Maggot debridement in modern medicine

Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) has been used for more than 60 years in the US for treating various soft-tissue wounds. The use of MDT is increasing in cases of nonhealing wounds that are recalcitrant to other forms of medical or surgical treatment. Blow fly larvae are effective for debridement and disinfection of wounds. Wound healing using MDT results in marked improvement compared with many other forms of debridement. This investigator's institution has effectively used MDT as a treatment modality for pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and other chronic soft-tissue wounds.