To investigate the method of using vacuum seal ing drainage (VSD) technique to repair the wound of the injured in Wenchuan earthquake and its therapeutic effect. Methods From May 12, 2008 to June 12, 2008, 52 injured persons (83 wounds) were treated, including 27 males and 25 females aged 11-83 years old (average 42 years old). There were 22 cases of crush injury, 9 cases of contusion and laceration injury, 17 cases of compression injury receiving incision decompression of fascia compartment and 4 cases of open amputation. And 37 wounds were on the leg, 13 woundson the thigh, 17 wounds on the forearm, 11 wounds on the upper arm and 5 wounds on the trunk. The wound ranged from3 cm × 2 cm to 30 cm × 15 cm, and the time from injury to undergoing VSD treatment was 12 hours-18 days. After complete debridement, the wound was covered by VSD dressing, and antibiotics were given according to the result of drug sensitive test. When wound infection was under control and granulation tissues grew well, the method of either direct suture or skin grafting or flap transposition was used to repair the wounds. Results In 21 cases (40.4%), wound secretion smear was positive, and multiple species of bacteria were detected, such as staphylococcus aureus, escherichia col i, proteus and klebsiella pneumoniae. After initial operation, 7 injured persons were transferred to the hospital outside of Sichuan province for further treatment. VSD treatment was performed on 33 cases (45 wounds) once, 6 cases (10 wounds) twice, 2 cases (3 wounds) three times and 1 case (1 wound) four times, resulting in the control of wound infection and the growth of granulation tissue. Then the wounds were repaired by either direct suture or skin grafting or flap transposition. Three cases (4 wounds) underwent VSD treatment ten times, leading to the control of infection and the stabil ity of condition. Conclusion VSD treatment can cover the wound promptly, el iminate contamination, prevent secondary infection and benefit late-stage wound repair. During the process of treatment, no medical necessity for frequent change of dressing can rel ieve the pain suffered by the injured and decrease theworkload of medical stuff, thus facil itating the rescue work.
Objective To explore the feasibil ity, indications, and effects of vacuum seal ing drainage (VSD) combined with flaps for repairing skin and soft tissue defects of lower l imbs. Methods From June 2006 to November 2009, 15 patients with skin and soft tissue defects of lower l imbs were treated with VSD combined with flaps (VSD group, n=5) and only flaps (non-VSD group, n=10). In VSD group, there were 3 males and 2 females with an average age of 46 years (range, 32-69 years), including 3 cases of traffic accident injury, 1 case of skin necrosis after amputation, and 1 case of plate exposureafter operation. The locations were lower leg in 1 case, ankle in 2 cases, dorsum of foot in 1 case, and forefoot in 1 case. The defect size ranged from 6.5 cm × 6.0 cm to 23.0 cm × 17.0 cm. The disease course ranged from 2 hours to 2 months. In non- VSD group, there were 5 males and 5 females with an average age of 50 years (range, 23-58 years), including 6 cases of traffic accident injury, 1 case of crush injury in earthquake, 1 case of osteomyel itis, and 2 cases of plate exposure after operation. The locations were lower leg in 1 case, ankle in 3 cases, forefeet and dorsum of feet in 4 cases, and heel in 2 cases. The defect size ranged from 4 cm × 4 cm to 20 cm × 12 cm. The disease course ranged from 1 hour to 2 months. There was no significant difference in general data between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results In VSD group, the preoperative hospital ization days, postoperative hospital ization days, and total hospital ization days were (11.8 ± 9.5), (35.4 ± 28.3), and (47.2 ± 35.8) days, respectively; the size of flap was (232.8 ± 142.0) cm2; and the infection rate after VSD-use was 0. In non-VSD group, the preoperative hospital ization days, postoperative hospital ization days, and total hospital ization days were (25.8 ± 12.4), (33.9 ± 28.1), and (59.7 ± 32.4) days, respectively; the size of flap was (97.3 ± 93.6) cm2; and the infection rate after 8 to 14 days of regular therapy was 80%. There were significant differences in the preoperative hospital ization days and the size of flap between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). All flaps were al ive except 3 partial necrosis (1 case in VSD group, 2 cases in non-VSD group). The 3 flaps healed by skin grafting and suturing. The donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 5-41 months (22.1 months on average). All flaps were good in color, texture, and wear abil ity. Conclusion It is effective to apply VSD combined with proper flap to repair skin and soft tissue defects of lower l imbs, which can cut down infection rate, improve blood supply, shorten the preoperative hospital ization days, and facil itate heal ing, but whether it can shorten the postoperative hospital ization days and total hospital ization days need further research.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of vacuum sealing in treatment of traumatic soft tissue defect. METHODS: From 1998. 8 to 2001. 2, 49 patients with 55 traumatic soft tissue defects were treated by vacuum sealing after debridement. Among them, there were 39 males and 10 females with mean age 38. 4 years. The wound area varied from 10 cm x 10 cm to 30 cm x 30 cm. In the experimental group, the wound surfaces or cavities were filled with polyvinyl alcohol foams with embedded drainage tubes connected with vacuum bottle (negative pressure of 50-60 kPa). Wound closure was performed with secondary suturing, or skin transplantation, or local flap grafting after 5-7 days. Besides, 126 patients were managed by traditional dressing as the control group. RESULTS: Out of 51 traumatic soft tissue defects (45 patients), the wound closure was performed with a free flap in 4, with local flap in 8, with skin grafting in 27, with secondary suturing in 6, and with vacuum sealing directly in the other 6 defects. Forty-five patients recovered and no complications (systemic and located) occurred. There were significant differences in time of secondary suturing, times of dressing, wound shrink and total therapeutic cost between two groups (P lt; 0.01). CONCLUSION: Vacuum sealing can protect the wound against contamination, evacuate the wound exudates completely, stimulate the growth of granulation tissue, and facilitate the wound healing; so vacuum sealing is a simple and effective method in treatment of traumatic soft tissue defect.
ObjectiveTo investigate the methods and effectiveness of one-stage operation for pelvis and acetabular fractures combined with Morel-Lavallée injury by internal fixation associated with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD). MethodsBetween June 2008 and October 2012, 15 cases of pelvis and acetabular fractures combined with Morel-Lavallée injury were treated. There were 5 males and 10 females, aged from 18 to 67 years (mean, 36.8 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 11 cases and crashing injury of heavy object in 4 cases. The time from injury to hospitalization was 3 hours to 9 days (mean, 5.4 days). Morel-Lavallée injury located in the above posterior superior iliac spine in 4 cases, greater trochanter in 7 cases, and anterior proximal thigh in 4 cases. In 10 cases complicated by pelvic fracture, there were 1 case of anteroposterior compression type, 3 cases of lateral compression type, 5 cases of vertical shear type, and 1 case of compound injury type; in 5 cases complicated by acetabular fracture, there were 1 case of transverse fracture, 1 case of posterior wall and posterior column fracture, 1 case of transverse acetabulum plus posterior wall fracture, and 2 cases of both columns fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation were used to treat pelvic and acetabular fractures, and VSD to treat Morel-Lavallée injury. When the drainage volume was less than 20 mL/d, interrupted wound suture or free skin grafting was performed. ResultsThe hospitalization time was 16-31 days (mean, 20.8 days). Thirteen cases were followed up 4-16 months (mean, 7.8 months). The healing time of Morel-Lavallée injury was 16-36 days after operation (mean, 21.3 days). All the wounds had primary healing, and no infection occurred. The X-ray films showed that all fractures healed, with a mean healing time of 13.6 weeks (range, 11-18 weeks). At 6.5 months after operation, according to Majeed function scoring system in 8 cases of pelvic fracture, the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case; according to Harris hip scoring in 4 cases of acetabular fracture, the results were excellent in 2 cases, good in 1 case, and fair in 1 case. ConclusionTo pelvis-acetabular fractures combined with Morel-Lavallée injury, internal fixation treatment for fracture and VSD for Morel-Lavallée injury not only can cure merge Morel-Lavallée injury effectively, but also can guarantee the operation timing and incision safty of the pelvis-acetabular fractures.
ObjectiveTo analyze the curative effect of vacuum sealing drainage for early deep infection after posterior spinal internal fixation. MethodsFrom March 2009 to March 2012, 9 patients with early deep infection after posterior spinal internal fixation, including 5 males and 4 females aged between 21 and 64 years, averaging at 44.6, underwent debridement and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD). Original fixtures in all the patients were not taken out. ResultsThe patients were treated by VSD for once to three times with an average of 2.1 times, and VSD continued for 3 to 7 days every time. Two patients underwent one time of VSD, 4 underwent twice, and 3 underwent three times. In these patients, 6 achieved wound healing after VSD, one changed to ordinary dressing and wound suturing two weeks later due to hemorrhage of VSD, one changed to ordinary dressing and wound suturing wound three weeks later due to impeded drainage, one accepted skin-grafting after three times of VSD. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 38 months (18 months on average) and all of them were cured. There was no obvious back pain or signs of incision infection. The X-ray films showed that there were no bone destruction and the white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein significantly decreased to normal after surgery. ConclusionOne-stage debridement and vacuum sealing drainage therapy is an effective method for treating early deep infection after posterior spinal internal fixation.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of vacuum sealing(VS) technique and emergency internal fixation on the management of limbs open fracture and soft tissue dirty defects. METHODS: Fourteen patients (18 limbs) with open fracture and soft tissue dirty defects were treated by the VS technique and internal fixation after debridement and 14 patients managed by traditional method as control group. Wound surface were covered with polyvinyl alcohol foams with embedded drainage tubes connected with vacuum bottle (negative pressure of 50 to 60 kPa) after wound surface were debrided and fracture were fixed. Wound closure was performed with secondary suturing, or free flap, or loco-regional flap and mesh-grafts after 5 to 7 days. RESULTS: All wound surface healed completely. No complications (systemic and local) were found. After 4-6 months follow-up on average, the fracture healed well. There was significant difference in time of treatment, total cost of treatment and complication rate between 2 groups (P lt; 0.01). CONCLUSION: The VS procedure can drain the wound surface completely, decrease infection rate and stimulate the proliferation of granulation tissue. A combination of VS with emergency internal fixation is a simple and effective method in treatment of limbs open fracture and soft tissue dirty defects.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation through anterior and posterior approaches in treatment of open Tile type C pelvic fractures at early stage. MethodsBetween January 2009 and April 2012, 12 patients with open Tile C pelvic fractures were treated. There were 7 males and 5 females, aged 6-53 years (median, 31 years). Of 12 cases, 4 were classified as Tile type C1, 6 as Tile type C2, and 2 as Tile type C3; 5 were rated as Gustilo type Ⅱ and 7 as Gustilo type Ⅲ. The injury severity score was 18-57 (mean, 37.2). The interval of injury and admission ranged from 15 minutes to 3 days (median, 50 minutes). The debridement and external fixation were performed at first stage; then open reduction and internal fixation were used through anterior approach (reconstruction plate) and posterior approach (cannulated lag screws). The vacuum sealing drainage was performed during treatment until the wounds healed. ResultsDelayed healing of incison was obtained in 12 cases because of wound infection. Anatomical reduction or approximate anatomical reduction was achieved in all 12 cases. The patients were followed up 3-39 months (median, 18 months). No loosening of internal fixation or fracture displacement was observed during follow-up. The fracture healing time was 7-13 weeks (mean, 9.7 weeks). At last follow-up, according to the Matta standard, the outcome was excellent in 10 cases and good in 2 cases; according to Majeed score, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 1, and poor in 2. ConclusionEarly internal fixation operation of open Tile type C pelvic fractures can effectively restore the pelvic anatomical structure and stability, reduce the complication, and achieve satisfactory effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo explore the leakage management and skin care by improved homemade portable vacuum sealing drainage device used for enterocutaneous fistula, in order to solve such confusing problems as leakage collection and nursing for patients with inconvenient activity. MethodsThe homemade portable vacuum sealing drainage device was made by using hydrophilic fiber of silver ion antimicrobial dressings, leak-proof strings, skin protective film, transparent patches, sputum suction tube, bottle of portable infusion, and negative pressure drainage bottle. Between January 2011 and September 2013, patients with enterocutaneous fistula admitted into our hospital were divided into traditional treatment group and portable vacuum sealing treatment group according to the admission time, and traditional center negative pressure suction treatment and portable negative pressure drainage method were used respectively for the two groups of patients. We verified the effect of the mobile vacuum sealing drainage device through comparing these two groups in terms of wound healing time, redness, burst and impregnation of the skin. ResultsThe wound healing time was significantly shorter for patients in the portable vacuum sealing drainage treatment group (P<0.05), and patients in this group also had a lower occurrence of skin redness, impregnation and burst. ConclusionHomemade portable negative pressure drainage device for enterocutaneous fistula patients can reduce the incidence of skin complications such as redness, impregnation and burst, promote patients' activity, and reduce the patients' pain.
Objective To investigate the method and effectiveness of vacuum seal ing drainage (VSD) combined with debridement for treatment of deep infection after hip or knee replacement. Methods Between September 2006 and May 2010, 13 cases of deep infection after joint replacement surgery were treated, including 5 males and 8 females with an average ageof 62.5 years (range, 56-78 years). Infection occurred at 7 days to 1 year and 2 months (median, 14 days) after joint replacement surgery. The time from infection to admission was 8 days to 4 years and 6 months (median, 21 days). Purulent secretion with or without blood were observed in all patients; sinus formed in 5 cases; and unhealing of incision or drainage opening disunion were observed in 8 cases. The size of skin defect at secretion drainage or sinus opening site was 5 mm × 3 mm to 36 mm × 6 mm; the depth of drainage tunnel or sinus was 21-60 mm. The histopathological examination in 11 patients showed acute infection or chronic infection with acute onset in 10 cases, and tuberculosis in 1 case. In 6 cases of secretion culture, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 5 cases. After thorough debridement, wound irrigation was performed during the day and VSD during the night in 10 cases. VSD was merely performed in 3 cases. Results In 1 case after revision total hip arthroplasty, the wound bled profusely with VSD, then VSD stopped and associated with compression bandage, VSD proceeded again 3 days later with no heavy bleeding. All the patient were followed up 1 year to 4 years and 5 months (mean, 2 years and 11 months). Infection were controlled 7-75 days (mean, 43 days) after VSD in 10 cases. In these cases, prosthesis were reserved, no recurrent infection was observed, wound were healed, limb function were reserved. VSD was refused in 1 case because of hypersensitive of the pain at the vacuum site, infection control was failed and amputation at the thigh was proceeded. The effect was not evident in 1 case with tuberculosis infection, then the prosthesis was removed and arthrodesis was proceeded followed by complete union. In 1 case, infection was cured with VSD, recurrent infection happened after 9 months, antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer was used at end, and no recurrence was observed 1 year and 4 months later. Conclusion VSD combined with debridement can drainage deep infection sufficiently, promote wound healing, reduce recurrent infection rate, maximize the possibil ity of prosthesis preservation.
Objective To investigate the causes of the vacuum seal ing drainage (VSD) compl ications during treatment of extremity wounds. Methods Between February 2005 and February 2010, 174 patients with skin and soft tissue defect of extremities were treated with VSD. Among them, 12 patients (6.9%) had compl ications and the cl inical data were analyzed retrospectively. There were 7 males and 5 females aged from 17 to 65 years (mean, 36.1 years). Injury was caused bytraffic accident in 8 cases, and by machine extrusion in 4 cases. The locations were forearm in 3 cases, upper arm in 2 cases, thigh and calf in 1 case, calf in 4 cases, and foot in 2 cases. The size of defect ranged from 10 cm × 7 cm to 90 cm × 40 cm. The time from injury to hospital ization was 3-8 hours (mean, 4.2 hours). Results At 1 day postoperatively, moderate to severe anemia and hypokalemia occurred in 6 cases, and the hemoglobin value increased to 100 g/L and the electrolyte disorder was rectified after blood transfusion and fluid infusion. At 2 days, 2 patients had local skin allergic symptoms, and local rash disappeared after oral administration of Clarityne. At 3 days, 2 patients complained pain and the pain was released after the suction pressure was decreased by 50%; 2 patients had infection and received VSD demol ition, debridement and draining, and anti-infection treatment. Tissue necrosis occurred in 1 case at 4 days and pressure ulcer in 1 case at 5 days, VSD was immediately changed and wound was repaired by spl it thickness skin graft or local flap. Conclusion Compl ications associated with VSD therapy for the wounds of the extremities are not very common. Most causes are related to the location of wound, the technique of the operators, and the conditions of the patients.