Zentralbl Chir 2006 Apr; 131(S 1): 24-28 (Read article online)

Reichert B

V.A.C.(R)-therapy has improved the treatment of extended pressure sores, because of its beneficial effect on the wound surface and the safe microbial barrier. Definitive reconstructive surgery can be performed earlier. Using modern aids fixation of the device will be possible even in difficult locations as the perianal area. This is important for immobile and multimorbid patients. On the other hand, this area still shows limitations of the method. In recurrent cases it is difficult to use classical methods of reconstruction. Long-term-treatment is necessary, which is economically difficult. It is important for hospitals to cooperate with specialised wound therapeutics so that these patients can be dismissed earlier. This may allow reconstructive procedures, even if this takes several hospital stays over a long period of time.