GUIDES

Introduction

This Masterclass Guide is a concise overview of sterile single use bacterial binding wound dressings, for incorporation into your clinical practice.

Surgical site infections (SSI), are the most frequently reported healthcare acquired infection and carry the heaviest financial impact for healthcare systems.

Conventionally, wound infections are treated with antimicrobials. However, with the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, an alternative approach needs to be adopted.

Is

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■ Leukomed® Sorbact® is a sterile single-use dressing developed for use in closed surgical wounds. It offers a dual effect of binding bacteria at the wound bed and protecting the wound from external contamination

■ A transparent, showerproof, and easily applied polyurethane film adhesive outer layer protects and keeps the wound moist, and covers an absorbent pad with a green contact layer coated with dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC), (a fatty acid derivative), which irreversibly binds the bacteria (Figure 1)

■ The dressing utilizes a unique technology by irreversibly binding the bacteria and is proven to prevent surgical site infections (SSI)

■ Leukomed® Sorbact® is recommended for usage to prevent SSI by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)1

■ Reducing the bioburden of a surgical wound will facilitate the healing process

■ These dressings work on the principle that two substances with hydrophobic properties will bind together when introduced in a moist environment (hydrophobic interaction)

■ The dressing comprises of an absorbent non-woven wound contact pad, and an outer, transparent, adhesive polyurethane film

■ The pad is made of a white viscose polypropylene and polyester mesh, coated with DACC. Upon contact, the bacteria are irreversibly bound with the DACC coated layer, their growth is inhibited and they can be removed from the wound area when the dressing is changed

■ Since the DACC method does not kill the bacteria, there is no release of endotoxins or cell debris. The purely physical method of binding and removing the bacteria also minimizes the risk of development of resistance

DACC-Coated Dressings: Leukomed® Sorbact®

Keywords

■ DACC (dialkylcarbamoyl chloride)

■ Leukomed® Sorbact®

■ Bioburden

■ Surgical site infection (SSI)

■ Antibiotic stewardship

■ Vascular surgery

■ Caesarean section (CS)

■ Wound

■ Wounds

How Does Leukomed® Sorbact® Work?

1 Prepare the wound according to local clinical practice. Ensure that the surrounding skin is clean and dry

2 Select an appropriate dressing size for the wound

3 Remove the dressing from the pouch using an aseptic technique

4 Remove the protective film from the wound contact side of the dressing and apply the dressing. Ensure that the green wound contact layer comes into direct contact with the complete wound surface. Do not stretch the film during application

5 Press the borders to the surrounding skin. Carefully remove the application film, using the blue handling strip. Slowly pull the application film backwards, pulling parallel to the skin to avoid it lifting

6 The dressing change frequency depends on exudate levels and the overall condition of the wound and surrounding skin. Should the clinical condition allow, the dressing can be left in place for up to 7 days

7 For gentle removal, stretch the dressing to release adhesion. Pull one edge of the dressing parallel to the skin. Do not pull up or backwards.

8 Avoid lifting the dressing for inspection

DACC-Coated Dressings:

Leukomed® Sorbact®

What Types of Wounds Are Suitable?

■ Surgical incisions and post-operative wounds

■ Dry to low exudate wounds

■ Lacerations

■ Cuts, abrasions and minor burns

What Types of Wounds Are Not Suitable?

■ Full thickness burns

■ High exuding surgical wounds

■ Degloved or necrotic tissue

RRR: Relative risk ratio