title: The role of the vacuum-assisted closure therapy in the salvage of venous congestion of the free flap: case report.
abstract: Indications for vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy described generally include acute, chronic, traumatic wounds and ulcers. Recent studies related to investigating new applications of VAC therapy have begun to be reported at literature in many aspects. We used this technique in a novel area. A 21-year-old man presented who suffered venous congestion in anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap at the postoperative second day. Following two cycles of VAC therapy, 72 hours later, venous congestion disappeared. Application of VAC therapy to the flap helps removal of excess interstitial fluid because of increased pressure gradients. It seems that VAC therapy is an option in venous congestion when the interstitial pressure rises above capillary pressure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Burn Unit, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and Medical Faculty, Haydarpaşa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. fatihuygur@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Fatih
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Uygur
authors.forename: Haluk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Duman
authors.forename: Ersin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ulkür
authors.forename: Bahattin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ceiköz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003286:Contracture / Q000601:surgery*; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects*