 According to Foundation Director Dr. Sherman, specially prepared maggots were cleared for marketing in 2004 for treating neuropathic (diabetic) foot ulcers, pressure ulcers (bed sores), venous stasis ulcers, and traumatic and post-surgical wounds that failed other forms of conventional therapy.
Juvenile larvae are used because that is the stage of the animal that feeds on dead tissue. The maggots do not actually eat dead tissue, nor is it specifically their "eating" that benefits the wound, Sherman said.
"They liquefy the dead tissue so the wound is cleaned whether the liquefied tissue and debris is eaten or simply drains out of the wound," he said. Larvae, being immature, are unable to reproduce in the wound, he added.
A supply of medicinal maggots costs less than $100, but can save tens of thousands of dollars in surgical and hospital costs.
"It's strange, but some insurance will pay tens of thousands of dollars for an amputation, because it is so common now, but will hesitate or object to paying $100 for maggot therapy," said Sherman, "even though studies demonstrate that medical maggots have saved up to 50 percent of limbs scheduled for amputation due to non-healing wounds."
"I have long wondered why some insurance companies are not eager to pay for maggot therapy instead of more expensive medical or surgical wound care or amputations. After all, maggot therapy is effective, fast, and very inexpensive," Sherman said.
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