Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Various surgical methods have been developed to obtain coverage in these difficult situations. The present study was conducted to assess role of vacuum assisted closure therapy in chronic wounds. Materials & Methods: 74 cases of chronic wounds of both genderswas enrolled. A thorough local examination was carried out. Procedure involves wound preparation, placement of white foam (PVA - Polyvinyl alcohol) & black foam; sealing with drapes and application of pressure. Parameters such as size of wound, etiology, Gustilo Anderson classificationand bacterial growth was recorded. Results: Out of 74 patients, males were 30 and females were 44. Size of wound was 1-4.9mm in 20, 5-9.9mm in 35 and >10mm in 19 patients. Etiology was RTA in 52, machinery injury in 15 and fall from height in 7 cases. Gustilo Anderson classificationgrade IIIb was seen in 41, grade IIIc in 25, grade IIIa in 5 and grade II in 3 cases. Bacterial growth on day 0 was seen in 74, on day 4 in 56 and on day 8in 28 patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Vacuum assisted closure therapy is treatment of choice in infected / non – healing wounds. It prepares wounds for closure via split thickness skin grafting or secondary closure in lesser time leading to less overall morbidity with decreased hospital stay.