Mechanics of wound healing and importance of Vacuum Assisted Closure in urology.
OBJECTIVE
We discuss the mechanisms of wound healing and our experience with the Vacuum Assisted Closure device (Kinetic Concepts, Inc., San Antonio, Texas) for complex urogenital wounds.


METHODS
The literature obtained from a Medline search on wound healing, wound failure and vacuum assisted closure was reviewed. In addition, we reviewed our experience with negative pressure wound therapy.


RESULTS
Wound healing is a complex interaction between the reticuloendothelial and immune systems, in addition to correctable internal and external factors. Understanding the healing process improves outcomes and decreases patient morbidity. Negative pressure wound therapy has hastened wound healing and it adds significant improvement in the arsenal of choices available.


CONCLUSIONS
Vacuum Assisted Closure is a therapeutic alternative that complements surgical and medical intervention in patients with complex wounds.
Whelan
Christopher
C
Division of Urology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9665, USA.
Stewart
Jana
J
Schwartz
Bradley F
BF
D006801:Humans; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000293:injuries*; D014618:Vacuum; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*