they still use maggots, huh!

Sunny1inTucson

You learn something new every day.

Docs still use maggots. For persistent wounds (like diabetic foot ulcers). Apply them, let them eat the dead tissue for a few days, then take them off.

They are lab-grown, bacteria free maggots. But still. My coworker asked if I want to see them do it tomorrow, but I wasn't planning on working Friday. Kinda wish I were now, but they don't know exactly what time they'll put them on.

Huh!

SapphyrEyes

papagena

SapphyrEyes:

this.  Suddenly, man-made un-EF ointments are looking REALLY good.  

Dobie_Mama

Yup, they do!  Maggots are really beneficial little critters in a variety of circumstances.  I spent a semester of entomology "growing" maggots.  They are my favorite larvae.

::Dobie runs to hide while everyone gives her the side eye:: 

luvlieK

lol I actually knew that )

papagena

Dobie_Mama:

::Dobie runs to hide while everyone gives her the side eye:: 

*looks around for Dobie to grace her with a good side eye*

Dobie_Mama

GladToBeMrs.SRS

Dobie_Mama:

Yup, they do!  Maggots are really beneficial little critters in a variety of circumstances.  I spent a semester of entomology "growing" maggots.  They are my favorite larvae.

::Dobie runs to hide while everyone gives her the side eye:: 

They're truly amazing creatures.  As far as I know, we have no man-made product that even compares to their efficiency. 

jebuell

I'm with Dobie on this one.  I think it's sooooo cool when doctor's use nature's cures like that.  After all of our advancements, a bunch of bugs can still do it better than we can!

suzymarie

They are amazing but still completely and utterly revolting.

triumphantreturnofplanningbug

I knew this. They've always icked me out because they look like slugs, imo, but I think I would still love to see it in action.

:::sneaks off to share dobie's hiding place:::

goinggreengirl

I think it's awesome that they can use something like that, though I would be REALLY grossed out if it was my wound they were putting them on.

Laroogirl

There have been a few patients on my floor that have had maggots.  And one of them was a plastic surgery patient.  They saved her infected breast tissue by cleaning it with the maggots and drawing a fresh blood supply to the tissue. 

I would be a little grossed out if they were on me, but if it helps then I guess you do what you have too.  Can't be too many side effects from sterile bugs, huh?

georgia_peachy

They still use leeches too, but they're really picky about who gets them.  I have BEGGED my hematologist for leeches because I'm terrified of needles and have to bloodlet (phlebotomy) frequently due to a genetic disorder.  She told me only plastic surgeons can use them in the US, but they use them when they reattach fingers or ears etc to get blood to the area but keep it from pooling.