Cromwell Hospital introduces fast wound healing technology

Major head and neck surgery often follows with patients having free tissue transfer from either their arm or leg, leaving a substantial wound. Many patients also experience donor site morbidity, delaying patients' recovery.??

Diana Norinho , Head and Neck Clinical Nurse Specialist at Cromwell Hospital, introduced the PICO? single use negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system with the aim of improving and simplifying the management of donor site wounds for head and neck patients.??

PICO? delivers NPWT across the entire dressing to the wound while simultaneously removing exudate. PICO? has also been proven to protect the wound from external contamination, promotes blood flow, improves wound contraction and stimulation of granulation tissue formation.??

At Cromwell Hospital, 24 patients who underwent free flap surgery for Head and Neck had PICO? dressings applied to their donor sites. The donor sites consisted of a mixture of fibular and radial forearm donor sites.??

Overall, it was determined that patients required PICO? dressings for six-eight weeks post operatively and all 24 patients experienced no negative impact on mobility or engagement with physiotherapy.??

The team highlighted this innovative approach to wound care by presenting the results from the trial with a poster at the British Association of Head & Neck Oncologists Conference. In recognition of this achievement, the team was also shortlisted for a LaingBuisson Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice in 2023, and Diana Norinho is a finalist in this year's Rising Star LaingBuisson Award.??

"It was a privilege to support Diana with her introduction of this novel approach to wound management for our head and neck patients. We strongly feel it’s essential to continue to support innovations to improve patient care.” Mr Alastair Fry , Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon?