Search

Background. Chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds frequently require significant interventions to close. The success of any method depends on an adequately prepared wound bed, while factors including wound size, perfusion, contamination, or exposed tissue structures can thwart efforts. We propose a standardized algorithm of care utilizing an acellular dermal matrix, split-thickness skin graft (STSG), and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for the treatment of LE wounds. Methods. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study examining patients who underwent LE wound debridement, placement of fetal bovine dermis (FBD), and STSG between 2016 and 2022. The primary outcome was wound closure, while secondary outcomes were wound infection and amputation-free survival. Results. Twenty patients (mean age 59 years, M:F 12:8)--including 24 LE venous ulcers (29.4%), amputation sites (29.4%), diabetic foot ulcers (25.0%), and atypical wounds (16.7%) with an average area of 39.15 cm²--underwent debridement and FBD placement followed by STSG a median of 61 days thereafter. Of these patients, 83.3% received NPWT after FBD and STSG with 86% closure. There was successful engraftment in 92% of wounds whose FBD placement was within 2 months of STSG. Of wounds that had <50% engraftment, 75% had a STSG placed over 2 months after FBD placement. Of those patients with post-STSG infection, 75% had the graft placed >2 months after FBD placement, one of which required proximal amputation. Conclusions. By following a treatment plan including debridement with treatment of infection, application of FBD with placement of STSG within 2 months thereafter, and reinforcing NPWT, chronic wounds will have an increased rate of successful reepithelialization. Many cases experienced delays from FBD engraftment until STSG application due to schedule and insurance impediments, which led to less favorable outcomes. Therefore, a protocol that involves scheduling the placement of STSG 4 weeks after successful engraftment of FBD has been adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NPWT has probably been the most important addition to wound care in the current century. Despite this fact, its use in the treatment of VLUs remains very limited. This review first examines the documented and potential VLU wound environment changes that can be facilitated by NPWT. The data supporting the use of NPWT for VLU wound bed preparation, the management of fluid drainage, and the bolstering of skin grafts are evaluated. The similarities and differences between suNPWT, traditional NPWT, and NPWTi are outlined. Included in this review is when and where each therapy may have a place in the treatment of VLUs. Finally, a brief algorithm to enhance the use of NPWT in the treatment of VLUs is presented.