A Study of Wound Healing with Modified Topical Negative Pressure Therapy in Chronic Wounds

Background: Wounds are a major source of morbidity even lead to considerable disability and are associated with increased mortality; hence it implies a significant impact on public health and the expenditure of healthcare resources. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has transformed the management completely for chronic wounds. However, it?s availability at every center and high cost of a conventional NPWT system still an enigmatic challenge. We carried out this study to assess whether we can replicate the conventional NPWT system using resources which are easily available in most hospitals and determine its clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness. Material and Method: A total of 30 cases clinically presenting as ulcer between August 2019 and February 2021 were taken for study. Each patient was examined clinically in systematic manner for study presenting with wound. Modified VAC dressing was done and outcome was measured by recording wound scores on days 3, 7 and 10. Result: The study group included 20 males and 10 females. Duration of stay in hospital ranged from 5 to 34 days, with average duration of 11.93 days. Wound closure was achieved by secondary suturing in 12 (40%) of the cases and split thickness skin grafting in 14 (46.66%) of the cases while 4 patients lost to follow up. Wound assessment was done using the wound scoring system which revealed most of the wounds attaining granulation tissue 66% of patients by day 5 post vac therapy. Wound healing was better in the non-diabetic group compared to diabetic and in non-smokers compared to smokers.