Evaluating the Outcome of Vacuum Assisted Closure of Surgical Wound - A Retrospective Single Centre Review

Ikechi CO, Mohamed H, Shah A, Wilson S, Pangeni A, Fernandes R and Shrestha AK

Department of General Surgery, William Harvey Hospital, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust, UK

^*Correspondance to: Chijioke Ikechi 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2649

Abstract

Background: Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) is a non-invasive, active wound management system that subjects a wound bed to sub-atmospheric pressure within a closed environment. It is widely accepted for a variety of open abdomen and non-healing chronic wounds. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of VAC for surgical wounds in a District General Hospital (DGH). Method: A retrospective review on prospectively-collected data of 40 patients was conducted over a period of January 2018 to February 2019, recording patient demographics, diagnosis, comorbidities, indications for the application of VAC, duration of therapy and adverse events. All adult surgical patients that required VAC were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were patients from other non-general surgical specialties and patients with bed sores. Result: A 40 patients (M:F 16:24) with a median age of 62 (30-96) years were included in the study. Median Body Mass Index (BMI) of patients was 27 (19.2-44). 28%, 62% and 10% had a BMI less than 25, between 25-35 and above 35. The VAC application was mostly (75% n=31) used for anterior abdominal. Wound dimensions revealed a median length of 7 cm (range 3-20) and median width of 4 cm (range 1-31). Two patients (4.7%) had recorded complications. Conclusion: VAC in the management of wounds was noted to be a safe. The use of VAC in the center yielded low a complication rate and achieved good healing outcomes. Therefore, the use of VAC should be considered if indicated.

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Cite the article

Ikechi CO, Mohamed H, Shah A, Wilson S, Pangeni A, Fernandes R, et al. Evaluating the Outcome of Vacuum Assisted Closure of Surgical Wound - A Retrospective Single Centre Review. Clin Surg. 2019; 4: 2649..