[Negative pressure therapy in wounds with enteric fistulas]

Area of Science:

• Surgical wound management
• Gastrointestinal surgery complications

Background:

• Negative pressure therapy (VAC), also known as vacuum-assisted closure, is a therapeutic technique for managing complex wounds.
• Its application in treating intestinal fistulas remains a subject of ongoing discussion and research.

Observation:

• This study presents three cases of patients with intestinal fistulas treated using VAC therapy.
• The therapy involves a system of wound aspiration using foam and adhesive films.

Findings:

• All three patients demonstrated significant local clinical improvement and symptom control with VAC therapy.
• One patient underwent successful surgical closure of the fistula post-VAC therapy.
• The other two patients experienced improved quality of life, despite succumbing to their complex conditions.

Implications:

• VAC therapy shows potential in improving the local wound environment and patient comfort in cases of intestinal fistulas.
• Further research is warranted to establish definitive guidelines for VAC therapy in managing intestinal fistulas.