Comparison of Standard Open Wound Care and Vacuum-assisted Closure Therapy in Fournier's Gangrene.

Objective: Management of Fournier's gangrene (FG) includes large wound debridement, broad-spectrum antibiotic, wound care and re-debridement if necessary. The aim of our study was to compare standard open wound care and vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy in patients with FG. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients (29 males and 4 females) who underwent surgery for FG were enrolled in the present study. The data was evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to wound care after large wound debridement. Standard open wound care with antibiotic pomade was performed twice a day in 14 patients and VAC therapy was performed every 48-72 hours in 17 patients. The data of the two groups were compared. Results: Twenty-three (69.7%) patients had Diabetes Mellitus and 20 patients (60%) had poor hygiene. The re-debridement rate in patients who received standard open wound care was statistically higher than in those who underwent VAC therapy (p=0.016). There were no statistically significant differences in mortality rate, length of hospital stay and need for reconstruction between the groups. When the data were analyzed, no statistically significant difference was found in FG Severity index score, length of hospital stay and mortality rate. However, the relationship between mortality rate and location of lesion was statistically significant (p=0.03). Four patients died, 3 (75%) due to wide necrotizing fasciitis extending to the abdominal wall. Conclusion: The present study showed that the technique used for wound care did not influence mortality, need for reconstruction and length of hospital stay. The only advantage of VAC therapy was decreased re-debridement rate in patients with FG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]