Non-Oral Poster 52

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate wound outcomes following the application of negative pressure wound therapy to vulvar wounds resulting from surgical treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or Necrotizing Fasciitis MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients treated at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA who underwent radical vulvectomies for HS or Necrotizing Fasciitis with subsequent application of negative pressure wound therapy were identified. Retrospective chart reviews of these four patients were conducted and data was collected regarding their postoperative course. These patients required extensive surgical debridement of the vulvar, perirectal, and buttock area. Following debridement, negative pressure wound therapy was placed. Patients continued to have negative pressure wound therapy dressing changes three times a week for a variable amount of time. Degree of granulation and details of wound healing were documented in patient charts. At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital negative pressure wound therapy was achieved using the Vacuum Assisted Closure Device (VAC) (KCI Inc.; San Antonio, TX). RESULTS: Most case reports on this topic have used the VAC device initially to aid in wound healing; however, complete wound closure was typically achieved using split-thickness skin grafts. Very few case reports have used the VAC device alone to achieve complete closure. Three of the four patients in our series achieved complete closure of their vulvar wounds with the VAC device alone. One patient required closure with a split thickness skin graft after the VAC device was removed. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Necrotizing Fasciitis often require extensive surgical debridement. Data conflict over the optimal methods of management of post-surgical vulvar wounds. Our experience supports good outcome for complete closure of vulvar wounds with negative pressure wound therapy.