Abstract
Introduction: Non-healing ulcers are a major health problem globally and affect the individual personally, professionally and socially. They also pose a burden on the individual and the health care system. Refractory non-healing ulcers are one of the major cause of lower limb amputations attributable to non-traumatic etiology. Wound healing requires frequent and regular dressings which can be done either by conventional method or by Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC).
Aim of the study: To evaluate custom made VAC therapy efficacy as compared to conventional dressings in the treatment of non-healing ulcers.
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients with non-healing ulcers were put equally into two groups as Group A with 30 patients who received (VAC) dressings and 30 patients in Group B who were given conventional dressings.The cause of the ulcers, the effectiveness of VAC, the cost of treatment, the duration of hospital stay and patient satisfaction were studied and compared.
Results: The VAC group had improved wound healing and better patient satisfaction as compared to the conventional dressing group.
Conclusion: The application of Vacuum Assisted Closure to non-healing wounds is a good alternative to conventional dressings. It facilitates better wound healing and is cost effective and has overall benefits as compared to conventional dressings.
Keywords: Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC), Non-healing ulcers, Conventional Dressings, Diabetic Ulcers, Pressure Sores.
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Corresponding Author
Dr Vijaya Lakshmi Manubolu
Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, NRIIMS, Visakhapatnam, India
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v10i11.01
