[Vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.) of disastrous wound conditions in Madelung disease]

A 54 year old patient presented with a Madelung disease. Symmetrically fatty deposits were present on both upper arms, at the abdomen and both thighs. Dermatitis was seen in the axillary fold at the skin bearing surfaces. Shoulder movement was impaired. Liposuction of both upper arms has already been performed, but no significant improvement was obtained.

We performed a dermolipectomy of both upper arms. Postoperatively the patient suffered from a severe wound dehiscence with fulminant wound infection and septic clinical condition. Because of the large wound surface ((1/3) of the upper arm circumference) anemia occurred and had to be treated with blood transfusions. Wound exsudation caused a general hypoproteinemia. Multiple surgical debridements were necessary in order to clean the wound from necrotic tissue and afterwards moist dressings were applied. Furthermore the patient received intravenous antibiotic treatment. After stabilisation of the general condition of the patient and the wound situation a polyvinyl sponge and a vacuum-sealing were applied and continuous suction was performed (125 mm Hg). This resulted in a significant improvement of the wound situation in regards to wound cleaning, induction of granulation tissue, diminished wound size, reduction of oedema and pain reduction. After four weeks of vacuum therapy defect coverage was possible and split thickness skin grafting was performed. The skin graft was attached to the wound using a vacuum-dressing. After removal of the vacuum dressing on the fifth day the skin graft has completely healed.

Vacuum therapy is suitable for disastrous wound conditions in order to achieve a defect size reduction, pain reduction and create a clean wound with granulation tissue for further surgical defect coverage using skin grafts or flaps.