title: Vacuum-assisted closure of complex perineal wounds.
abstract: The Vacuum-assisted Closure device decreases the time to wound healing, thus increasing the deposition of granulation tissue, and decreasing the use of wound care specialists. Perineal wounds present a special challenge. We present four cases of complex perineal wounds in which the Vacuum-assisted Closure device was used. In each case, wound care was simplified and healing accelerated. The Vacuum-assisted Closure device allows earlier wound closure, early skin grafting (with improved graft adherence), earlier hospital discharge, and earlier return to baseline functional status. Its use in the perineum presents a challenge, but with proper application, even the most complex perineal wounds can be healed.
authors.affiliation: Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA. fap5q@yahoo.com
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Schaffzin
authors.forename: Jennifer M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Stahl
authors.forename: Lee E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001458:Bandages; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014618:Vacuum; D014945:Wound Healing