Bromelain-Based Enzymatic Debridement of a Third-Degree Burn to Skin-Grafted Bowel

Burn injuries over previously grafted tissue present a formidable challenge for excision and debridement, particularly when there are critical underlying structures such as bowel. Enzymatic debridement with the recently approved anacaulase-bcdb, a bromelain-based enzymatic debridement gel (Nexobrid^®), presents an additional method of burn excision that may be useful in such a situation. This brief report presents the management of a complex third-degree burn over a remotely skin-grafted bowel mass using anacaulase-bcdb gel. This report is written with documented patient consent and approval by the Human Research Protection Program office in compliance with institutional policy. A 52-year-old man presented to our level I burn center with a third-degree 3% total body surface area contact burn to a remotely skin-grafted bowel mass. The patient was admitted with the decision to proceed with anacaulase-bcdb debridement of his wound to minimize the risk of compromising his underlying bowel. The patient underwent the debridement without any sign of succus emanating from the wound. Post-debridement, he was transitioned to a negative pressure wound dressing and discharged home. He continued receiving wound care at clinic follow-ups and eventually underwent complex open ventral hernia repair. This brief report provides a safe alternative to operative excision of wounds with underlying critical structures.