ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Acta Vulnologica 2011 June;9(2):77-82

Copyright © 2011 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

The appropriateness of care in the management of cutaneous leg ulcers: a prospective study

Baù P. ¹, Bordignon G. ², Cortese P. ³, Carlucci M. ²

¹ Unit of Geriatrics, “San Bassiano” Hospital, Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza, Italy 2 Medical Direction, “San Bassiano” Hospital, Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza, Italy 3 Department of Medicine, “San Bassiano” Hospital, Bassano del Grappa, Vicenza, Italy

AIM: The aim of this study was to demonstrate that a correct diagnosis of chronic leg ulcers resistant to traditional treatments, together with care of the patient and the appropriate use of advanced methods, although more expensive, lead to a high healing rate without increasing the total cost of treatment.
METHODS: This prospective study was carried out at the Leg Ulcer Clinic, Bassano del Grappa Hospital, between 2005 and 2010. The study population was 19 outpatients with chronic leg ulcers previously treated at another facility with no appreciable benefit. All patients underwent global clinical evaluation with a multidisciplinary approach; advanced medications included biomaterials, and ultrasound and negative pressure wound therapy in some cases. The outcome after advanced medication therapy was evaluated in terms of healing time and cost of materials.
RESULTS:Complete healing was achieved in 18/19 patients; in the 1 remaining patient the wound area was reduced by more than 50%. The overall material costs for the advanced medication therapy were lower than those of previous conventional treatment.
CONCLUSION: A modern, multidisciplinary approach to chronic leg ulcer improves the probability of wound healing. When used properly, advanced medications and treatments, although more expensive, are more cost-effective than traditional treatment which carries low weekly costs for longer periods.