Comparison the mean healing time of wound after vacuum assisted closure(VAC) versus conventional dressing(CD) in diabetic foot ulcer(DFU) patients.

DFUs are chronic wounds in diabetics resulting from ischemia, angiogenesis defects and impaired immunity. Different treatment modalities are available for treating DFUs. Amongst them VAC provides a new paradigm for diabetic wound dressing. Different studies concluded that DFUs treated with VAC are more likely to heal than CD.

The average healing time varies greatly among different studies conducted. Therefore, we conducted this study to compare the mean healing time of wound after VAC and CD in DFU patients. Based on these results, the method with lesser healing time can be opted for our routine practice guidelines for DFU patient's management protocol.

This Randomized controlled trial was conducted at Department of General Surgery, at a tertiary teaching hospital , over duration of six months from 28th February 2020 to 27th August 2020. The calculated sample size was 60 i.e. 30 cases in each group, with 5% level of significance, 80% power of study and taking mean healing time with VAC therapy as 11.366 ± 3.488 days and with conventional dressing as 16.41 ± 3.104 days.6 Non-probability, consecutive sampling technique was used.

After taking permission from ethical review committee , total 60 patients who were presented in outpatient Department of Surgery, at a tertiary care Hospital, Karachi, fulfilling the inclusion criteria was selected. After informed, written consent, all selected cases were offered to pick up a slip from total mixed up slips (half-slips contained letter 'A' and other half slips contained letter 'B') and he/she was placed in that respective group. In group A patients, VAC dressing was applied while in group B conventional dressing was applied. In patients undergoing vacuum assisted closure a drainage tube was placed in the wound followed by dressing with sterile foam sheet and application of occlusive transparent film over the whole assembly. The drainage tube was connected to a suction machine. Intermittent negative pressure of -125mmHg was applied every 15 minutes; the suction was stopped for 10 minutes. The dressing was changed every 48 hours. In patients with conventional dressings, after wound wash, pyodine soaked gauze pieces were used for initial 48 hours followed by dressings of normal saline soaked gauze pieces, twice daily. All patients were followed regularly by the single researcher and mean healing time was noted in every patient of both groups as described in operational definition. This all data (age, gender, duration of ulcer, and size of ulcer, BMI, and healing time) was recorded on a specially designed Performa designed beforehand.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. All patients with diabetic foot ulcer of >2 weeks duration. 2. Size of ulcer >3 cm. 3. Well controlled diabetes (HbA1C=6-8.3%). 4. Age 25-65 years. 5. Both genders.

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Exclusion Criteria:

1. Anemic patients (hemoglobin <10 g/dl).

2. Patients with history of steroid intake.

3. Patients with chronic renal failure (assessed on history and s/creatinine >1.5 mg/dl).

4. Patients with history of immunosuppressive therapy.

5. Ulcers involving bone as well.

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After informed, written consent, all selected cases were offered to pick up a slip from total mixed up slips (half-slips contained letter 'A' and other half slips contained letter 'B') and he/she was placed in that respective group.