Vacuum Assisted Wound Closure for Management of Different Types of Wounds
Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Vacuum assisted closure with routine wound dressings for different types of wounds like traumatic wounds, specially open fractures of the lower limbs, post surgical wound dehiscence, gunshot wounds, diabetic foot wounds, deep burn wounds, pressure ulcers and chronic fistula wounds. Patients and Methods: Forty one patients with different types of acute, subacute and chronic wounds were treated by routine wound dressings and VAC therapy. We used 4 Vacuum assisted closure machines and the study lasted for about 2 years in the Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Results: The Vacuum assisted closure dressing is an important effective tool in the treatment of acute, sub acute and chronic wounds. Vacuum assisted closure effectiveness was found to be better than the usual routine dressings, resources were better utilized and costs were decreased. Conclusion: Despite the significant costs involved, the Vacuum assisted closure technique has proved to be more effective and better in financial terms when compared to conventional treatments in the management of difficult to heal acute traumatic, sub acute and chronic wounds.