Abstract

EFFECT OF APAMARGA KSHARA APPLICATION IN THE POSTOPERATIVE WOUND OF A LUMBAR ABSCESS CAVITY: A CASE REPORT

*Dr. Payal Ashish Kela, Dr. Ramesh Vanaji Ahire, Dr. Aparna Abhay Raut

Abstract

Background: Abscess is a Kapha-Pittaja Vrana characterised by localised collection of pus that, in contemporary surgical practice, is managed by incision and drainage (I&D). While I&D relieves the acute septic focus, the resulting open p ostoperative wound often shows delayed granulation, persistent slough, and prolonged healing time. Ayurvedic Shalya Tantra describes Kshara Karma as a para-surgical procedure with Chedana (excision), Bhedana (splitting/opening), Lekhana (scraping) and Shodhana (cleansing) properties, and Apamarga Kshara — prepared from the ash of Achyranthes aspera — is classically indicated for Vidradhi (abscess) and non-healing wounds. Case Presentation: A 45-year-old female presented with a post-incision-and-drainage wound over the lumbar region following surgical drainage of an abscess, with slough and serosanguinous discharge in the wound bed. Local application of Apamarga Kshara (as an aqueous Kshara applied on Kshara-soaked gauze/Ksharaplota) was carried out once daily for 30 days. Outcome: The wound showed progressive debridement of slough, healthy granulation tissue formation, and complete epithelisation by Day 30, with a Unit Healing Time (UHT) of 2 days/cm², and no adverse reaction or recurrence on follow-up. Conclusion: Apamarga Kshara application appears to be a safe, low-cost, and effective adjuvant modality for accelerating debridement and granulation in post-operative abscess wounds, and merits further evaluation through controlled clinical studies.

Keywords: Apamarga Kshara, Vidradhi, Lumbar Abscess, Vrana Ropana, Kshara Karma, Post-operative wound, Wound healing, Case report.