Larval therapy to treat wounds – focusing on diabetic foot disease

Overview

Debridement is an essential component of wound care as necrotic tissue can impede the healing process. Larval therapy (biosurgery) is a promising addition to a whole spectrum of treatment methods. The main indication for maggot therapy is to disinfect and clean necrotic and infected wounds – e.g. diabetic foot disease (including amputation sites), venous leg ulcers, necrotising fasciitis, traumatic wounds, primary burns, pressure sores. Some evidence, while anecdotal, supports the use of larval therapy against wounds pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. No serious side-effects of this therapy have been observed when appropriately indicated. An overview of the benefits of larval therapy is presented, along with the results of our first practical experiences.

Key words:
larval therapy, diabetic foot disease, maggots, debridement