References
Policresulen to treat hypergranulation tissue around drainage tubes
Abstract
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy of policresulen for the treatment of hypergranulation.
Method:
This was a retrospective study of patients with percutaneous catheters. Inpatients from two hospitals and those from outpatient clinics were included. Approximately 2ml of 50% policresulen solution was applied to hypergranulation tissue, which was then immediately pressed with gauze for 1–3 minutes using light pressure. When haemostasis was achieved and the granulation tissue size decreased, the procedure was terminated.
Results:
A total of eight patients (four females and four males) were included in this study. Effective haemostasis was achieved in all patients. The size of the hypergranulation tissue decreased with policresulen treatment, and resolved completely in one patient. There were no complications. Hypergranulation tissue recurred in one patient. Haemostasis was successfully achieved after repeated procedures.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study showed policresulen to be an inexpensive, easy treatment for hypergranulation at catheter insertion sites.
Prior to the development of interventional procedures, abnormal fluid collections in a body space were drained surgically. With the development of imaging modalities and intervention techniques, percutaneous drainage is now widely used. Percutaneous drainage can drain fluid collections more quickly and safely than surgical drainage. In patients with a functional gastrointestinal system requiring long-term enteral nutrition, percutaneous gastrostomy is performed for feeding and nutritional support. After percutaneous catheter insertion, complications, such as bleeding, pain and infection, may occur. Another potential complication of percutaneous catheter insertion is hypergranulation tissue around the catheter insertion site.1
Hypergranulation tissue is defined as granulation tissue that exceeds the amount required to replace the tissue defects caused by skin injury or wounds. The cause of hypergranulation is not well known. Suspected causes include prolonged inflammation caused by infection or foreign body irritation, or by external friction.2 Healthy granulation tissue is pink and an indicator of healing. In contrast, unhealthy granulation tissue is dark red, bleeds frequently, and may indicate the presence of wound infection.3 Historically, hypergranulation has been managed using topical antibiotics, steroids, silver nitrate, polyurethane foam, and by anchoring the tube to the body to prevent friction.4 However, there are no standard treatment guidelines for hypergranulation tissue. Therefore, treatment is based on the patient's condition and the doctor's experience.
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