Private Complex Wound Care service

For patients with lymphoedema or complex wounds that haven’t responded well to standard treatment, we now offer a unique complex wound care service at our private hospital in Chertsey.  It combines low-level laser therapy* to help in reducing inflammation and stimulating healing, with Kerecis® Omega 3 fish skin therapy, which aids the healing of large, non-healing wounds and ulcers. 

A multidisciplinary team of specialists provides tailored treatment plans incorporating standard care procedures and innovative therapies, to address individual patient needs.

When you choose Runnymede Hospital, you’ll get fast access to treatment when you go private, without the wait. Find us in the historic town of Chertsey in Surrey. People come to us for specialist treatment from all over Surrey, including Addlestone, Weybridge, Byfleet, and West Byfleet. We also welcome patients from further afield and even overseas.

To find out more about this innovative, unique service, call our dedicated advisors to arrange your first appointment with one of our highly experienced consultants.

We combine two innovative treatments:

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

Low-level laser therapy* is a non-invasive treatment that aims to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing through the application of low-energy lasers on the skin or wounds. The lasers target individual cells, re-energising them to potentially work more efficiently which consequently helps regulate scar tissue and promote fluid uptake.
The therapy can enhance lymph fluid flow, reduce excessive fluid, and decrease the tendency for scar tissue to adhere to the underlying healthy tissue by enhancing a better remodelling.

Kerecis® omega 3 fish skin therapy

Kerecis® omega 3 fish skin therapy is used to create skin grafts and replace tissue.  It aids the healing of large wounds and ulcers because it’s a natural source and can promote better acceptance in human bodies compared to synthetic materials.

 

Each laser therapy session lasts around 60 minutes.  The lymphoedema therapist will apply the laser device* to specific areas as discussed with the patient.  Treatment time varies for different skin areas.  Generally painless, some patients report a warm or tingling sensation during treatment, but they can resume normal activities immediately after the session.

After the patient’s wound has been assessed and prepared, Kerecis® is implanted in a sterile environment and fitted into the wound, followed by the application of an appropriate dressing.  Patients receive a dressing change schedule to follow post-procedure.

The laser therapy has shown a substantial reduction in swelling for lymphoedema patients, particularly in breast cancer patients.* Typically swelling has reduced within four weeks of therapy.  As a result of reducing tissue tightness, the laser therapy can also increase patient’s joints’ range of motion.

Fish skin therapy helps to increase the healing rate of ulcers and potentially reduces the number of amputations, especially in diabetic patients, when used alongside standard care.

Although the effects can vary, many patients have experienced reduced swelling and enhanced healing over a period of four to six weeks, with noticeable improvements often starting from day four or week two of treatment.

A team of specialists, including consultants and trained tissue viability nurses, oversees the therapy to maintain the highest standards of care.

Whilst awaiting approval from NICE*, the treatments adhere to UK-licensed laser manufacturer instructions and rigorous governance checks, ensuring high level of patient safety.

Potential risks are clearly communicated to patients, and strategies are in place to minimise them, fostering a safe therapy environment.  

Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon, Mr Abdullah Jibawi has been researching vascular health and says, “In this evolving field, it's crucial to integrate evidence-based treatments with proven methodologies.  Through clinical experience and rigorous research, I've come to understand the multi-faceted nature of vascular disorders. It's not just about treatment; it's about improving the quality of life for every patient. 

“Individualised treatment plans yield the best results in lymphoedema management and incorporation of the latest research, like the potential of low-level laser therapy, into clinical practice is pivotal. This ensures our patients have access to the forefront of vascular care.  The vascular system is intricate, and so should be its care. Every patient's journey is unique, and my commitment is to navigate that journey alongside them, using the most up-to-date evidence-based practices."

*Disclaimer: Photobiomodulation (PBM, also known as low level laser) isn't NICE-approved for lymphoedema as yet. The US National Cancer Institute provides Level I Evidence for using low-level laser in lymphoedema management. Australia's Wound Group assigns it a Grade B recommendation. For  the most up-to-date information and guidance, always refer to our detailed resources and trusted expert opinions.

Here’s what one of our patients, Linda Caprice, said about the complex wound care service:

“I was depressed, in severe pain and advised by the NHS that my foot would have to be amputated to prevent the infection spreading further up the leg. With two young children I was terrified at the prospect. [The] expertise, compassion and care combined with [this] revolutionary treatment saved my foot - but much more than that, the therapy also helped improve and ease symptoms of my lupus. I will be forever grateful and [would] highly recommend.”

To find out more about this lymphoedema and complex wound service, give us a call and speak to one of our dedicated advisors.

When you choose to go private with Runnymede Hospital in Chertsey, you'll benefit from:

• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Support from a dedicated, compassionate multidisciplinary team 
• Flexible appointments at times that are convenient to you
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included  
• Flexible payment plans to help you spread the cost of your care.