[Maggot therapy in gynecology].

Abstract

Ancient societies recognised beneficial effects of certain fly larvae on wound healing. Nowadays, biosurgery with living maggots has proven very useful in the therapy of infected, necrotic, acute and chronic wounds. The larvae cause a rapid and selective wound debridement, a disinfective effect and rapid formation of granulation tissue and epithelium. In our hospital, we gathered experience in wounds caused by gynecological surgery. Here, maggot therapy has been used in locations--e. g. perineal--which are difficult to provide with hydrocolloid wound dressings. Maggots can clear wounds of staphylococci and streptococci populations, are successful in wounds caused by radiation therapy and can be used after chemotherapy. Patient acceptance is very high and psychological stress has been rare. Maggot therapy is a cheap, safe and highly effective treatment of wounds. Therefore, we want to encourage the use of biosurgery in suitable wounds.