Topical Negative Pressure, Or VAC Therapy For Wound Healing Questioned

[medicniresh]

Topical Negative Pressure involves placing a foam dressing, cut to shape, into the wound. A tube is attached to the foam with a suction device, at the other end the tube is attached to a canister. The whole area is then sealed with a sticky film.

This therapy is said to accelerate healing by increasing oxygen flow to the wound, cleansing the area of harmful bacteria and other substances that may slow wound healing down, and raise the production of chemicals that encourage tissue growth. This treatment is used for pressure ulcers (bed sores), diabetic foot ulcers, skin grafts and venous ulcers.

However, the authors of this report have concluded that "the clinical effectiveness of this therapy is unclear," after reviewing the available evidence. They comment that several studies done on the use of this technique were flawed in such a way as to "cast doubt on the validity and reliability of the results."

None of the evidence is compelling enough to show that this technique helps bed sores or uncomplicated diabetic foot ulcers heal more quickly, or that it aids skin grafts to 'take', say the researchers.

Where faster healing may take place the circumstances and setting are uncommon. For example, the patients with venous ulcers who receive this treatment and get plenty of bed rest in hospital may benefit. However, the authors say such patients are hardly ever treated in this way as it is very expensive.