Vacuum therapy of wounds: what is special and what are the advantages

In the past, the problem of prolonged wound healing mainly concerned older adults or those dealing with bedsores, trophic ulcers, and ones caused by diabetic foot. But because of the war, numerous hurt and traumatized people were added to this list. In this regard, medical professionals are forced to find quick and effective methods of treatment. One of the most advanced methods of treating wounds is vacuum therapy. Its features and advantages were explained to us by experts: Roman Zhezhera, a surgeon at the National Children's Hospital "Okhmatdyt", and Yaroslav Kucherenko, a surgeon of the highest category from the 3rd City Emergency Hospital of Cherkasy.

Speakers:

Roman Volodymyrovych Zhezhera

surgeon at the National Children's Hospital «Okhmatdyt»

Yaroslav Anatoliyovych Kucherenko

surgeon of the highest category of the 3rd City Cherkasy Emergency Hospital

What is vacuum wound therapy?

It is a method of negative pressure treatment to accelerate wound healing. That is, an even distribution of reduced pressure around the wound is carried out to clean its surface, accelerate the recovery process, and close the wound.

This method is used to treat complex wounds and significant tissue defects, especially those resulting from mine-explosive injuries.

In Ukraine, VAC therapy was first introduced by the military about ten years ago. However, with the beginning of large-scale hostilities, the use of VAC devices increased significantly.

The main advantages of vacuum therapy, among other methods, are:

• faster healing, as device stimulates blood circulation, granulation and epithelization of tissues, which significantly speeds up the recovery process;
• less disability — this method helps preserve more healthy tissue;
• smaller skin defects — helps to recover wounds without the formation of rough scars;
• effectiveness in the treatment of various types of wounds — from fresh to purulent, except for those containing bones, tendons, or blood vessels.

Does the wound size matter for VAC?

For vacuum therapy, the size does not matter. And the operation of the VAC device is clear and simple — a special sponge fits tightly to the surface of the wound, and then it is covered with an airtight film that sticks to healthy skin. A suction cup with a drainage tube connected to the VAC apparatus is attached to the film. A liquid containing tissue decay products, bacteria, and other harmful substances passes through the tube. Thanks to it, the wound is cleaned faster and the swelling decreases.

Before the introduction of VAC therapy, the wound healing process was very long and tiring. Doctors used various antiseptics, ointments, and hydrogel bandages, but despite this, the recovery could happen within months.

With the introduction of VAC devices, the situation changed dramatically. Thanks to such an innovative method, wounds heal much faster — not in months but in just a few weeks.

In addition, VAC therapy encourages discipline in patients. Since the method is usually used in hospital conditions, doctors can constantly monitor the treatment process. Visual control of the negative pressure system provides confidence in the correct healing of wounds.

Can vacuum therapy be used at home?

Yes, VAC patients are not limited to hospital walls! After all, the device is compact and mobile, which allows you to use it at home.

Of course, it does not mean that you can freely go shopping or for a walk. The patient’s movement will be limited by the connection to the device, but this does not prevent him from leading a more active lifestyle, except for the bed in the hospital.

Is it necessary to undergo special training to master such a method of treatment?

It is not necessary to undergo special training, as there is a lot of open and accessible information on the Internet – instructions, YouTube videos. However, to gain a deeper understanding of this topic, you can attend a webinar or training, which are also held on a regular basis. Moreover, doctors themselves are also willing to share their experience with others.