Wall-Suction Assisted Vacuum Sealing for Treatment of Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Bae, Su Young; Lee, Chang Wook; Seo, In Seock

Abstract

PURPOSE: The infected diabetic foot patients were reviewed to analyze the result of new dressing methods using a wall-suction instruments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eighteen patients treated with wall-suction assisted vacuum dressing were included. After debridement under local anesthesia, a sponge pad, a drain, and a surgical drape were used to seal the wound. Negative pressure applied by the wall-suction at around 200 mmHg and dressing were repeated in every two to three days. The results of repeated wound cultures, growth of granulation tissues, and CRP level were closely observed on the regular basis.
RESULTS
Rapid growth of granulation tissues was noticed around the wound in 16 cases. No organism was obtained in an average 5 days and wound coverage was possible in an average 18 days. The CRP level returned to normal in an average 4 weeks. Two patients with end stage renal disease, who were regularly hemodialised, underwent major amputation.
CONCLUSION
New dressing method has the following advantages: a rapid wound improvement in the patients with infected diabetic foot, less expensive, less painful, impediment of bacterial contamination in the hospital room. However, further study will be needed for the end stage renal disease patients.