A Comparative study of Cost-Effective Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) Therapy and Conventional Dressing on Wound Healing in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers constitute one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus, with a staggering 25% lifetime risk. The morbidity and prolonged need for hospital stay greatly affects the quality of life of those affected by it. The importance to these becomes even more significant considering that India houses the largest number of diabetics in the world. If not treated promptly, progression of infection and sepsis may necessitate a limb amputation to prevent mortality. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the time taken for complete wound healing, granulation tissue formation, complications between VAC therapy and conventional dressing among patients with diabetic foot ulcer. METHODS: This study was carried out in the Department of General Surgery, GRH Madurai between August 2018 and August 2019. Patients in the study group received VAC therapy while those in the control group received conventional dressing. Patients were assessed till wound is completely filled with granulation tissue and is fit for SSG. RESULTS: Time to healing was significantly less in the study group 22.52 days vs control group 33.85 days, p=<0.0001. The reduction in ulcer area was significantly more in the VAC therapy groups 14.29 cm2 vs control group 4.78cm2 p=