DG. Clinical Nurse Specialist, Grampian University Hospitals Trust, Scotland
Presentation The patient presented with widespread lymphoedema of both lower limbs, with puncture wounds in the left foot and right leg leaking approximately 50mls fluid every 2 hours.
Elevation of the patient’s legs was difficult due to a malignant condition, so the patient faced many days/weeks of fluid leaking from the wounds and consequent regular dressing changes.
Despite these regular dressing changes it was impossible to prevent fluid leaking across the healthy skin at the wound margins.
Treatment The wound was dressed with Atrauman, covered with Zetuvit, and secured with a tubular bandage from toe to knee. This combination allowed the patient to have the dressing pads changed without disturbing the wound surface.
Conclusion As the wounds were unlikely to heal until the oedema had resolved, the decision was made to treat the oedema first. The regimen chosen allowed regular dressing changes without trauma and minimal disruption to the wound bed.
