Too much vacuum-assisted closure.
There has been an explosion in the use of the vacuum-assisted closure device since 1997. Selectively and judiciously used, it is a valuable tool. However, we are concerned by the expanding list of 'indications' for its use. Prolonged applications, frequently several weeks, at the expense of early surgical reconstruction, might compromise the outcome in selected cases. We report four cases that illustrate this problem and stress the importance of timely surgical reconstruction utilizing the range of reconstructive techniques available as well as vacuum-assisted closure dressing.
Dieu
Tam
T
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. tamdieu@bigpond.com
Leung
Michael
M
Leong
James
J
Morrison
Wayne
W
Cleland
Heather
H
Archer
Brett
B
Oppy
Andrew
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000628:therapy*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000628:therapy*; D014618:Vacuum; D014945:Wound Healing