Vacuum-Assisted Abdominal Closure Is Safe and Effective: A Cohort Study in 74 Consecutive Patients
R O Jensen1, T Buchbjerg1, R M Simonsen1
1Department of Surgery, OUH, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000 Odense C, Denmark.
Surgery Research and Practice
|November 1, 2017
Summary
Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy for abdominal catastrophes is safe with low complications. Secondary fascia closure in 84% of survivors reduced hernias and improved physical health, though further randomized studies are needed.
Area of Science:
- Abdominal surgery
- Critical care medicine
- Wound healing
Background:
- Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is a preferred treatment for abdominal catastrophes.
- This study evaluates the ABThera KCI® VAC system in Southern Denmark.
- The study population covers approximately 1.2 million inhabitants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the use and outcomes of ABThera KCI® VAC therapy.
- To assess the safety and complication rates of VAC therapy in abdominal catastrophes.
- To evaluate the impact of secondary fascia closure on patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective multicenter study over eleven months.
- Inclusion of all patients treated with VAC during the study period.
- Data collection on patient demographics, treatment duration, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 74 patients included; median age 64.4 years, 64% male.
- 15% 90-day mortality; 84% achieved secondary fascia closure.
- Secondary closure associated with fewer large hernias and better physical health scores.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal VAC therapy is safe with a low complication rate for catastrophes.
- Further randomized trials are necessary to compare VAC with primary closure.
- VAC therapy demonstrates positive outcomes in managing complex abdominal wounds.
