Treatment of Post-Operative Left Temporal Wound with Umbilical Cord Based Particulate and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Particulated Umbilical Cord* (pUC) possess unique anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties1,2,3 that have led to its use as therapy for complex wounds. Wounds resulting from the excision of a melanoma are often difficult to manage as well as challenging to heal. This case illustrates the value of utilizing cUC in the management of one such wound.

An 80-year-old male underwent a surgical excision of melanoma on the left temporal region. A bovine wound matrix dressing was used to cover the wound. Measurements post-operatively were 3.1 x 2.5 x 0.6 cm. 5 weeks later, the patient was seen for follow up; and the wound had not progressed.

Therefore, 8 weeks after excision, 50mg of pUC was mixed with saline and injected into the peri-wound area. In addition, 50mg of the particulate was also applied topically to the wound bed. Two weeks following application of pUC, patient’s wound measured 0.8 x 0.5 x 0 cm. A week later the measurements were unchanged and another 25mg of the pUC was applied topically. Patient was seen three weeks after second application (6 weeks from first application) and the wound had achieved complete closure.

This case illustrated that Umbilical Cord based particulate can provide an efficient and cost-effective method for wound closure.