Maggot Debridement Therapy vs. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Their Effectiveness on Tissue Healing on Older Adults

Abstract

Chronic ulcers, particularly prevalent in older adults, significantly impact patients\u27 quality of life, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. This study explores the efficacy of two common therapies, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT), in promoting tissue healing for chronic ulcers in adults aged 60 and older. A methodical search was conducted using databases such as CINAHL, PubMed, EBSCO, and ProQuest, employing specific search strategies and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Four high-quality Level 1 randomized controlled trials were selected for analysis, comparing NPWT and MDT in various settings. The results indicate that MDT exhibits superior effectiveness in promoting wound healing compared to NPWT. The studies also highlight the importance of considering patient comorbidities, such as Peripheral Vascular Disease, Diabetes, and immobility, in selecting the most appropriate therapy. Furthermore, the analysis touches upon psychosocial implications, cost-effectiveness, and the need for patient education in wound management. In conclusion, MDT emerges as the preferred treatment for chronic ulcers in older adults, emphasizing the significance of efficient healing to enhance the patients\u27 quality of life