Maggot debridement therapy: serious bleeding can occur: report of a case

J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2008 Jul-Aug;35(4):412-4. doi: 10.1097/01.WON.0000326662.32390.72.

Abstract

Maggot debridement therapy is generally a safe therapy that is typically used as a last resort treatment for debriding wounds in patients with multiple comorbidities. We describe a case of serious bleeding in an 87-year-old woman treated in our wound care center for a mixed arterial-venous ulcer of the right leg. Daily home visits were completed by a wound care nurse, resulting in prompt recognition and management of the bleeding. The patient was transported to hospital via an ambulance, and rapidly stabilized with intravenous fluids and a blood transfusion. She subsequently returned to the home care setting for additional management of her lower extremity wound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Debridement / adverse effects
  • Debridement / methods*
  • Debridement / nursing*
  • Female
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Larva*
  • Treatment Outcome