The use of vacuum assisted closure therapy in the management of Fournier's gangrene

Date

2009-05

Authors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Excerpta Medica - Elsevier Science

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC; Kinetic Concepts, Inc., San Antonio, TX) has been Used to successfully treat a variety of complex Wounds. This technique was investigated for use in managing Fournier's gangrene following initial debridement. METHODS: Ten patients with Fournier's gangrene were treated in this study. After initial surgical debridement, 5 were treated using conventional therapy and 5 were treated with VAC at each dressing change. The effectiveness and cost of VAC for this indication were assessed: patient and physician satisfaction were also determined. RESULTS: Conventional and VAC treatment were equally effective in healing the wounds. The total costs of each treatment were similar. With the use of VAC, patients had fewer dressing changes, less pain, fewer skipped meals, and greater mobility, Hands-on treatment time was decreased for physicians using VAC. CONCLUSIONS: VAC therapy is an effective and economical way to manage Fournier's gangrene. Patients and physicians were more satisfied with VAC therapy than with conventional treatment.

Description

Keywords

Fournier's gangrene, VAC therapy, Negative pressure vacuuming, Wound care, Negative-pressure therapy, Wound control, Skin-grafts, Reconstruction, Device, Ulcers, Flora, Surgery

Citation

Öztürk, E. vd. (2009). "The use of vacuum assisted closure therapy in the management of Fournier's gangrene". American Journal of Surgery, 197(5), 660-665.