Simplified vacuum dressing system: effectiveness and safety in wounds management

Purpose: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has revolutionized wound care, but its high cost reduces the procedure's availability. To solve the problem, streamlined vacuum dressings systems have been proposed, but the utility of these devices has been poorly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate a simplified vacuum dressing system model (SVDM). Methods: Randomized clinical trial in which wounds were treated with SVDM compared to a complex occlusive dressing (silver hydrofiber, SHF). The analyzed outcomes were cleaning, presence of granulation tissue, clinical appearance, and indication for surgical closure of wounds. Results: Fifty injuries were treated (25 in each group), most located on lower limbs. SVDM proved to be more effective than SHF in the evaluated outcomes. Wound recalcitrance reduced the effectiveness of the equipment used. Despite its efficacy, complications occurred, the most frequent related to dressing changes: minor bleeding, foam adherence to a wound bed, and pain. Only for bleeding no favorable risk-benefit ratio was found. There were no severe complications, worsening conditions of injuries, or deaths. Conclusions: SVDM proved to be an effective and acceptably safe device for managing studied wounds.

Uso de VAC en neonatos / Use of VAC in neonates

El objetivo de este trabajo es normatizar el uso de la terapia de presión negativa de heridas complejas en neonatos. La iniciativa surge a partir de la negativa de nuestros proveedores locales de proporcionarnos el material del sistema VAC (cicatrización asistida por vacío), por temor a las posibles complicaciones por su uso en neonatos y escasa bibliografía al respecto. Se presentan 2 casos tratados en neonatos entre 2018 y 2021, y se acompaña de revisión bibliográfica encontrada, de diferente etiología. Con las conclusiones obtenidas, se pretende establecer al VAC como una herramienta terapéutica eficaz en neonatos, de igual manera que se aplica, en toda herida compleja que lo requiera, sin importar la edad del paciente

The goal of this work is to standardize the use of negative pressure therapy for complex wounds in newborns. The initiative arises from the refusal of our local suppliers to provide us with the VAC (vacuum-assisted healing) system material, for fear of possible complications from its use in newborns and little literature about it. There are 2 cases treated in neonates between 2018 and 2021, and it is accompanied by found bibliographic review of different etiology. With the conclusions obtained, it is intended to establish the VAC as an effective therapeutic tool in neonates, just as it is applied, in any complex wound that requires it, regardless of the age of the patient

Negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of surgical site infection in cardiac surgery / Terapia de presión negativa en el tratamiento de la infección del sitio quirúrgico en la cirugía de corazón / Terapia por pressão negativa no tratamento de infecção do sítio cirúrgico em cirurgia cardíaca

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the relationship between epidemiological and clinical characteristics of postoperative cardiac surgery patients undergoing negative pressure wound therapy for the treatment of surgical site infection. Methods: an observational, cross-sectional analytical study including a convenience sample consisting of medical records of patients undergoing sternal cardiac surgery with surgical site infection diagnosed in medical records treated by negative pressure wound therapy. Results: medical records of 117 patients, mainly submitted to myocardial revascularization surgery and with deep incisional surgical site infection (88; 75.2%). Negative pressure wound therapy was used on mean for 16 (±9.5) days/patient; 1.7% had complications associated with therapy and 53.8% had discomfort, especially pain (93.6%). The duration of therapy was related to the severity of SSI (p=0.010) and the number of exchanges performed (p=0.045). Conclusions: negative pressure wound therapy has few complications, but with discomfort to patients.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir la relación entre las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de los pacientes con cirugía cardíaca postoperatoria sometidos a terapia de presión negativa para el tratamiento de la infección del sitio quirúrgico. Métodos: estudio analítico observacional transversal que incluye una muestra de conveniencia que consiste en registros médicos de pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardíaca esternal con infección del sitio quirúrgico diagnosticada en registros médicos tratados con terapia de presión negativa. Resultados: se incluyeron registros médicos de 117 pacientes, que se sometieron principalmente a cirugía de revascularización miocárdica e infección del sitio quirúrgico incisional profundo (88; 75.2%). La terapia de presión negativa se usó en promedio durante 16 (± 9.5) días/paciente; El 1.7% tuvo complicaciones asociadas con la terapia y el 53.8% tuvo molestias, especialmente dolor (93.6%). La duración de la terapia se relacionó con la gravedad de SSI (p=0.010) y el número de intercambios realizados (p=0.045). Conclusiones: la terapia de presión negativa presenta pocas complicaciones, pero con molestias para los pacientes.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever as relações entre as características epidemiológicas e clínicas de pacientes no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca submetidos à terapia por pressão negativa para o tratamento de infecção do sítio cirúrgico. Métodos: estudo observacional, transversal analítico, incluindo uma amostra por conveniência composta por prontuários de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca esternal com infecção do sítio cirúrgico diagnosticada em prontuário, tratada pela terapia por pressão negativa. Resultados: foram incluídos prontuários de 117 pacientes, submetidos principalmente à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio e com infecção do sítio cirúrgico incisional profunda (88; 75.2%). A terapia por pressão negativa foi utilizada em média por 16 (±9.5) dias/paciente; 1.7% tiveram complicações associadas à terapia e 53.8% apresentaram desconforto, principalmente dor (93.6%). O tempo de uso da terapia esteve relacionado à gravidade da ISC (p=0.010) e à quantidade de trocas realizadas (p=0.045). Conclusões: a terapia por pressão negativa apresenta poucas complicações, porém com desconforto aos pacientes.

Reconstrucción de piel cabelluda (SCALP) con injerto de espesor parcial y expansor tisular secundario a mordedura de perro en paciente pediátrico / Reconstruction of SCALP with partial thickness graft and tissue expander following a dog bite in a pediatric patient

Introducción. Los defectos grandes y complejos de piel cabelluda en los pacientes pediátricos representan un reto para el cirujano plástico que se enfrenta a este tipo de lesiones, debido a la dificultad de las técnicas quirúrgicas disponibles en este grupo de edad. El objetivo primario en el manejo de este tipo de heridas es lograr una cobertura adecuada de la bóveda craneana, con el propósito fundamental de prevenir la exposición y desecación ósea y la sepsis. El objetivo secundario será el resultado estético, en el cual se buscará atenuar la alopecia y esconder las cicatrices. Objetivo. El objetivo de este trabajo es dar a conocer el manejo quirúrgico para la reconstrucción de heridas complejas de cuero cabelludo en forma secuencial con buenos resultados estéticos. Material y métodos. Se presenta el caso de masculino de 1 año quien fue víctima de mordedura de perro, presentando herida de espesor total en piel cabelluda en región parietooccipital, con pérdida de cobertura cutánea, reconstrucción primaria con injerto de espesor parcial y en segundo tiempo quirúrgico el uso de expansores tisulares con fines estéticos. Resultados. Posterior a 8 meses con un total de 4 tiempos quirúrgicos (1- lavado quirúrgico, remodelación de bordes, avance de colgajos locales,toma y aplicación de injerto de espesor parcial con fijación por medio de sistema de presión negativa, 2- retiro de sistema de presión negativa, 3- colocación de expansores, 4- retiro de expansores, avance de colgajo occipital y cierre primario) se obtiene un resultado estético favorable. Conclusiones. El manejo de heridas complejas en piel cabelluda en población pediátrica con injertos de espesor parcial ha demostrado eficacia al lograr una cobertura inmediata del defecto con menor morbilidad que otras técnicas, aún más cuando se apoyan de herramientas como el sistema de presión negativa. La reconstrucción posterior con expansores tisulares es aconsejable para lograr la disminución de secuelas.

Introduction. Large and complex scalp defects in pediatric patients represent a challenge for the plastic surgeon who faces this kind of injuries, due to the difficulty of the surgical techniques available in this age group. The primary goal in the management of this kind of wounds is to achieve adequate coverage of the cranial vault, with the main purpose of preventing bone exposure and sepsis. The secondary goal is to reach an aesthetic result, where alopecia can be attenuated, and the scars hidden. Objective. The objective of this work is to present the sequential surgical management for the reconstruction of complex scalp wounds with adequate aesthetic results. Material and methods. We present the case of a 1-year-old child who was bitten by a dog, presenting a full-thickness wound on the scalp in the parieto-occipital region, with skin coverage loss, primary reconstruction with a partial-thickness graft, and in the second surgical procedure, the use of tissue expanders for aesthetic purposes. Results: After 8 months with a total of 4 surgical procedures (1- antisepsis, edges remodeling, local flaps advance, harvesting and application of partial thickness skin graft with negative pressure system, 2- removal of negative pressure system, 3- placement of tissue expanders, 4- removal of tissue expanders, occipital flap advance and primary closure) a favorable aesthetic result is obtained. Conclusions. The management of scalp complex wounds in the pediatric population with partial thickness skin grafts has demonstrated efficacy by achieving immediate coverage of the defect with lower morbidity than other techniques, even more when using tools such as the negative pressure system, subsequent reconstruction with tissue expanders is an option in order to achieve sequelae reduction

Fat grafting associated with negative pressure wound therapy

Abstract Purpose: To describe a case report of FG associated with NPWT in the treatment of complex wound on the distal third of the lower limb with bone exposure. Case Report: A 59-year-old patient with chronic left tibial osteomyelitis since childhood underwent extensive debridement of the distal tibial diaphysis (40% of bone thickness per 10 cm extension) and placement of bioactive glass S53P4. Distal necrosis occurred in the fasciocutaneous flap used as the primary bone coverage. After flap debridement, the case was resolved with FG, directly on the exposed bone and biomaterial, associated with NPWT. Three weeks after the first FG session over bony tissue, 100% granulation was achieved with NPWT. The closure was completed with thin laminated skin graft over the granulated wound area. Discussion: The association of FG and NPWT is not known in the clinical practice. Except for the only one experimental study described by Kao et al.4, the theme was not addressed in the medical literature before. In this clinical case, the result obtained regarding the granulation tissue formation drew attention and prevented the use of more complex flaps such as the microsurgical ones. Accelerated granulation tissue formation was observed, filling an extensive and deep bone defect, even with infected bone and biomaterial. Low morbidity and no complications were observed with the use of FG associated with NPWT. When the grafted fat was compacted with the NPWT, it seemed to behave as a true autologous biological matrix with large amount of cells. To date, scientific studies on fat grafting have focused on the cellular aspect (adipocytes and mesenchymal cells), growth factors and fat differentiation in different tissues. The property of aspirated adipose tissue as a biological matrix seemed to be revealed by the application of NPWT in association with FG. This new roll for the aspirated fat tissue may represent a new research field in plastic surgery.

Continuous peritoneal lavage with vacuum peritoneostomy: an experimental study

OBJECTIVE: Despite advances in diffuse peritonitis treatment protocols, some cases develop unfavorably. With the advent of vacuum therapy, the use of laparostomy to treat peritonitis has gained traction. Another treatment modality is continuous peritoneal lavage. However, maintaining this technique is difficult and has been associated with controversial results. We propose a new model of continuous peritoneal lavage that takes advantage of the features and benefits of vacuum laparostomy. METHOD: Pigs (Landrace and Large White) under general anesthesia were submitted to laparostomy through which a multiperforated tube was placed along each flank and exteriorized in the left and lower right quadrants. A vacuum dressing was applied, and intermittent negative pressure was maintained. Peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) was then infused through the tubes for 36 hours. The stability of peritoneostomy with intermittent infusion of fluids, the system resistance to obstruction and leakage, water balance, hemodynamic and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Fluid disposition in the abdominal cavity was analyzed through CT. RESULTS: Even when negative pressure was not applied, the dressing maintained the integrity of the system, and there were no leaks or blockage of the catheters during the procedure. The aspirated volume by vacuum laparostomy was similar to the infused volume (9073.5±1496.35 mL versus 10165±235.73 mL, p=0.25), and there were no major changes in hemodynamic or biochemical analysis. According to CT images, 60 ml/kg PDS was sufficient to occupy all intra-abdominal spaces. CONCLUSION: Continuous peritoneal lavage with negative pressure proved to be technically possible and may be an option in the treatment of diffuse peritonitis.

A new low-cost negative-pressure wound therapy versus a commercially available therapy device widely used to treat complex traumatic injuries: a prospective, randomized, non-inferiority trial

OBJECTIVES: Negative-pressure wound therapy has been widely adopted to reduce the complexity of treating a broad range of acute and chronic wounds. However, its cost is high. The objective of this study was to evaluate the following two different methods of negative-pressure wound therapy in terms of healing time: a low-cost method of negative-pressure wound therapy (a pressure stabilizer device connected to a hospital wall-vacuum system with a gauze-sealed dressing, USP) and the standard of care (vacuum-assisted closure, VAC). METHODS: This is a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority, unblinded trial. Patients admitted with complex injuries to a trauma center in a public referral hospital who were indicated for orthopedic surgery were randomized to a USP or VAC group. The primary outcome was the time required to achieve a "ready for surgery condition", which was defined as a wound bed with healthy granulation tissue and without necrosis or purulent secretion. Wound bed area contraction, granulation tissue growth and the direct costs of the dressings were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Variation in area and granulation tissue growth were essentially the same between the systems, and healing time was equal between the groups (p=0.379). In both systems, serial debridement increased wound area (p=0.934), and granulation tissue was also increased (p=0.408). The mean treatment cost was US$ 15.15 in the USP group and US$ 872.59 in the VAC group. CONCLUSIONS: For treating complex traumatic injuries, USP was non-inferior to and less expensive than VAC.

Análise crítica do protocolo de tratamento da ferida operatória complicada após esternotomia para cirurgia cardíaca / Analysis of the treatment protocol for sternotomy wound infection after cardiac surgery

Introdução: As complicações de ferida operatória após esternotomia para acessos cirúrgicos para procedimentos cardiovasculares variam desde pequenas deiscências até mediastinite e osteomielite do esterno. Mediastinite e osteomielite do esterno associam-se a alto risco, alta morbidade e altas taxas de mortalidade, além de altas taxas de recidiva. O tratamento nos casos de maior gravidade envolvem internação hospitalar prolongada. A utilização de antibióticos por tempo prolongado, durante a internação, e após a alta, tem impacto importante no custo global do tratamento. Mais recentemente, uma opção de tratamento envolve o amplo debridamento cirúrgico da ferida em centro cirúrgico, preparo do leito da ferida com terapia por pressão negativa, seguida do fechamento da ferida com retalhos miocutâneos ou fasciocutâneos. Aparentemente, essa estratégia traz vantagens como a melhora na qualidade de vida do paciente, menor manipulação e menor incômodo ao doente, menos sobrecarga para os profissionais de saúde envolvidos nos cuidados, menor taxa de recidiva infecciosa e, assim, redução da morbidade do tratamento como um todo. Métodos: O presente estudo tem por objetivo realizar levantamento dos pacientes vítimas dessa grave complicação que tenham sido tratados segundo protocolo desenvolvido e aprimorado no Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (InCor - HCFMUSP), e que tenham sido operados por um mesmo cirurgião plástico, a fim de analisar o perfil epidemiológico, e eventual indicador de pior prognóstico dentre os exames colhidos habitualmente desses pacientes. Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os prontuários dos pacientes atendidos no InCor - HCFMUSP vítimas de infecção de esternotomia durante o ano de 2014. As variáveis analisadas foram comorbidades, intervalo entre abordagens cirúrgicas, valores de Proteína C Reativa (PCR), procedimento empregado no fechamento da ferida, complicações do tratamento, entre outros. Resultados: Os dados são essencialmente descritivos e de caráter epidemiológico: observa-se a incidência de ao menos uma comorbidade em 84% dos pacientes; média de 2,5 procedimentos cirúrgicos por paciente, variando de 1 a 7 procedimentos; queda nos níveis de PCR em 75% dos pacientes já após o primeiro procedimento cirúrgico e mortalidade de 17%, entre outros dados. Conclusão: Os dados analisados nos permitem concluir que o método padronizado adotado trouxe impacto na redução da mortalidade global dos pacientes, além da redução de recidiva e reinternações. Identificamos, ainda, indicadores de pior prognóstico como PCR e leucograma no momento do diagnóstico e indicação da aplicação do protocolo.

Introduction: Surgical wound complications after sternotomy in cardiovascular procedures include small dehiscences, mediastinitis, and sternal osteomyelitis. Mediastinitis and sternal osteomyelitis are high-risk complications associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and recurrence. Treatment of the most severe cases involves prolonged hospitalization. Moreover, the long-term use of antibiotics during hospitalization and after discharge significantly increases the overall cost of treatment. A recent treatment option involves extensive surgical debridement of the surgical wound, treatment of the wound bed with negative pressure therapy, and closure of the wound with myocutaneous or fasciocutaneous flaps. The advantages of this strategy include improvement of the patient's quality of life, less manipulation and less discomfort for the patient, less burden on staff involved in care, lower rate of infection recurrence, and an overall reduction of treatment morbidity. Methods: The objective of this study was to conduct a retrospective survey of patients with surgical wound complications who were treated according to a protocol developed and improved by the Heart Institute of the Clinic Hospital of the School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo­InCor/HC-FM-USP), and who underwent surgery by the same plastic surgeon. The epidemiological profiles and possible indicators of worse prognosis were determined from routine examinations performed on these patients. The medical records of patients treated at InCor/HC-FM-USP who presented with sternotomy infection in 2014 were assessed retrospectively. The analyzed variables included comorbidities, interval between surgical procedures, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, wound closure procedures, and treatment complications, among others. Results: The data are predominantly descriptive and epidemiological. At least one comorbidity was present in 84% of cases. The mean number of surgical procedures per patient was 2.5, ranging from 1 to 7. The CRP levels decreased in 75% of patients after the first surgical procedure, and the mortality rate was 17%. Conclusion: The standardized method adopted significantly decreased the overall mortality and the rates of recurrence and readmission. Indicators of worse prognosis, including CRP levels and the leukogram, were identified at the time of diagnosis and initiation of the treatment protocol.

Effects of vacuum sealing drainage on the treatment of cranial bone-exposed wounds in rabbits

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) on skull exposure wounds in rabbits and to investigate the underlying mechanism of the process. Full-thickness excisional circular wounds 2×2 cm with or without periosteum involvement were created in 88 New Zealand white rabbits (mean body weight: 3.0±0.65 kg). Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: periosteum-intact wounds treated with traditional dressing (p+control), periosteum-intact wounds treated with VSD (p+VSD), periosteum-lacking wounds treated with traditional dressing (p-control) and periosteum-lacking wounds treated with VSD (p-VSD). The wounds treated with traditional dressing were covered with Vaseline gauze, while VSD treatment was accompanied with continuous -120 mmHg pressure. Finally, wound tissues were harvested for analysis of hydroxyproline content and histologic detection. VSD hastened the wound healing process significantly (P<0.05) compared to the corresponding control groups. VSD alleviated the inflammation reaction, accelerated re-epithelialization and facilitated the organization of collagen fibers into neat rows. During the wound healing process, the hydroxyproline content increased overtime [i.e., postoperative days (POD) 7, POD 10 and POD 15] in all four groups, and it peaked in the p+VSD group. VSD also promoted angiogenesis via increasing number and quality of collagen. We concluded that VSD can promote healing in bone-exposed wounds via increasing hydroxyproline content and vessel density, reducing inflammatory responses and generating ordered collagen arrangement.

Comparative study of abdominal cavity temporary closure techniques for damage control / Estudo comparativo de técnicas de fechamento temporário da cavidade abdominal durante o controle de danos

ABSTRACT The damage control surgery, with emphasis on laparostomy, usually results in shrinkage of the aponeurosis and loss of the ability to close the abdominal wall, leading to the formation of ventral incisional hernias. Currently, various techniques offer greater chances of closing the abdominal cavity with less tension. Thus, this study aims to evaluate three temporary closure techniques of the abdominal cavity: the Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy - VAC, the Bogotá Bag and the Vacuum-pack. We conducted a systematic review of the literature, selecting 28 articles published in the last 20 years. The techniques of the bag Bogotá and Vacuum-pack had the advantage of easy access to the material in most centers and low cost, contrary to VAC, which, besides presenting high cost, is not available in most hospitals. On the other hand, the VAC technique was more effective in reducing stress at the edges of lesions, removing stagnant fluids and waste, in addition to acting at the cellular level by increasing proliferation and cell division rates, and showed the highest rates of primary closure of the abdominal cavity.

RESUMO A cirurgia de controle de danos, com ênfase em peritoneostomia, geralmente resulta em retração da aponeurose e perda da capacidade de fechar a parede abdominal, levando à formação de hérnias ventrais incisionais. Atualmente, várias técnicas oferecem maiores chances de fechamento da cavidade abdominal, com menor tensão. Deste modo, este estudo tem por objetivo avaliar três técnicas de fechamento temporário da cavidade abdominal: fechamento a vácuo (Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy - VAC), Bolsa de Bogotá e Vacuum-pack. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura com seleção de 28 artigos publicados nos últimos 20 anos. As técnicas de Bolsa de Bogotá e Vacuum-pack tiveram como vantagem o acesso fácil ao material, na maioria dos centros, e baixo custo, ao contrário do que se observa na terapia a vácuo, VAC, que além de apresentar alto custo, não está disponível em grande parte dos hospitais. A técnica VAC, por outro lado, foi mais eficaz na redução da tensão nas bordas das lesões, ao remover fluidos estagnados e detritos, além de exercer ação a nível celular, aumentando as taxas de proliferação e divisão celular, e apresentou as maiores taxas de fechamento primário da cavidade abdominal.

Abordagem combinada para fechamento de ferida abdominal crônica / Combined approach for chronic abdominal wound

Feridas crônicas com grande área de extensão apresentam grandes dificuldades, tanto para os pacientes quanto para a equipe assistente. Devido à sua alta complexidade, o tratamento geralmente envolve diversos modos de abordagem, bem como um enfoque interdisciplinar. Os cuidados compreendem desde curativos simples e orientações gerais até o ato cirúrgico reconstrutivo final, visando atingir uma cobertura tegumentar adequada. É relatado o tratamento de um paciente de 52 anos, com ferida abdominal crônica e complexa de grandes dimensões, resultante de ressecção de adenocarcinoma de cólon, complicado por fístula entérica de alto débito e deiscência aponeurótica. A associação de múltiplas modalidades de tratamento no cuidado da ferida contribuiu para o controle do trajeto fistuloso, e acelerou o processo de cicatrização e cura da ferida abdominal (AU)

Large-sized chronic wounds present great difficulties, both for patients and for the medical team. Due to its high complexity, treatment usually involves various modes of approach, as well as an interdisciplinary focus. Care ranges from simple bandages and general guidelines to the final reconstructive surgery, aiming to achieve adequate soft tissue coverage. Here we report the treatment of a 52-year-old patient with a chronic and complex large abdominal wound, resulting from resection of adenocarcinoma of the colon complicated by high output enteric fistula and aponeurotic dehiscence. The combination of multiple treatment modalities in wound care contributed to the control of the fistula and accelerated the healing process and healing of the abdominal wound (AU)

Post-thoracotomy wound separation (DEHISCENCE): a disturbing complication

OBJECTIVES: We described the treatment of dehiscence of thoracotomy incisions in patients who underwent thoracic surgery in the present study. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with either partial or complete dehiscence of their thoracotomy incisions were included in the study from 2005 to 2010. The patients were evaluated regarding their age, sex, indication for thoracotomy, and surgical approaches. We also described our method of re-closure. RESULTS: The male/female ratio was 17/7. The youngest and oldest patients were 15 and 75 years old, respectively, and the mean age was 43 years. Among the indications for thoracotomy, empyema was the most common reason (determined in eight [33%] patients), followed by vertebral surgery (determined in six [25%] patients). Bacterial growth was detected in the wound site cultures from 13 (54%) patients. For the patients with dehiscence of their thoracotomy incisions, an en block approximation technique with debridement was performed under general or local anesthesia in 16 (66%) and eight (33%) of the cases, respectively. Three patients exhibited an open thorax with dehiscence of the thoracotomy incision. Thoracoplasty was required in two patients. Using this method, successful closure was obtained in 91.7% (n = 22) of the patients with dehiscence of their thoracotomy incisions. CONCLUSION: Dehiscence of the thoracotomy incision is an important complication that causes concern in patients and their thoracic surgeons and strongly affects the success of the surgery. An en block approximation technique with significant debridement that enables removal of the necrotic tissues from the wound site can successfully be applied to patients with dehiscence of their thoracotomy incisions.

Tratamiento de defectos de cobertura en los miembros con el sistema de presión negativa en pacientes con cultivo positivo / Negative pressure to treat coverage defects in the extremities in patients with positive cultures

Introducción: La presión negativa para tratar heridas fue propuesta por Fleischmann. El sistema (basado en succión para llenar una cavidad con tejido de granulación), elimina líquidos, mejora la circulación y estimula la proliferación de granulación. Materiales y métodos: Se trataron 31 pacientes con defecto de cobertura entre octubre de 2004 y octubre de 2009, con un seguimiento promedio de 10 meses. Dos no completaron el seguimiento y 4 presentaron cultivo negativo; estos últimos integraron el grupo de control. Resultados: El uso del sistema de presión negativa (SPN) produjo una capa de granulación sobre el hueso, los tendones o los implantes que posibilitó su cierre primario y la cobertura con injertos de piel o colgajos locales, aun en pacientes con cultivos positivos. El mayor tiempo que se utilizó el sistema fue de 22 días y cinco fue el mayor número de veces que se debieron realizar cambios del sistema en un mismo paciente. Conclusiones: El SPN elimina detritos, incluidos los mediadores inflamatorios. Al mejorar el ambiente local se acelera su curación en comparación con los métodos tradicionales. Esto permite realizar el cierre con métodos simples y evitar los colgajos microvascularizados. En los pacientes con infección favorecería la llegada de antibióticos a la herida. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la duración del tratamiento de los pacientes con cultivo positivo o negativo.

Background: Negative pressure to treat wounds was advocated by Fleischmann. The system (based on suction to fill a cavity with granulation tissue), removes fluids, improves circulation and stimulates granulation tissue proliferation. Methods: Thirty-one patients with coverage defects weretreated between October 2004 and October 2009, with 10 months average follow up. Two of them were lost tofollow up and four had negative cultures; the latter were used as a control group.Results: The N.P.S. (Negative Pressure System) produced a layer of granulation tissue on bone, tendons, or implants that allowed for primary closure, and coverage with skin grafts or local flaps, even in patients with positive cultures. The longest time the system was used were 22 days, and five were the most changes that had to be made to the system in the same patient. Conclusions: The N.P.S. removes debris, includinginflammatory mediators. Improving the local environment enhances healing compared to traditional methods. Thisallows for wound closure with simple methods, avoiding microvascular flaps. In infected wound patients, it wouldfavor the administration of antibiotics to the wound. No significant differences were noted in treatment duration inpatients with either positive or negative cultures.

Tratamiento de las fístulas colocutáneas mediante sistema de vacio y compactación / Colocutaneous fistula treatment with vacuum pack system

Introducción: Las fístulas colocutáneas representan una patología grave que requiere un tratamiento complejo e intervención multidisciplinaria adaptada a cada caso en particular. Los objetivos de esta presentación son evaluar la factibilidad de la utilización de un método no quirúrgico de tratamiento de esta patología, el tiempo de cierre parietal y la restitución de la ingesta. Diseño: presentación de casos. Pacientes y método: Durante el período comprendido entre el 1 de enero de 2007 y el 30 de abril de 2009 se trataron con sistema de vacío y compactación 9 pacientes con fístulas colocutáneas, 3 hombres y 6 mujeres. La media etaria fue de 55 años con un rango entre 18 y 73. El método se aplicó tanto en el ámbito privado como en el hospitalario. El tratamiento quirúrgico definitivo de esta patología será motivo de otra presentación. Resultados: la aplicación de un método conservador y la oportunidad quirúrgica dependen inicialmente del estado general del paciente y de la forma de presentación de la fístula. En aquellos casos en que se decide el tratamiento quirúrgico como primera opción debe priorizarse el cierre abdominal seguro ya que es clave para evitar la recidiva de la fístula. La mortalidad global continúa elevada en pacientes fistulizados con factores agravantes. Se logro el cierre de la fístula en 8 de 9 pacientes. El tiempo de cierre y de cicatrización parietal completa disminuyeron con el sistema de vacío y compactación y fue posible la alimentación rápida y segura desde el comienzo del tratamiento. Conclusiones: La estrategia debe adecuarse a cada caso en forma individual. El SI.VA.CO. demostró ser una herramienta segura y costo-efectiva en el tratamiento de las fistulas colocutáneas de pacientes seleccionados para tratamiento conservador, definitivo o temporizador.

Introduction: Colocutaneous fistula represents a serious problem that require complex and multidisciplinary treatment adapted to each case. The objectives of this presentation are to evaluate the feasibility of using a nonsurgical method of treatment of this condition, the wall closure time and the return of the oral intake. Desing: case report presentation. Patients and methods: between January 1st, 2007 and April 30, 2009 were treated with vacuum and compaction system 9 patients with colocutaneuos fistula, 3 men and 6 women. The mean age was 55 years ranging between 18 and 73. The definitive surgical treatment of this condition will be grounds for another presentation. Results: fistula closure was possible in 8 of 9 patients. The closure time and full wall healing decreased with vacuum system compaction and oral intake was possible and safe from the start of treatment. Conclusions: The strategy should be tailored to each case individually. Vacuum system proved to be secure and cost-effective in patients selected for conservative treatment, definitive and those who needed time to get better conditions for a surgical approach.

Negative pressure therapy (vacuum) for wound bed preparation among diabetic patients: case series / Terapia por pressão negativa (vácuo) no preparo do leito da ferida em pacientes diabéticos: série de casos

CONTEXT: Complications from diabetes mellitus affecting the lower limbs occur in 40 to 70 percent of such patients. Neuropathy is the main cause of ulceration and may be associated with vascular impairment. The wound evolves with necrosis and infection, and if not properly treated, amputation may be the end result. Surgical treatment is preferred in complex wounds without spontaneous healing. After debridement of the necrotic tissue, the wound bed needs to be prepared to receive a transplant of either a graft or a flap. Dressings can be used to prepare the wound bed, but this usually leads to longer duration of hospitalization. Negative pressure using a vacuum system has been proposed for speeding up the treatment. This paper had the objective of analyzing the effects of this therapy on wound bed preparation among diabetic patients. CASE SERIES: Eighty-four diabetic patients with wounds in their lower limbs were studied. A commercially available vacuum system was used for all patients after adequate debridement of necrotic tissues. For 65 patients, skin grafts completed the treatment and for the other 19, skin flaps were used. Wound bed preparation was achieved over an average time of 7.51 days for 65 patients and 10 days for 12 patients, and in only one case was not achieved. CONCLUSIONS: This experience suggests that negative pressure therapy may have an important role in wound bed preparation and as part of the treatment for wounds in the lower limbs of diabetic patients.

CONTEXTO: Complicações do diabetes mellitus que afetam os membros inferiores ocorrem em 40 a 70 por cento dos pacientes. A neuropatia é a principal causa de ulceração e pode estar associada com problemas vasculares. A ferida evolui com necrose e infecção, e se não for corretamente tratada poderá terminar em amputação. O tratamento cirúrgico é preferido em feridas complexas, quando não há cicatrização espontânea. Após desbridamento cirúrgico do tecido necrótico do leito da ferida este precisa ser preparado para receber um transplante, seja um enxerto ou um retalho. Curativos podem ser usados para o preparo do leito da ferida, mas frequentemente levam a um longo tempo de hospitalização. A pressão negativa usada através de um sistema vácuo foi proposta para acelerar o tempo de tratamento. O presente trabalho teve como finalidade analisar os efeitos desta terapia no preparo do leito de feridas em pacientes diabéticos. SÉRIE DE CASOS: Oitenta e quatro pacientes diabéticos com feridas em membros inferiores foram estudados. Um sistema vácuo de uso comercial foi utilizado em todos os pacientes após adequado desbridamento de tecidos necróticos. Em 65 pacientes enxertos de pele completaram o tratamento e em outros 19 retalhos cutâneos. O preparo do leito da ferida foi conseguido, em média, em 7,51 dias em 65 pacientes, em 10 dias para 12 pacientes e em somente um caso não foi efetivo. CONCLUSÃO: A experiência sugere que a terapia por pressão negativa possa ter um papel importante no preparo do leito e como parte do tratamento de feridas nos membros inferiores de pacientes diabéticos.

Sistema de aspiración-tracción en el tratamiento de la fasciitis necrotizante del periné / Negative pressure wound therapy for the treatment of perineal necrotizing fasciitis

Introducción: Se discuten 5 pacientes tratados en nuestra institución. Además del aseo quirúrgico con desbridamiento inicial y terapia antibiótica, utilizamos el sistema de aspiración-tracción (SAT) como parte de su tratamiento. Pacientes y métodos: El SAT fue manufacturado artesanalmente con material disponible en el hospital. Después de que el diagnóstico de fasciitis necrotizante del periné fue establecido, todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a aseo quirúrgico y desbridamiento del tejido necrótico. La herida fue cubierta con el SAT quedando a presión negativa bajo aspiración central. Tiempo después, cuando la herida se encontraba limpia y no se requerían de otros aseos quirúrgicos o curaciones bajo anestesia en pabellón, los pacientes fueron sometidos a curaciones locales. En el momento que se logró buen tejido de granulación, se dejó de utilizar el SAT y se continuó con curaciones planas. Cuando la herida empezó a contraerse, aproximamos los bordes con puntos separados de Nylon y dejamos que cerrara por segunda intención. Conclusión: El uso del SAT constituye otra opción válida para el manejo de la herida que deja el aseo quirúrgico y desbridamiento de la gangrena perineal, además provee un mejor manejo de la herida con mayor comodidad para el paciente.

lntroduction: We discuss five patients treated at our institution. Besides the initial surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy, we used the negative-pressure wound therapy (NPVVT) as part of their treatment. Patients and methods: The NPVVT device was constructed with off-the-shelf components. After the diagnosis of perineal necrotizing fasciitis was established, all patients underwent surgical debridement of necrotic tissue. The wound was closed with the NPVVT system and left under negative-pressure central aspiration. After the wound was clean and no more surgical debridements were necessary, patients underwent local treatment. When they achieved granulation tissue, simple dressings were used. When the wound was contracting, we approximated the edges with an interrupted suture of Nylon, and allowed to heal by second intention. Conclusion: The use of NPWT stands as another valid option to manage the wound left after surgical debridement of the perineal gangrene and provides better and more comfortable management of the wound.