title: Too much vacuum-assisted closure.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. tamdieu@bigpond.com
authors: Tam
authors: T
authors: Dieu
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Leung
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Leong
authors: Wayne
authors: W
authors: Morrison
authors: Heather
authors: H
authors: Cleland
authors: Brett
authors: B
authors: Archer
authors: Andrew
authors: A
authors: Oppy
mesh_terms: 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