Vacuum-sealed mesh graft transplantation in chronic cutaneous ulcers of the lower leg.
BACKGROUND
The covering of defects caused by chronic ulcers on limbs affected by peripheral arterial disease or chronic venous insufficiency is often difficult due to extensive secretion and edema, while chronic bacterial contamination of the wound bed further compromises the conditions for successful healing.


METHODS
Vacuum-sealed dressing (VSD) offers the option of a closed dressing system for moist wound care that assures firm contact with the wound surface and protection against contamination with nosocomial microbes and decontamination of existing bacteria by means of constant drainage of secretion independent of gravity. VSD is particularly useful in difficult wounds featuring extensive secretion and unfavorable localization and offers many advantages over conventional dressing techniques in terms of improved healing of skin transplants. A total of 35 patients with chronic leg ulcers were treated with vacuum-sealed mesh graft transplantation.


RESULTS
Complete healing of the mesh graft transplant was observed in 20 patients (57%). Twelve patients (34%) experienced partial healing (75-90%) of the transplant, while three patients exhibited less than 75% healing of the graft and therefore required a second mesh graft transplantation.


CONCLUSIONS
VSD is a simple, quick and inexpensive technique that promotes excellent healing of skin transplants. It is particularly useful in difficult wounds with extensive secretion and/or contamination or infection.
Halter
G
G
Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. gisela.halter@medizin.uni-ulm.de
Kapfer
X
X
Liewald
F
F
Bischoff
M
M
D000368:Aged; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011140:Polyurethanes; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D014619:Vacuum Curettage; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D011140:Polyurethanes