Abstract

Background: Diabetic ulcers are chronic wounds that have failed to proceed through an orderly and timely reparative process. These ulcers pose a significant challenge to health care professionals and an immense burden on the economy. Objective: To assess wound healing with respect to reduction in slough and exudate, reduction in wound surface area and time taken to heal. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted among patients admitted in the Department of Surgery at ESICMC & PGIMSR, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, between January 2019 and June 2020. All these patients were allotted either groups, with 53 patients each in foam dressing group and 53 patients in saline dressing group using computer based randomization and study was carried out. Results: There was increased proportion of complete closure in 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th week in Polyurethane Foam group as compared to the normal saline group. The mean time taken for complete closure was longer in the saline group (11.2 weeks) as compared to the Polyurethane Foam group (10 .7 weeks). Conclusions: This study has shown improved healing rates in diabetic ulcers with foam dressings. This also helps in reduced hospital stay and early return to work. As majority of our patients belong to low socio-economic group this reduces their economic burden.

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