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Ghee and Honey Dressing for Infected Wounds

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Indian Journal of Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Ghee and honey has been advocated and used as dressing for infected wounds by Sushruta (600BC) and since 1991 in four Mumbai Hospitals. The gratifying results observed with the dressing have prompted this study which aims to establish its efficacy in five recalcitrant subset of chronic infected wounds over a three year period 2006–2009. A standardized ghee and honey dressing was used to treat: a) Eight cases of fungating malignant lesions. b) Thirteen chronic venous ulcers. c) Twenty nine diabetic foot ulcers. d) Eleven of infected ventral hernia mesh hernioplasty. e) Eleven patient with post-cesarean wound dehiscence. The dressing markedly reduced the foul odour and discharge, significantly improving the quality of life in malignant lesions. The results were equivocal in cases of venous ulcers. The results were uniformly good in the last three groups. In view of our results, as also result of innumerable Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) reported on honey dressing for infected wounds, there is substantial evidence that ghee and honey dressing has at least comparable results to other modes of treatment. The easy availability and low cost of this treatment makes it significant in developing countries. Further trials seem warranted.

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Acknowledgements

Dr. Gadvi a scholarly surgeon working in Kenya with missionary zeal, who inspired this study. Dr. Rushad T. Udwadia, MS, FCPS, DNAB, FRCS Hon. Professor of Surgery J.J. Hospital, Consultant Surgeon Breach Candy Hospital, Parsee General Hospital, Mumbai who helped in this study. He declined the request to be a joint author as he felt his contribution did not merit it. Resident Surgeons in all the hospitals, who over several years, have helped in these trials with interest and perseverance. Ms. J. Bode, Ms. S. Konkrawala O.R. Superintendents, Parsee General Hospital who since 1991 have maintained gratis, a uniform product. Professor H.G. Doctor M.S., FRCSEd Emeritus Professor of Surgery J.J. Hospital, Senior Consultant Surgeon, Jain Clinic, Mumbai, who accepted the suggestion and used this dressing made at Parsee General Hospital for treatment of his patients with mesh exposed in the wound, documented, photographed and reported good results. Dr. Anita S. Bhaduri, M.D., Consultant Histopathologist, P.D.Hinduja Hospital for histopathology studies of spontaneous epithelialisation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. P.D. Hinduja National Hospital, Cook’s Building, 4th Floor, D.N. Road, Mumbai, 400 001, India

    Tehemton E. Udwadia

  2. Breach Candy Hospital, Cook’s Building, 4th Floor, D.N. Road, Mumbai, 400 001, India

    Tehemton E. Udwadia

  3. B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital, Cook’s Building, 4th Floor, D.N. Road, Mumbai, 400 001, India

    Tehemton E. Udwadia

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Correspondence to Tehemton E. Udwadia.

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Udwadia, T.E. Ghee and Honey Dressing for Infected Wounds. Indian J Surg 73, 278–283 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-011-0240-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12262-011-0240-7

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