Wound infections and dehiscence is a common complication after surgical procedures. Particularly so in institutions with patient overload. Human placenta has been used as biological dressing to treat various types of wounds and ulcers.1 Hence, this study was done with Aim : To compare the efficacy of topical application of purified extract of human placenta (PlacentrexÒ) versus povidone iodine for their wound healing potential in surgical wounds.

Material and Methods : This was an open comparative randomized study comprising 82 patients above 18 years of age undergoing clean surgeries. Enrolled patients were randomized as per the PC generated randomization chart (Rando 1.2, 2004) to receive either topical application of human placenta purified extract (PE) on the surgical wound or topical application of Povidone Iodine (PI) Ointment on the surgical wound. Both preparations were applied topically on the surgical wound after the surgery, on days 3, 7 and on day 10, if required. Assessment of surgical wound was done after recovery from anaesthesia and on days 3, 7 and 10 based upon wound healing. Physicians Global Assessment of Response to Therapy (PGART) Scale, pain and adverse affects.

Results : All 82 patients completed the study as per the study protocol. 22 (52.38%) patients with PE and 19 (47.50%) patients with PI completed the study on day 10. Complete healing of the wound was observed in 40 (95.24%) patients with PE, and 36 (90.00%) patients with PI. The number of patients reporting pain on days 3, 7 and 10 were similar in both PE and PI treatments (p = 0.779). None of the patients reported any side/adverse events during the study period.

Conclusion : Both placenta extract and povidone iodine have comparative wound healing effects.