reduction in wound size, a reduction in malodour, reduction or elimination of wound pain. these results correlate well with the patients’ reports of improvement in quality of life and a reduction in the number of nursing visits. in addition, the wound cleansing effects of prontosan with achieving a visible wound bed was reported by the author and linked to the removal of wound biofilm. although this association is speculative it does appear to correspond with the other reported improvements found in these wounds. conclusions wound bed preparation is an accepted strategy that facilitates wound management interventions. management of wound exudate, bioburden and debridement are all associated with effective wound cleansing and are thus integral components of effectual wound bed preparation. choice of cleansing solution should consider not only the piecemeal wound requirements but also the patient and be reinforced by a sound knowledge/experience base. this knowledge should include insight into bacterial phenotype 'behavior' and the most appropriate methods of management. current findings indicate that phmb in conjunction with a surfactant (betaine) is superior to ringer's solution and saline when used as wound cleansers and also appears to demonstrate efficacy when used in wounds where biofilms are suspected or present.