Citric acid treatment of refractory chronic postmastectomy raw area during chemotherapy: a novel approach.

Background: Wounds at sutured sites are a major postoperative complication. Uncontrolled comorbidities and certain drugs (immunosuppressants and antiproliferative chemotherapeutic agents) hamper the process of wound healing. Sutured wounds need prolonged duration of dressings and management as well as repeated hospital visits. In addition, appropriate reconstructive procedures may be needed to cover the wound. All these factors ultimately add to the cost of care.

Case report: A simple, yet effective option for the management of a refractory chronic postoperative raw area in a surgical case of breast carcinoma is reported. Acceptable wound healing was eventually achieved without disturbing the patient's chemotherapy cycles, and a major reconstructive procedure was avoided.

Conclusion: Citric acid treatment can be a cost-effective, safe, efficient, and novel option to promote faster granulation and epithelialization and may avoid the need for major reconstructive surgery.