[Use of vacuum-assisted closure therapy for the conditioning of soft-tissue defects].

THE PROBLEM: Acute or chronic wounds requiring temporary wound coverage and closure. Soft-tissue defects unsuitable for any type of wound closure. Soft-tissue defects associated with infection. THE SOLUTION: Temporary or definite wound closure according to a general concept for treatment of acute or chronic wounds. Support of wound healing through enhanced cell proliferation and formation of granulation tissue. Improvement of local blood circulation and eradication of infection. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Surgical debridement. Temporary wound closure with vacuum-assisted closure therapy. Second look with change of vacuum-assisted closure systems, irrigation and debridement procedures. Definitive wound closure through - vacuum-aided wound reduction and secondary suture or - mesh grafting or - debridement and flap coverage.
RESULTS: Embedded in the general concept of treatment algorithm for acute or chronic wounds, vacuum-assisted wound closure is part of the therapy. Vacuum therapy facilitates direct wound closure or improves wound conditioning to assist further surgical procedures.