A Study of Vacuum Assisted Closure Dressing in 50 Cases of Patients of Diabetic Limb

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of VAC dressing for the management of diabetic limb. Material and Method: The study is a prospective comparative study which was conducted on 50 patients of diabetic limb ulcers admitted in General Surgery Department at Tertiary care hospital between June 2017 to June 2019. Patients were followed up until discharged from the hospital or completion of 8 weeks assessment period from the date of admission whichever was earlier. Result: Ulcer due to diabetes is common in males. 4% of the patients had hba1c level between 6.5 to 9.5. In 64% of patients granulation tissue appeared at the end of 2 weeks after VAC dressing while in only 40% of patients granulation tissue appeared after 2 weeks of conventional dressing. In 80% of patients wound was completely covered by granulation tissue at the end of 4 weeks after VAC dressing while only in 52% wound was completely covered by granulation tissue after 4 weeks of conventional dressing. Conclusion: VAC therapy is better than conventional therapies in terms of wound healing, less complications, reducing the hospital stay, reducing the bacterial infection load and is cost effective. Keywords: - VAC Therapy, diabetes, granulation tissue