Stem Cells in the Treatment of Chronic Wounds
Diabetic foot, burns, varicose veins, bed sores and infection-induced wounds can be treated with stem cell application. Since the stem cells are produced from the patient's own blood, no side effects are seen and even short-term healing can be achieved, even for years of uninjured wounds.
What is the stem cell?
The stem cell is an undifferentiated cell that can be transformed into different cell types. These cells form the basic structure of the embryo, but are found in the body after birth. In adult life, the main tissues of stem cells are; Bone marrow, fat tissue and blood.
What does the stem cell do?
Cells that play a role in the closure of a wound come from cells called fibroblasts, collagen-producing cells, endothelial-forming cells, and cells forming the deep layer called keratocytes. When stem cells obtained from bone marrow or fat tissue are given to this region, the stem cell is transformed into the required cell types according to the conditions of that region and the wound healing is markedly accelerated.
Why the stem cell?
"What type of cell is needed, why is not it given directly to that cell? In the end, will the stem cell not turn into that cell again? "Questions come to mind. Of course, all this is possible, even today in the process of skin patching is done, but the same age cells are brought there. That is, cells with decreased capacity to reproduce and produce collagen are given. However, the cells that form when stem cells are given are truly newborn cells.
Where do stem cells come from?
Fat tissue and bone marrow are the most commonly used sources. Fat tissue is removed by a miniature liposuction procedure. The bone marrow is removed from the pelvic bone by means of an injector after it has been anesthetized. In fact, the so-called bone marrow is a bloodstone from this region. Both processes are fairly simple and dangerous.
How much time does stem cell application take?
Once the adipose tissue or bone marrow has been removed, the stem cells in these tissues are removed in special systems and collected in 1-2 ml of liquid. This process takes about 2-3 hours. The obtained stem cells are immediately given to the wound area. Then the patient becomes discharged and can return to work and social life in a short time.
When is stem cell therapy done?
In wound treatment, stem cells are not the first choice. With the treatment of underlying diseases, good wound care and regular checks, most of the wounds can heal. The stem cell is used for all those wounds that do not respond to these procedures.
Stem cell therapy should be performed in specialized doctors and fully equipped centers.
5 March 2021
25 January 2017
