Vacuum-assisted closure combined with a closed suction irrigation system for treating post-traumatic raw area

Background: Post traumatic raw area is a very troublesome condition to treat which requires long term regular dressings, higher antibiotics and close monitoring of patient vitals. This study evaluates the efficacy of modified Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) combined with a closed suction irrigation system for treating an post-traumatic wound and infection. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 20 patients with post-traumatic raw areas from 2020 to 2021 at a single tertiary center. All patients included in the study received modified VAC treatment (VAC combined with a closed suction irrigation system, CSIS) until the wound can be closed secondarily. Detailed information was obtained from the medical records. Results: Reduction in wound size was significant after 1 week of VAC with CSIS treatment. The patients had excellent wound beds after an average of 3 -6 days(1 or 2 cycles of VAC with CSIS) All wounds healed completely and were infection free after an average of 15 days, and the average hospital stay was 22 days. Wounds remained infection free after coverage. Conclusions: This study shows that VAC combined with a CSIS is a superior method to treat raw areas compared to conventional VAC. This improved VAC procedure provides an excellent granulation to facilitate wound healing, hasten closure and shorten the hospital stay.