Objective: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of the vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) technique combined with skin flap for the treatment of chronic ulcerative wounds.
Methods: From June 2009 to Aug. 2011, the VSD technique combined with skin flap has been applied in the treatment of 15 patients with chronic ulcerative wounds caused by various reasons. The VSD was applied to the wound for 1-6 times. When infection was controlled and fresh granulation grew, skin flap was used to cover the wound.
Results: Flap necrosis happened in a small area at the distal end in one case, which healed after skin graft. All the other flaps survived with primary healing. The patients were followed up for 6-24 months postoperatively with no recurrence of infection.
Conclusions: VSD combined with skin flap is an ideal choice for reconstruction of chronic ulcerative wounds. It has the advantages of low complications, reliable flap survival rate, and low infection recurrence.