Noam A. Calderon , Teddy Kaufman.
Div. of Plastic Surgery, Bnai-Zion University Medical Center, Haifa, ISRAEL.

Purpose: To critically assess our experience and results employing the modality of treatment with topical Ozone and Oxygen to long-enduring ulcers of the lower leg.

Material & Methods: 81 patients were included having leg ulcers for a mean duration of 8.5 months,suffering of diabetes mellitus;venous or arterial insufficiency or,a combination of the above. 18 patients were previously candidates for amputation of the limb in another institution. Local treatment consisted of conventional topical wound care with adjuvant treatment of Ozone and Oxygen delivered topically unto the wounds 3 times/week – employing a newly designed microclimate chamber.Healing was assessed by serial digital photography and computerized plannimetry,while bacteriology –by quantitative bacterial counts of the affected wounds.

Results:No side effects were observed.The mean number of treatments was 28.5/patient. In 62/81 patients (including 18 who were previously candidates for amputation) spontaneous healing was noted or,skin grafting was employed to the well-granulated wounds.Heavy bacterial Colonization was eradicated within 24 to 48 hours.Although in 19/81 patients no amelioration was observed due to delayed dislough of the eschar–the bacteriostatic effects of Ozone on wound’s flora was significant.In addition,3/19 underwent B/K amputation .

Conclusions:In view of the beneficial effects of Ozone,We recommend to further extend the study on a larger scale of patients, and to compare its effects on a controlled group of patients.