Sickle Cell: Nigerian Surgeon Develops Therapy For Ulcers

A plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon with Hafar Al-batin Central, Hospital, Saudi Arabia, Dr Ayodele Ogunkeyede, has developed a novel compression therapy for sickle cell anemia chronic leg ulcers.

Ogunkeyede who spoke about his discovery during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State, explained that the development was through extensive research and innovative thinking.
The surgeon said he developed a pioneering technique utilising compression therapy in 2015.

“The compression therapy involves applying a special bandage to squeeze and compress out stagnant blood from the legs and thereby allowing blood to flow better. This process accelerates healing, so wounds that never healed are made to heal within weeks, ” Ogunkeyede said.

He said that the procedure has offered a ray of hope to those afflicted by this challenging condition, adding that, “Ulcers that once took years to heal can now be resolved within a mere three to six months due to this innovative approach. The cost of the bandages was very high, but with my intervention, of manufacturing and importing the bandages, the cost was now affordable.”

Ogunkeyede said his passion in the field had been his motivation in the innovation in the field of sickle cell disease (SCD) treatment.

“As both a leading surgeon and a pivotal member of the central working committee for the Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation, I have dedicated my career to advancing treatment strategies and improving outcomes for SCD patients worldwide,” he said.

The expert said the treatment had revolutionized the healing process of chronic leg ulcers, which is a debilitating complication that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life.

Ogunkeyede said the groundbreaking work had been disseminated through publications in prestigious scientific journals and presentations at esteemed conferences including, the Sickle Cell Disease American Association’s 2018 annual conference.

He disclosed that many healthcare givers in Nigeria had been trained and equipped on how to administer compression therapy techniques effectively, thus ensuring that patients receive optimal care and support.