Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Teknologi MARA
Medical Health Reviews, 2009;2009(1):3-13.
MyJurnal

Abstract

Negative pressure if applied in topical manner to a wound surface has been reported to enhance wound healing due to increase in local blood flow, reduction of tissue oedema, and by stimulating angiogenesis. An air-tight film covering the wound is connected by suction tube to a control unit by which negative pressure is applied to the surface of the wound in the range of 80-125 mm Hg. This method has been called negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or vacuum assisted closure (VAC). It has been recommended for virtually all kinds of complex wounds. The duration of the therapy varies from several days to several months. This technology promotes formation of granulation tissue, enhances healing of diabetic foot, and significantly reduces the size of the acute and chronic wounds and ulcers. It lowers the morbidity of Fournier’s gangrene, ensures better healing of lower limb wounds and ulcer of ischemic origin, and can serve as temporary wound cover when no closure technique is available. The limitations to using NPWT are presence of dead tissue, exposed vital structures, untreated osteomyelitis, unexplored fistulae and malignant wounds. The cost of the equipment may constitute another factor in limiting the use of this new technology. In conclusion the NPWT under certain circumstances is more effective than other available local wound treatments.