Background: The newly-approved Kerecis is a piscine acellular dermal xenograft. This piscine acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has specific bioactive lipid mediators, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and has a positive effect on the process of wound healing. This study aimed to explore the utility of this novel material by comparing healing rates, and suggest the proper timing for applying Kerecis.<br/>Methods: Patients who visited the hospital with acute or chronic deep dermal wounds from June 2019 to May 2020 were enrolled in the study. A total of 48 patients were assessed. All wounds in the experimental group (n=16) were treated only once with Kerecis and a non-adherent absorptive foam material (Therasorb) to cover the ADM. In the control group, daily conventional dressings were provided. All wounds sizes were measured with mass-market computer software in a method suggested by the authors for the first time.<br/>Results: The mean healing rate proved to be faster in the Kerecis group (P<0.05) versus the control group, and no complications were observed. It was statistically proved that treating burn wounds with the ADM showed better healing rates than the conventional method (P<0.05).<br/>Conclusion: This study establishes that managing wounds with the ADM is likely to heal wounds faster than traditional dressings. In addition, for burn wounds, a prolonged application (10 days vs. 5 days after the onset) showed a better wound healing rate (98.8%±2.5% vs. 67.0%±14.3%, respectively, P=0.029).

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Background and objectives: Pressure sores are a common medical burden among patients, particularly those who are bedridden or frail. Surgical management of occipital pressure sores poses unique challenges due to limited elasticity and the spherical shape of the scalp. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel reconstruction method utilizing a local transpositional flap and split-thickness skin graft with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for occipital pressure sore treatment. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with occipital pressure sores who underwent hybrid reconstructions using a local flap and split-thickness skin graft in conjunction with NPWT. Surgical outcomes, including flap survival rate, graft take percentage, and complications, were assessed. A comparative analysis was performed between the NPWT group and the conventional dressing group. Results: The NPWT group (n = 24) demonstrated a significantly higher mean graft take percentage at postoperative day 14 compared with the conventional dressing group (n = 22) (98.2% vs. 81.2%, p < 0.05). No significant difference in flap survival rate was observed between the two groups. Conclusions: As the aging population continues to grow, occipital pressure sores have gained significant attention as a crucial medical condition. The innovative surgical method incorporating NPWT offers an efficient and safe treatment option for patients with occipital pressure sores, potentially establishing itself as the future gold standard for managing this condition.

Background The treatment of keloids is both challenging and controversial. Until now, there is no definitive treatment modality for keloids. To determine the efficacy and safety of an intralesional cocktail therapy, including bleomycin compared to corticosteroid injection method on the treatment of keloid scars. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for 35 patients diagnosed with keloids. The cocktail therapy regimen consisted of bleomycin, 1% lidocaine, verapamil, and triamcinolone, which was further diluted with 1 mL of normal saline. In group B, 1 mL of triamcinolone acetonide was injected into the lesion. Results for a total of 35 patients included in this study were evaluated according to their therapeutic responses and complications six months after the last session. Results Analyzing the outcomes of the patients treated with a cocktail regimen (group A), it was found that 87% showed favorable therapeutic responses (scar thickness <50%). In group B, 58% of patients showed favorable therapeutic responses. No major complications were observed in both groups. Conclusions High therapeutic response rates without major complications were identified in this study, suggesting that cocktail therapy with bleomycin can be considered a safe and effective treatment modality for keloid scars.