of chronic wound cleansing with the use of larvae of Lucilia sericata (Phaenicia sericata). Maggot therapy, applied in wound debridement and treatment, is a safe and effective method. Its benefits are associated with debridement, disinfection and faster tissue growth. MDT may reduce the duration of antibiotic therapy and the need for hospitalization, or it may decrease the number of outpatient visits required.