Modeling the Cost Implications of Using Carboxymethylcellulose Dressing Compared with Gauze

Danielle Oliver
Breckinridge Nursing School

In partial Fulfillment of the requirements of
TB133 Strategies for the Technical Professional
David Balin
September 25, 2013

Introduction This papers’ objective is to estimate the costs of using carboxymethylcellulose dressing (CMCD or Hydrofiber) compared to gauze in managing surgical wounds healing by secondary intention in the U.S. and the U.K. Most sutured wounds will heal within the time they’re supposed to and without ever having a problem. However, for a wound to heal properly depends on internal and external factors that can result in complications. For example, a wound will heal much slower if there is sign of an infection, or wound dehiscence (the bursting open of a surgically closed wound) or the presence of foreign material. If this happens, the wounds become hollow and would need to heal by secondary intention (wound left open to heal from the inside out). Other surgical wounds that are not as serious and don’t need stitches such as abscesses, are left to heal by secondary intention. And wounds healing by secondary intention need to be “filled with new tissue via granulation, epithelialization (consisting of cells joined by small amounts of cementing substances), and maturation” (to produce or discharge pus, as a wound). (Guest & Ruiz, 2005) Wounds healing by secondary intention are thought to heal more slowly than wounds healing by primary intention (wounds mechanically held closed either through staples, tape sutures glue, etc) especially if infection is present, or healing is compromised by the factors I have listed above. Also, wounds healing by secondary intention must have dressing that not only is the same size, depth and shape, but will also be able to protect the wound