Clinical history
62-year-old female awaiting admission for heart surgery. She has a history of retinopathy, neuropathy IHD, PVD, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and hypothyroidism. Her left 2nd toe was
necrotic and required amputation. Corynebacterium striatum was isolated, Ciprofloxacin was prescribed.
2 weeks later, the left foot showed signs of infection, red hot and swollen. The stitches were removed and the patient was prescribed further antibiotics.
Treatment
STIMULAN mixed with antibiotic was packed into the wound and held in place with a non-adherent dressing, a secondary dressing and a conforming bandage. The patient was provided with an offloading shoe.
After 1 week, the redness and swelling had greatly reduced and the course of oral antibiotics was completed.
At 3 weeks, due to the dressing rubbing, a fissure developed at the base of the left 1st toe.
STIMULAN beads were applied to the fissure and covered with a non-adherent ultra dressing.
At 3 months, the patient was admitted for heart surgery even though the wound had not completely healed. The wound was no longer infected and antibiotics were in situ. The risk of cross infection was therefore low.
At 4 months the patient was recovering well after heart surgery.
STIMULAN beads were topped up as necessary.
Outcome
At 6 months, the wound had healed and the patient and healthcare professionals were happy with the outcome.
Note: See
STIMULAN page for regulatory statements. MA0459R1
