Histologic evaluation of chronic human wounds treated with hydrocolloid and nonhydrocolloid dressings.

Abstract

Studies of acute surgical wounds in pigs have shown granulomatous tissue reactions induced by hydrocolloid dressings. We examined biopsy specimens from chronic wounds in humans treated with hydrocolloid or nonhydrocolloid dressings to determine whether such reactions occurred. A blinded retrospective analysis of 22 chronic ulcer biopsy specimens from 22 patients was performed by two dermatopathologists independently. No differences were seen between hydrocolloid-treated and non-hydrocolloid-treated wounds. Granulation tissue was seen in all specimens. No cavities, eosinophilic inclusions, polarizable material, or multinucleated giant cells were identified. There are no significant histologic differences between hydrocolloid-treated and non-hydrocolloid-treated wounds in humans.