Local hyperalimentation of open wounds.

After débridement of necrotized and devitalized tissue in deep burns and large traumatic soft tissue defects, the raw surfaces were covered with separate sheets of viscose cellulose sponge (VCS), each moistened by continuous slow infusion of one of the following solutions: (a) 0-9 per cent NaCl; (b) 10 per cent glucose; (c) Rheomacrodex (dextrane hydrolysate in 0-9 per cent NaCl); (d) 7 per cent Levamin (a mixture of essential amino acids and glycin in 5 per cent sorbitol; (e) a combination of two solutions containing amino acids (Le-7402 A) and glucose, electrolytes and vitamins (Le-7402 B). The cellulose sponges were removed or changed 3-7 days later. Macroscopically, histologically and enzyme histochemically, the most active granulation tissue formation was found under the VCS moistened with amino acid solutions, especially when accompanied by glucose and vitamin supplementation. The results strongly suggest that local cellular hyperalimentation of open raw wound surfaces is possible, permitting a new kind of nutritional support in these patients.