The vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C®) system for surgical site infection with involved vascular grafts
Karaca Saziye1, Kalangos Afksendiyos2
1Department of Cardiovascular surgery, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland saziye.karaca@hcuge.ch.
Background:
In vascular surgery, surgical site infection is the most common postoperative morbidity, occurring in 5-10% of vascular patients. The optimal management of surgical site infection with involved lower limb vascular grafts remains controversial. We present our 6-year results of using the V.A.C.® system in surgical site infection with involved vascular grafts.
Methods:
A retrospective 6-year review of patient who underwent a VAC® therapy for postoperative surgical site infection in lower limb with involved vascular grafts in our department between January 2006 and December 2011. V.A.C therapy was used in 40 patients. All patients underwent surgical wound revision with VAC® therapy and antibiotics.
Results:
The mean time of use of the V.A.C. system was 14.2 days. After mean of 12 days in 34 of 40 patients, in whom the use of VAC® therapy resulted in delayed primary closure or healing by secondary intention. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 61.67 months, during which 3 patients died.
Conclusion:
We showed that the V.A.C.® system is valuable for managing specifically surgical site infection with involved vascular grafts. Using the V.A.C.® system, reoperation rates are reduced; 85% of patients avoided graft replacement.
Insights
The V.A.C.® system effectively manages surgical site infections in lower limb vascular grafts, reducing reoperation rates. This therapy aids wound healing, with 85% of patients avoiding graft replacement.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Disease Management
Background:
- Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication in vascular surgery, affecting 5-10% of patients.
- Optimal management of SSIs involving lower limb vascular grafts is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the V.A.C.® (Vacuum-Assisted Closure) system in treating surgical site infections with lower limb vascular graft involvement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 40 patients treated with V.A.C.® therapy for postoperative SSIs involving lower limb vascular grafts (January 2006 - December 2011).
- All patients underwent surgical wound revision, V.A.C.® therapy, and antibiotic treatment.
Main Results:
- Mean V.A.C.® system use was 14.2 days.
- Delayed primary closure or healing by secondary intention was achieved in 34 of 40 patients within a mean of 12 days.
- Mean follow-up was 61.67 months; 3 patients died during this period.
Conclusions:
- The V.A.C.® system is a valuable tool for managing SSIs specifically involving vascular grafts.
- This approach reduced reoperation rates, with 85% of patients successfully avoiding graft replacement.
