Yamen Al-Fathil
Introduction
Overgranulation is a common complication of cutaneous wound healing, and is seen when normal healthy granulation tissue exceeds beyond the peri-wound surface. It represents a risk factor for infection, scarring, and chronic wound development. Multiple modalities of treating these wounds are described but currently no systematic review reporting on the evidence behind the various management strategies employed for hypergranulated wounds exists in the literature
Methods
We performed a systematic review of all available primary evidence for management of hypergranulation in adult human cutaneous wounds. Search methodology was curated with an experienced health librarian across multiple bibliographic databases.
Result
We identified 2910 studies on initial search from 1974 to 15th January 2025. On screening 55 studies met our inclusion criteria. Studies were assessed against inclusion/exclusion criteria by two reviewers (YF, SM).
Conclusion
There is currently a lack of evidence in hypergranulation management for cutaneous wounds. Current studies are limited by low sample populations, subjective outcome measures, and mostly limited to observational studies and case reports with few controlled trials. Assessment of literature is limited by heterogeneity in treatment modality and outcome reporting. Topical steroids represented the most common method reported in management of overgranulation, further research is required before recommendations can be made.
Authors
Yamen Al-Fathil, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland