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Vacuum-Assisted Closure of Complex Perineal Wounds

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Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

The Vacuum-assisted Closure device decreases the time to wound healing, thus increasing the deposition of granulation tissue, and decreasing the use of wound care specialists. Perineal wounds present a special challenge. We present four cases of complex perineal wounds in which the Vacuum-assisted Closure device was used. In each case, wound care was simplified and healing accelerated. The Vacuum-assisted Closure device allows earlier wound closure, early skin grafting (with improved graft adherence), earlier hospital discharge, and earlier return to baseline functional status. Its use in the perineum presents a challenge, but with proper application, even the most complex perineal wounds can be healed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC

    David M. Schaffzin M.D., Jennifer M. Douglas M.D., Thomas J. Stahl M.D., F.A.S.C.R.S. & Lee E. Smith M.D., F.A.S.C.R.S.

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  1. David M. Schaffzin M.D.
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  2. Jennifer M. Douglas M.D.
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  3. Thomas J. Stahl M.D., F.A.S.C.R.S.
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  4. Lee E. Smith M.D., F.A.S.C.R.S.
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Correspondence to David M. Schaffzin M.D..

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Schaffzin, D., Douglas, J., Stahl, T. et al. Vacuum-Assisted Closure of Complex Perineal Wounds. Dis Colon Rectum 47, 1745–1748 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-004-0633-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-004-0633-9

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