Application of vacuum sealing drainage in skin graft of calf pedicle island flap donor-site

• Main Authors: Chang Su, Xiao-Huan Zhan, Ying-Qiong Wang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editorial Board of Journal of Hainan Medical University 2018-09-01
• Series: Journal of Hainan Medical University
• Subjects: Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD); Traditional pressure dressing; Calf pedicle island flap; Free skin grafting
• Online Access: http://www.hnykdxxb.com/PDF/201817/08.pdf

Objective: To explore the clinical effect of vacuum sealing drainage on free dermatoplasty in the donor-site of calf pedicled island flap. Method: From January 2016 to January 2018, a total of 70 patients undergoing reconstruction of skin and soft tissue defects in ankles and legs with calf pedicle island flap in Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were selected into our research. Selected patients were divided into VSD group and pressure dressing group according to the order of surgery. The VSD group was treated with free skin grafting and vacuum sealing drainage after separation of donor-site flap. The pressure dressing group was treated with free skin grafting and traditional pressure dressing technology after the separation of donor-site flap. Visual acuity simulation scores (VAS) were observed and recorded on the 1st, 7th, and 14th day after surgery. The unpacking time, skin graft healing time, skin graft survival rate, infection rate and incidence of subcutaneous hematoma were compared between the two groups. Results: The VAS scores on the 7th and 14th day after surgery in the VSD group were lower than those in the pressure dressing group. The unpacking time and skin graft healing time of the VSD group were shorter than those of the pressure dressing group. The survival rate of skin graft in VSD group was higher than that in the pressure dressing group. The infection rate and the incidence of subcutaneous hematoma in the VSD group were lower than those in the pressure dressing group. Conclusion: Vacuum sealing drainage is beneficial to promote the healing of free skin grafts in the donor site of the calf pedicle island flap, relieve pain, reduce adverse reactions, safe and effective, and worthy of clinical promotion.