A Novel Approach to Vulvectomy Care: The Role of Hydrolyzed Collagen Surgical Powder

Summary

Surgical site infections in gynecologic procedures significantly contribute to health care costs, prolonged hospital stays, and patient morbidity. Patients undergoing vulvectomy are at a higher risk of postoperative wound complications due to the location of the surgical incision and the prevalence of comorbidities, such as obesity, diabetes, and smoking. The successful use of topical collagen, specifically, hydrolyzed type 1 bovine, in other surgical specialties has led clinicians to explore its use in gynecologic surgery. This case series reports on patients receiving topical hydrolyzed collagen after a vulvectomy. Hydrolyzed collagen was applied directly to the surgical wound. Patients were monitored for postoperative complications during routine follow up visits. This case series highlights the ease of application and clinical efficacy of topical collagen powder when applied to the wound bed following a vulvectomy. Treated surgical sites exhibited reduced inflammation, minimal exudate, and no signs of dehiscence. These findings indicate that hydrolyzed collagen may serve as a valuable adjunct in enhancing postoperative wound healing in vulvectomy patients. The preliminary results underscore the need for larger, randomized clinical trials to further evaluate this novel therapeutic approach.

Reference

A Novel Approach to Vulvectomy Care: The Role of Hydrolyzed Collagen Surgical Powder. Annals of Case Reports. 2025;10(3).

Presenter:
Dr. Nefertiti duPont