IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-7-7-16155 Original Research Paper Effectiveness of Vacuum-assisted closure of a wound in a Tertiary Care Hospital Amita Jain Dr. July 2018 7 7 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Introduction: Delayed wound healing causes significant health problem, particularly in older and immune–compromised adults. In addition to the

pain and suffering, failure of the wound to heal also imposes social cost. Vacuum–assisted closure (VAC) therapy incorporates the use of negative
pressure to optimise conditions for wound healing and requires fewer painful dressing changes and outcome is more better.
Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. Scheduled elective wound closure procedures were reviewed from May 2017 to April
2018.
Results: Out of 82 scheduled wound closure surgeries, 55 ( 68 %) were done by Vacuum–assisted closure (VAC) therapy. The study revealed the for
management of pressure sores and ulcers, Significant difference could be detected between VAC and use of traditional gauze dressings. Wound
managed with VAC significantly decreased by 31 % in surface area as opposed to those managed with saline–moistened gauze, which increased by
10.5% (p=0.004). VAC therapy appeared to be more effective than Opsite and bolster dressings in skin graft management. Patients managed with
VAC had increased rate of reepithelialisation and fewer patients required repeat split thickness skin graft to the same site. VAC was more effective
at treating various chronic and complex wounds than WM gauze, as there was a significantly greater reduction in wound volume, depth and
treatment duration.
Conclusions: VAC is a good , more promising , simple to use and appears to be a promising alternative for the management of various wound types.