[Use of V.A.C. Therapy in the surgical treatment of severe burns: the Viennese concept]

Abstract

Introduction: General principle in the treatment of severe burns is early wound closure. A good take of split-thickness-skin-grafts is essential for fast wound healing and thereby for the outcome of the patient. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of V.A.C. therapy in the field of acute burn surgery.

Patients and methods: All patients of the Vienna burn centre who were treated with V.A.C. between 2004 and 2006, were evaluated concerning burn surface area, burn degree and outcome.

Results: 28 out of 29 patients, suffering from deep dermal and full thickness burns, were discharged with complete wound closure, only one patient died.

Conclusion: In our opinion, split-thickness skin-fixation by using V.A.C. therapy is suitable for moist and irregular wound surfaces, for areas exposed to movements and especially for the treatment of older patients with co-morbidities.