Alleviating the Need for Free Flap Transfer through the Exemplary Use of Vacuum-Assisted Closure

Abstract

Background: Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) is a technique applied to various difficult cases for the treatment of acute and chronic injuries. Based on this technique, open-cell foam is applied to a suitable wound by adding a cover of adhesive dressing and then applying sub-atmospheric pressure to that wound orderly.
Aim: The main goal of this work is to alleviate the need for free flap transfer through the exemplary use of vacuum-assisted closure.
Patients and Methods: This study was carried out at Azadi teaching hospital during the period from March 2014 to August 2018. The sample consisted of 35 patients where their ages ranged between (10-58) years. The VAC technique was applied to the chronic and acute wounds to which skin graft is not applicable.
Results: A total of 35 wound sites were managed with the VAC technique. The wounds were converted from an unacceptable wound to one that can hold skin graft orderly within (10-15) days.
Conclusion: The VAC opposes the wound surface, accelerates granulation tissue in a way that can accept split skin graft.