A Case Report of VAC Dressing System Applied over a Lattisimus Dorsi(LD) Flap Reconstruction for a Crush Injury on the Lower Extremities: Indications, Technical Aspects and Outcomes. Issue 3 (10th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sapountzis, Stamatis; Karamitros, Georgios; Goulios, Vasileios; Rallis, Ioannis
• Is Part Of: International journal of orthoplastic surgery. Volume 1:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 105
• Publication Date: 2018-12-10
• Subjects: Free flap reconstruction -- VAC therapy -- lattisimus dorsi reconstruction; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.952
• DOI: 10.29337/ijops.2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2515-7566

Abstract

Although VAC dressing system is a very reliable and effective way to support wound healing there are not many mentions in the literature that investigate the use of the VAC system over free flaps, especially for the reconstruction of injuries in the extremities. In this case report we present the use of the VAC system over a mascolocutaneous latissimus dorsi(LD) that was was used to cover the extensive deficits on the left foot after a car accident. In this case the LD flap that was applied showed signs of venous congestion and even though venous re-anastomosis of the flap was used by inter-positioning a vein graft from the contra-lateral leg, still venous congestion was not resolved due to the increased interstitial pressure. With the low negative pressure provided by the VAC system, we managed to overcome the interstitial pressure and achieve adequate capillary perfusion and blood supply to the flap.