Abstract
The purpose of this study is to compare the healing progress in cases with wound healing complications with or without VAC assistance.
From 2005 to 2008, 32 patients with a mean 56 years of age had wound healing complications necessitating for further operative intervention. 26 cases were classified as stage III and 6 cases were classified as stage IV according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. The mean extent of wounds was 7cm2. 17 cases (group A) were treated with repeated removal of necrotic debris. In 15 cases (group B) the VAC device was applied (75mmHg). The 2 groups were compared on the basis of total hospital stay, need for additional operation, and re-infection rates.
Mean hospital stay was 25.2 days in group A and 16.5 days in group B (p< 0.05). 7 cases needed re-operation in group A comparing to 2 in group B (p< 0.05). Re-infection appeared in 5 cases of group A comparing to 1 case of group B (p< 0.05). 1 patient of group B used VAC therapy in lower negative pressure (50mmHg) 6 days post application due to unrelenting pain.
Negative pressure wound therapy is safe and effective. It minimises the total hospital stay, it is associated with lower recurrence, re-infection and re-operations rates, and lowers total cost of therapy.
Correspondence should be addressed to Anastasia C. Tilentzoglou MD, General Secretary of the Board of Directors of HAOST, 20 A. Fleming Str. (N.Filothei), Gr. 15123 Maroussi, Athens Greece. E-mail: info@eexot.gr
