Efficacy of vacuum assisted closure in management of open wounds as compared to moist wound dressing-experience at CMH rawalpindi

Objective: To compare the efficacy of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) therapy against regular moist wound dressings in reducing the surface area of open chronic wounds by at least 5 mm/sup 2/ in terms of early closure of wound. Study Design: Randomized controlled trail. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at general surgery department CMH/MH Rawalpindi from Jun 2011 to Dec 2011 over a period of 06 months. Material and Methods: A total of 278 patients (139 in each group) were included in this study. Group A received VAC therapy while moist wound dressings applied in group B. Results: Mean age was 54.9 +-7.2 and 53.4 +- 8.9 years in group A and B, respectively (statistically insignificant (p=0.12). In group A, 96 patients (69.0 percent) and in group B 92 patients (66.2 percent) were male while 43 patients (31.0 percent) in group A and 47 patients (33.8 percent) in group B were female the difference being statistically insignificant (p=0.608). In group A, 63 (45.3 percent) patients showed significant reduction in the size of the wound while only 41 (29.5 percent) patients in group B had adequate wound healing at the end of 04 weeks, the difference being statistically significant (p=0.0064). Conclusion: VAC therapy decreases wound size more effectively than moist wound dressing technique. It definitely reduces hospital stay and ensures early return to work. (author)