New continuous negative-pressure and irrigation treatment for infected wounds and intractable ulcers.

BACKGROUND

Continuous irrigation and the vacuum-assisted closure system are effective methods for the treatment of infected wounds and intractable ulcers. The objective of this study was to simultaneously use both of the above methods as a new approach for obtaining more satisfactory, accelerated wound healing.

METHODS

After debridement of the wound, indwelling irrigation and aspiration tubes are placed in the wounds that have been sutured closed. With open wounds, a sponge with the same shape as the wound is placed directly onto the wound surface, and after the two tubes are inserted in the sponge, the wound is covered with film dressing to make the wound completely airtight. A bottle of physiologic saline solution is then attached to the irrigation tube, and a continuous aspirator (Mera Sacume) is attached to the aspiration tube. The bottle of physiologic saline solution is placed at the same height as the wound, and with a pressure gradient between the two of 0, continuous aspiration is applied.

RESULTS

All nine cases treated as closed air cavity wounds with this method healed after 2 to 3 weeks. In eight cases of open wound, recurrence of infection was observed in only one case.

CONCLUSIONS

The two treatments of continuous irrigation and negative pressure were observed to have an additive and synergistic effect for earlier wound healing. Furthermore, the present method can dramatically reduce the number of dressing changes required, patient pain, psychological stress, and treatment cost.