Andrea Coppola (Naples / IT; Cava de Tirreni / IT), Nicola Tammaro (Naples / IT), Xheseda Dumani (Naples / IT), Alessandro Esposito (Naples / IT), Paola Maietta (Naples / IT), Arianna Mottola (Naples / IT), Patrizio Festa (Naples / IT)
Abstract text (incl. references and figure legends)
Introduction: Post traumatic limb complex wounds affect a significant percentage of patients who refer to our Trauma Center. The purpose of this study is to report our experience on the treatment of limb complex wounds and on the use of the innovative 3M ™ V.A.C. Veraflo Cleanse Choice ™ (CHOICE ™) for edge case management.
Materials and Methods: From 01/01/2021 to 31/09/2022 65 patients with complex limb trauma were accepted at our Trauma Unit, 23 of these patients with limb complex wounds. Trauma severity was assessed using the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS Score). 16 were treated with negative pressure therapy (NPWT). In two extreme cases, CHOICE ™ was used. The following data were considered: degree of injury, duration of NPWT, definitive reconstructive treatment, length of hospitalization, mortality.
Results: We observed lesions with MESS score <7 in 14 cases and> 7 in 2 cases. NPWT time averaged 16 days. 3 patients underwent reconstruction with flap and 8 with graft. The mean hospital stay was 32 days. Mortality was 7%. CHOICE ™ was used in one case of disarticulation of the shoulder and one of the hip, allowing in a short time an adequate engraftment of the reconstruction flaps.
Conclusions: NPWT consists of the continuous or intermittent application of subatmospheric pressure to the wound bed. The CHOICE ™ dressing includes a contact layer with a 10 mm hole pattern and is indicated in the treatment of particularly complex and infected wounds. In our experience, NPWT has proved to be a fundamental aid in the management of limb breakdown and CHOICE ™ an innovative therapy capable of promoting the neoformation of granulation tissue, thus reducing healing and hospitalization times.
References:
Cole W. Early-stage Management of Complex Lower Extremity Wounds Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation and a Reticulated Open Cell Foam With Through Holes. Wounds. 2020 Jun;32(6):159-163.Disclosure: Do you have a significant financial interest, consultancy or other relationship with products, manufacturer(s) of products or providers of services related to this abstract? (If not, please enter "No" in the text field.)
No