Comparison of Standard Open Wound Care and Vacuum-assisted Closure Therapy in Fournier’s Gangrene

Abstract

Objective: Management of Fournier’s gangrene (FG) includes large wound debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotic, wound care and re-debridementif necessary. The aim of our study was to compare standard open wound care and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy in patients with FG.Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients (29 males and 4 females) who underwent surgery for FG were enrolled in the present study. The datawas evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to wound care after large wound debridement. Standard openwound care with antibiotic pomade was performed twice a day in 14 patients and VAC therapy was performed every 48-72 hours in 17 patients.The data of the two groups were compared.Results: Twenty-three (69.7%) patients had Diabetes Mellitus and 20 patients (60%) had poor hygiene. The re-debridement rate in patients whoreceived standard open wound care was statistically higher than in those who underwent VAC therapy (p=0.016). There were no statisticallysignificant differences in mortality rate, length of hospital stay and need for reconstruction between the groups. When the data were analyzed,no statistically significant difference was found in FG Severity index score, length of hospital stay and mortality rate. However, the relationshipbetween mortality rate and location of lesion was statistically significant (p=0.03). Four patients died, 3 (75%) due to wide necrotizing fasciitisextending to the abdominal wall.Conclusion: The present study showed that the technique used for wound care did not influence mortality, need for reconstruction and length ofhospital stay. The only advantage of VAC therapy was decreased re-debridement rate in patients with FG.