Adherent Polyurethane Foam Following VAC Dressing: A Rare Complication

Area of Science:

• Wound Management
• Surgical Complications
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy is widely used for wound management.
• Complications associated with VAC dressings can occur.
• This study focuses on a specific complication involving the polyurethane sponge component of VAC dressings.

Observation:

• A 44-year-old patient with a vertical shear pelvic injury underwent spinopelvic fusion surgery.
• Postoperatively, the patient developed wound dehiscence and discharge, leading to VAC dressing application.
• The VAC dressing's polyurethane sponge adhered to the wound bed within three days.

Findings:

• The adherent polyurethane sponge required piecemeal dissection and daily debridement for removal.
• Despite the adherence complication, the underlying wound bed was found to be healthy.
• A keystone flap was successfully used to cover the wound after sponge removal.

Implications:

• This case reports a previously undocumented complication of adherent VAC dressing sponges.
• Clinicians should be aware of potential sponge adherence when using or modifying VAC dressings.
• Careful monitoring and management are essential to prevent and address VAC dressing-related complications.