Date of Award

5-2013

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Abstract

Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is one of the oldest treatment regimens used for healing infectious and chronic wounds. The literature review will identify what research is available to support the use of medical maggots over the use of conventional debridement in the treatment of chronic wounds.

The methodology used for the review of the literature began with a systematic review of electronic database. Key words used in the search were (1) maggot debridement therapy, (2) wound debridement, and (3) larval therapy. Prospective, retrospective, and case studies from January 2003 to January 2013 that discussed maggot therapy and/or conventional sharp debridement were included in the review.

Maggot debridement therapy has started to regain popularity as maggots can eradicate drug resistant bacteria in wounds, improving healing time, decreasing bacterial bio-burden in wounds, and decrease the risk of long-term wound complications

Advanced practice providers will be able to identify wounds appropriate for MDT, will advocate for their patients with early recognition of non-healing and/or infected wounds, and be better educated and more comfortable discussing MDT with their patients as a treatment option of a non-healing wound.

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