Vacuum-assisted closure for radiation-associated wound complications.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) technology has proven to be effective in the management of soft tissue loss from infections, vascular insufficiency, and traumatic disorders and may have a similar benefit in the musculoskeletal oncology patient. This study reports a single institution's experience with VAC technology in the management of radiation-associated wound complications in patients with soft tissue sarcomas.

MATERIALS:

Twenty-two patients treated with both surgical intervention and radiation therapy developed either superficial or deep wound complications that were managed with the VAC device. This study group was compared to a retrospectively identified comparison group of 19 patients, in which the VAC device was not used.

RESULTS:

Hospital stay (P < 0.025), length of overall treatment (P < 0.025), number of operative debridements (P < 0.05) and success of wound closure without the need for soft tissue transposition (P < 0.01) was found to be significantly less in the study groups as compared to those not treated with the VAC device.

CONCLUSION:

VAC technology appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of radiation-associated wound complications.

• Authors: Herrick J Siegel, James L Long, Kevin M Watson, John B Fiveash
• Journal: Journal of surgical oncology (J Surg Oncol) Vol. 96 Issue 7 Pg. 575-82 (Dec 01 2007) ISSN: 0022-4790 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17999398 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Cohort Studies
• Equipment and Supplies
• Humans
• Occlusive Dressings
• Radiotherapy (adverse effects)
• Retrospective Studies
• Sarcoma (radiotherapy, surgery)
• Soft Tissue Neoplasms (radiotherapy, surgery)
• Vacuum
• Wound Healing
• Wounds and Injuries (therapy)