Our Initial Experience with VAC Suction in the Management of Infected Wounds: A Prospective Study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Management of infected wounds is notalways simple and easy. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) isa wound healing therapy that utilizes a dressing system thatcontinuously or intermittently applies a negative pressure tothe wound surface. Our aim was to assess the Feasibility andadvantages of simplified version of otherwise costly VAC, orsimple suction drainage in selected cases.Material and methods: This prospective study was conductedin the unit 2nd of department of surgery at SMHS hospital, anassociated hospital GMC Srinagar, over a period of 3 yearsfrom January 2014 to December 2016. During this period, 32patients were subjected to vacuum suction treatment and wereincluded in this study.Results: Wall suction (VAC) was used in 26 patients. MiniVac drain (USG guided) was used in 5 cases. In one patient ofscalp infection conventional large size suction drain was used.The time taken for the wounds to become healthy was 3 to7(average 3.5) days of VAC dressing or suction drainage. Noantibiotics were given during suction drainage in 21 patients.Need for grafting by split skin grafting method was felt in only2 patients. Mild discomfort (abnormal sensation) was reportedin 21 patients. Hospital stay for patients managed by suctiontherapy ranged from12 hours (breast abcess) to 16 days withan average of 7 days. The total cost incurred in the patientsundergoing VAC for a period of 15 days per patient was Rs.800 ($ 12).Conclusion: VAC seems to have revolutionary potential inthe management of the difficult to treat infected wounds asfar as its safety, speed and cost-effectiveness are considered.