ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the efficacy of vacuum assisted closure [VAC] therapy against regular moist wound dressings in reducing the surface area of open chronic wounds by at least 5 mm2 in terms of early closure of wound
Study Design: Randomized controlled trail
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at general surgery department CMH/MH Rawalpindi from Jun 2011 to Dec 2011 over a period of 06 months
Material and Methods: A total of 278 patients [139 in each group] were included in this study. Group A received VAC therapy while moist wound dressings applied in group B
Results: Mean age was 54.9 +/- 7.2 and 53.4 +/- 8.9 years in group A and B, respectively [statistically insignificant [p=0.12]. In group A, 96 patients [69.0%] and in group B 92 patients [66.2%] were male while 43 patients [31.0%] in group A and 47 patients [33.8%] in group B were female the difference being statistically insignificant [p=0.608]. In group A, 63 [45.3%] patients showed significant reduction in the size of the wound while only 41 [29.5%] patients in group B had adequate wound healing at the end of 04 weeks, the difference being statistically significant [p=0.0064]
Conclusion: VAC therapy decreases wound size more effectively than moist wound dressing technique. It definitely reduces hospital stay and ensures early return to work