Larval Therapy Prevents Diabetic Foot Amputation and Receives National Recognition in Paraguay

Hospital de Clínicas successfully prevented a diabetic foot amputation by applying larval therapy, an innovative technique that uses larvae from the Lucilia sericata fly, known locally as “mberú hovy”. The procedure was implemented on a 68-year-old female patient with multiple comorbidities, including advanced diabetes, heart disease, and kidney failure.

The patient presented with a gangrenous and infected ulcer and had already received surgical recommendations at other medical centers. The medical team decided to apply larval therapy as a last resort, which successfully saved the limb. This technique involves introducing larvae that feed exclusively on dead tissue, effectively cleaning the wound and accelerating the healing process.

The treatment was performed by the Diabetic Foot Unit and the First Chair of Surgical Clinic at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the National University of Asunción. According to Dr. Jorge Flores, the training acquired in Japan and Germany was key to adapting the protocol to the local context.

This alternative approach has proven effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, representing a less invasive, lower-cost, and more accessible solution for patients with high surgical risk. The larval applications were performed twice during the process, successfully stabilizing the patient and avoiding surgery.

The technique received multidisciplinary support, including professionals from veterinary medicine, biochemistry, and podiatry. Faculty members Eusebia Benítez and Camila Oviedo were also part of the team, along with medical students who collaborated in clinical monitoring.

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The Chamber of Deputies recently honored Hospital de Clínicas for this contribution to medical science and strengthening of the public health system. The resolution valued the research effort and its social impact in preserving limbs in critical patients.

The case was documented in the scientific journal Anales de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. This experience adds to other advances promoted by the institution, such as the use of stem cells and biological patches, reaffirming their commitment to innovative and humanized medicine.

El artículo en español aquí.