title: Vacuum assisted closure for the treatment of complex wounds and enterocutaneous fistulas in full term and premature neonates: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) system has become an effective treatment for acute and chronic wound defects. Although its use has been reported in wound care of children and premature infants, the management of the device in this population has not been well established.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the satisfactory results in two neonates (one full-term and one preterm) with complex wounds secondary to major abdominal surgery. In the premature baby an enterocutaneous fistula was also present. Complete epithelialization of the wounds was achieved in both patients within a few weeks thus avoiding any further surgical procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  The use of VAC system in neonates is safe and effective in the management of complex wounds and should be considered as a first line treatment in the event of a major dehiscence.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery - Catholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. vale.paradiso@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Filomena Valentina
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Paradiso
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery - Catholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. lo2nnni@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nanni
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery - Catholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. merlilaura@tiscali.it.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Merli
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery - Catholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. erika_demarco@libero.it.
authors.forename: Erika Adalgisa
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: De Marco
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery - Catholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. vdcatania1985@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Vincenzo Davide
authors.initials: VD
authors.lastname: Catania
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery - Catholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. taddeialessandra@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Taddei
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Surgery - Catholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. camanzoni@tin.it.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Manzoni
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit - Catholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. g.conti@rm.unicatt.it.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Conti
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D000071056:Anorectal Malformations; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000628:therapy*; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000601:surgery*; D045822:Intestinal Volvulus / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D012007:Rectum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000628:therapy*