| 170 |
Clinical Research
|
Use of Vacuum Assisted Closure* Associated with Substantial Wound Healing in the Treatment of Surgical Wound Patients First Author: Michael Keith Authors: Michael S. Keith, PhD, PharmD Sunni A. Barnes, PhD OBJECTIVE: The objective of this analysis is to investigate patient characteristics and wound healing outcomes of NPWT* in the treatment of surgical wound patients. METHODOLOGY: Patients treated with NPWT for surgical (non-dehisced) wounds between January 1, 2004, and August 31, 2006, were eligible for study inclusion. Demographic, treatment and outcomes data were retrospectively analyzed using an internal administrative database. RESULTS: The analysis criteria yielded 36,614 patients. Median patient age was 63 years, 45% were male, and 66% had Medicare coverage. Overall, an average of 83.2% of patients reached a final outcome of healed (defined as wound closure or adequate granulation). Healing percentages increased over time while length of treatment with NPWT remained consistent (29 Ð 32 days). The most common ICD-9 codes reported for these patients were 998.83 (Non-Healing Surgical Wound) and 879.2/879.3 (Open Anterior Abdominal Wound). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective, multi-year analysis of over 36,500 surgical wounds treated with NPWT, healing percentages were substantial and appeared to increase over time while the length of treatment has remained consistent. NPWT appears to be an effective treatment option for this wound type resulting in substantial wound progression and healing outcomes with over 83% of patients reaching the defined healing endpoint. *V.A.C.© Therapy, KCI USA, San Antonio, TX |
|