EFFECTIVENESS OF VACUUM ASSISTED CLOSURE DRESSING TECHNIQUE VERSUS CONVENTIONAL DRESSING ON DIABETIC FOOT WOUND HEALING

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are among the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus and are associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and a higher risk of lower-limb amputation. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy has emerged as an advanced wound management technique that may enhance wound healing compared with conventional dressing methods.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted closure therapy versus conventional dressing in diabetic foot wound healing.

Methods: A comparative prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgery of Govt. Teaching Hospital Shahdara Lahore from May 2025 to September 2025. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers were enrolled and divided equally into two groups. Group A received vacuum-assisted closure therapy, while Group B received conventional saline gauze dressing. Wound healing outcomes were assessed based on reduction in wound size, duration of hospital stay, granulation tissue formation, infection control, and time to wound closure. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 54.7 ± 9.6 years, with males constituting 62% of the study population. Patients treated with VAC therapy demonstrated significantly greater reduction in wound size (68.4% vs. 41.2%, p<0.001), earlier granulation tissue formation (12.3 ± 3.1 days vs. 20.5 ± 4.6 days, p<0.001), and shorter hospital stay (14.2 ± 5.4 days vs. 22.7 ± 6.8 days, p<0.001) compared to the conventional dressing group. Infection rates were also lower in the VAC therapy group.

Conclusion: Vacuum-assisted closure therapy is more effective than conventional dressing in promoting diabetic foot wound healing. VAC therapy significantly improves granulation tissue formation, reduces wound size, shortens hospital stay, and lowers infection rates. The technique may be considered a superior alternative for the management of diabetic foot ulcers.