Conventional Versus Regenerative Methods for Wound Healing: A Comparative Experimental Study on a Sheep Model
Rossella Elia,
Michele Maruccia,
Pietro Giovanni Di Summa,
Rodrigo Trisciuzzi,
Giuditta Lovero,
Gerardo Cazzato,
Luca Lacitignola,
Francesco Staffieri,
Alberto Maria Crovace
Affiliations
Rossella Elia
Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area, University of Bari, 11, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy
Michele Maruccia
Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area, University of Bari, 11, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy
Pietro Giovanni Di Summa
Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
Rodrigo Trisciuzzi
Department of Precision-Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area (DiMePRe-J), Section of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
Giuditta Lovero
Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area, University of Bari, 11, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 70124 Bari, Italy
Gerardo Cazzato
Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
Luca Lacitignola
Department of Precision-Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area (DiMePRe-J), Section of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
Francesco Staffieri
Department of Precision-Regenerative Medicine and Jonic Area (DiMePRe-J), Section of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
Alberto Maria Crovace
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Background and Objectives: Wound healing is a complex process involving cellular, anatomical, and functional repair, often hindered in chronic wounds associated with diseases like diabetes and vascular disorders. This study investigated the efficacy of conventional and regenerative wound healing approaches in a sheep surgical wound model. Materials and Methods: Six female Bergamasca sheep underwent five full-thickness skin lesions treated with various methods: sterile gauze (control), chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite, micronized dermis system application, and dermal matrix. Wound healing progression was monitored over 42 days through wound dimension measurements, exudate analysis, and histopathological evaluations. Results: The results indicated that all wounds healed completely by day 42, with significant reductions in wound size and exudate over time. Notably, Micronized dermis system application and dermal matrix treatments showed a faster evolution in exudate characteristics and improved collagen reorganization compared to other treatments. Histological analysis revealed earlier neovascularization and better reconstitution of hair follicles in these groups. Despite the lack of significant differences in healing time, both regenerative approaches enhanced wound healing phases, contributing to exudate control, angiogenesis promotion, and reduced scar formation. Conclusions: The findings suggest that while micronized dermis system application and dermal matrix do not accelerate acute wound healing compared to conventional methods, they offer potential benefits in managing exudate and improving tissue regeneration, warranting further investigation in chronic wound scenarios.
