Efficiency of the vacuum-assisted closure method in the treatment of chronic venous ulcers and the role of the nurse

Abstract

Objectives: In our study, it was aimed to reveal the effects of using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) systems in addition to compression therapy on wound healing in patients hospitalized for chronic venous ulcers. Patients and methods: Fifty-five patients (37 males, 18 females; mean age: 43±5 years, range, 38 to 48 years) who were hospitalized in our clinic for chronic venous ulcers between January 2015 - December 2021 were included in this retrospective study. The demographic data, wound widths, healing times of venous ulcers, length of hospital stay, and surgical treatment methods of patients who did (Group 1) and did not (Group 2) receive VAC therapy in addition to the surgical and medical procedures in the treatment of venous ulcers were compared. Results: The hospital stay of all patients was 9±2 days. While the mean ulcer healing time was 14±2 days in Group 1, it was 48±8 days in Group 2 (p=0.03). The mean hospital stay of the patients was 8±2 days in Group 1, whereas it was 15±3 days in Group 2 (p=0.04). Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was revealed that VAC therapy greatly increased the effectiveness of venous surgical methods and compression therapy in the treatment of chronic venous ulcers and shortened the treatment period; therefore, VAC therapy should be added to the treatment protocol for suitable patients with chronic venous ulcers.