COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VACUUM ASSISTED CLOSURE V/S CONVENTIONAL DRESSINGS IN ULCER

*Dr. Jagjeevan Ram T. K. and Dr. Shivani Tyagi

ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic wounds result in significant functional impairment, reduction in quality of life, and large financial costs for patients and the health care system. This study intends to establish the efficacy of VAC in comparison with conventional dressings in wound healing. Methods: The study was conducted at general surgery wards of Navodaya Medical College and Hospital. After debridement of the wound vacuum assisted dressing was applied. Control group was given conventional dressing. Results: In the study sample 20% patients were less than 50 years, 76% belonged to 51-70 age group and 4% were more than 71 years of age, 70% male and 30% female. Wounds were located in the foot 64%, leg 32%, sole 2% and forearm 2%. In 5 days 35% of granulation tissue formed in VAC dressing whereas only 10% in case control. Similarly, in 10 days it was 45% for VAC and 25% in case control. Finally, in 15 days it was 68% in case of VAC and 40% in case control. Conclusions: VAC results in better healing, with few serious complications, and a promising alternative for the management of various wounds.

Keywords: Wound healing, wound dressing, vacuum assisted closure (VAC), Negative pressure wound therapy.