Comparison of foam dressings with silver versus foam dressings without silver in the care of malodorous malignant fungating wounds

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of foam dressings with silver vs. foam dressings without silver to reduce malodorous and septic phenomena in malignant fungating wounds (MFWs).

Methods: The study included 26 patients with malodorous MFWs at home care. Thirteen patients formed the intervention group A (foam dressings with silver), and another 13 patients formed the control group B (foam dressings without silver). The patients' selection was random. The dressing changes were carried out according to the needs of the ulcer and depending on the exudates' level. The evaluation of the odor was 4 weeks after the start of the study. The patients' evaluation was excluded due to familiarization with the odor.

Results: In group A 10/13 (76.9%) patients showed a significant reduction of the odor compared with 4/13 (30.8%) patients in group B (p = 0.049).

Conclusion: Microbial activity and septic phenomena in the ulcerated surface of MFWs are the causes of unpleasant odor. This study provided evidence that the antimicrobial property of silver dressings is very useful in the treatment of microbial activity and can reduce malodorous and septic phenomena.