Related Experiment Videos
Vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of extensive lymphangiomas in children
Michael S Katz1, Christine M Finck, Marshall Z Schwartz
1Department of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children/Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19134, USA.
Insights
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy after lymphangioma resection in children shows promise. This approach may reduce recurrence and infection risks, improving surgical outcomes for pediatric lymphangiomas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Wound Healing
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Lymphangiomas in children present management challenges, including frequent recurrence and infection.
- Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) devices are known to promote open wound healing.
- The study investigates VAC therapy's potential to mitigate complications post-lymphangioma resection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy in children undergoing lymphangioma resection.
- To assess the impact of VAC therapy on reducing complications such as recurrence and infection.
- To determine the safety and effectiveness of VAC as an adjunct to surgical management of pediatric lymphangiomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 pediatric patients (August 2005 to April 2010) treated with lymphangioma resection and postoperative VAC therapy.
- Data collected included patient demographics, lymphangioma characteristics, VAC parameters (duration, changes), hospital stay, complications, and follow-up duration.
- Analysis of wound closure methods (operative vs. secondary intention) and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fifteen operations were performed on 13 children (mean age 8 years) for lymphangiomas, followed by VAC therapy.
- Mean VAC duration was 19 days with an average of 2.6 changes; 6 children had operative closure, others healed by secondary intention.
- No lymphangioma recurrences were observed; complications included VAC device issues and wound infections. Mean follow-up was 289 days.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative VAC therapy serves as an effective adjunct in the surgical treatment of pediatric lymphangiomas.
- VAC therapy demonstrated a potential to decrease the risks of recurrence and wound infection following lymphangioma resection.
- The findings suggest VAC therapy can improve outcomes for children with lymphangiomas.
Background:
The management of lymphangiomas in children is a complex problem with frequent recurrence and infection. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) devices have been shown to accelerate the healing of open wounds. We hypothesized that VAC therapy might decrease complications after resection of lymphangiomas.
Methods:
A retrospective review was performed on 13 children (August 2005 to April 2010) who were patients undergoing lymphangioma resection with postoperative VAC therapy. Patient demographics, size and location of the lymphangioma, VAC duration and number of changes, hospital stay, complications, need for further surgery, and length of follow-up were recorded.
Results:
Thirteen children (mean age, 8 years; mean weight, 34 kg) underwent 15 operations for lymphangiomas followed by postoperative VAC therapy. Locations included the head and neck, thorax and abdomen, and lower extremity. The mean VAC duration was 19 days, and they underwent a mean of 2.6 VAC changes. Six children had operative closure of the wound at a mean of 15 days postoperative. The remaining patients underwent closure by secondary intention. There were no recurrences. Complications included VAC device malfunctions requiring intervention and wound infections. Mean follow-up was 289 days.
Conclusion:
Postoperative VAC therapy for the treatment of lymphangiomas can be an effective adjunct to surgical treatment by decreasing risks of recurrence and infection.
