Vacuum therapy or negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) is a new and effective method for the rapid healing of chronic or complex wounds. NPWT removes fluid and bacteria from the wound by suction. It can also create a suitable environment for healing by protecting the wound from harmful factors in the air.

NPWT is used to treat soft tissue wounds in different areas of the body.... To get to know how this method works and the conditions for performing it, we recommend that you read this article from GCORP LLC health magazine to the end.

What is vacuum therapy?

In negative pressure wound treatment, fluids and bacteria are removed from the wound to speed up the healing process.... Some experts call this method "suction-assisted therapy" and use it to heal soft tissues in different parts of the body.... Vacuum therapy in the wound is associated with reducing edema (swelling) and shrinking the wound.... In addition, it helps to form new tissue and clean the environment.. give.

NPWT can be used in a hospital or at home... If you do it at home, you may be trained to change the dressing or be asked to see a doctor.

How does a wound vacuum device work?

Negative pressure wound therapy devices are powered by electricity or batteries and have a small pump that is used to create negative pressure or suction.. While some of them are used only for one patient and are thrown away after the end of the treatment.

To use the NPWT device, first the wound is carefully cleaned...then a special dressing and a transparent waterproof layer is placed on the wound to completely separate the environment from the outside air....in the next step, the dressing is connected to the vacuum machine with a special tube to repair the wound by creating negative pressure....the doctor adjusts the machine to apply a certain pressure.. These settings depend on the type of wound and the device used.

Learn more: What is liposuction?

Why is vacuum therapy used?

This treatment method may be recommended in the following cases:

• You have a complicated wound.
• Wound not healing or likely not to heal.
• Your wound is acute (fresh), but the doctor is unable to close it.
• The wound has reopened.
• It is a chronic (long-term) wound.
• The doctor wants to reduce fluid accumulation and help heal the wound.

Applications of vacuum therapy in wound treatment

Negative pressure wound therapy is used to improve the following problems:

• foot ulcers (eg, vacuum therapy for diabetic foot ulcers)
• Burn
• Injuries caused by traumatic injuries
• Surgical sutures

Learn more: What is an enema?

When should you not use vacuum wound treatment?

You should not use this method if any of the following apply to you:

• Existence of unprotected and visible organs or blood vessels
• Cancer
• Dead tissue
• Abnormal connections between different parts of the body

Advantages of vacuum therapy

The benefits of negative pressure wound treatment include the following:

• faster wound healing
• reducing swelling (edema)
• Reduce inflammation
• Improving blood flow that causes better oxygen transfer to the wound
• reducing the need to change dressings (every 48 to 72 hours)
• Decreasing the length of stay in the hospital

Wound vacuum effects

Possible disadvantages of this method include the following:

• Bleeding that may be heavy
• Pain
• Wound infection
• Allergic reaction to substances that are in contact with the wound
• Wound damage
• Creation of abnormal connection between intestine and skin (intestinal fistula)

Education on proper dressing changes will help reduce the risk of these problems...Also, your doctor should carefully evaluate you to make sure you are a good candidate for this treatment.... Because some problems such as wound infection or fragile skin (due to aging or long-term use of topical steroids) may increase the possibility of side effects.

Learn more: What is mammoplasty?

How do I prepare for vacuum therapy?

You probably don't need much preparation for NPWT....sometimes you need to wait a while before doing this treatment....for example, your doctor may want to treat a wound infection or remove dead and damaged tissue first....in some cases, you will need to be trained in how to use NPWT before you can do your own treatment at home.

How long will it take for me to feel better?

The speed of your healing will depend on the type and size of the wound....however, you may be surprised at how quickly a wound heals using NPWT....this system creates an ideal environment for wound healing.

How can I take care of myself after negative pressure ulcer treatment?

To speed up the recovery process:

• Consult your doctor about when to shower and how to bathe.
• Take painkillers if needed and approved by the doctor.
• If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, take them.
• Ask your doctor when you can resume your normal activities.
• Make sure you eat well and get enough rest... these things are essential to heal the wound and prevent infection.
• If you smoke, take steps to quit.... The toxins in cigarette smoke (especially nicotine, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide) severely affect the body's ability to heal wounds.

You will probably need to continue the vacuum therapy for several weeks or months. During the treatment, you will need to take the portable pump with you wherever you go. You should also see your doctor regularly to check the healing process.

Learn more: What is blepharoplasty?

When should I see a doctor?

If you are using an NPWT device at home, contact your doctor if you notice any of the following problems:

• Your wound has started to bleed.
• You have a fever or other signs of infection.
• The sound of the device is different from the normal sound.
• The battery of the device is weak.
• The pipe is blocked.
• The device will stop automatically.

Endword

Vacuum therapy is an effective and advanced method to accelerate wound healing and reduce its complications.... This method has many benefits, especially for complex and chronic wounds.... If you need more guidance in this field, see a surgeon or a pain specialist.

For this, you can visit the website of GCORP LLC and consult the best specialist doctors including Dr. Dred online.... Also, GCORP LLC provides you with the possibility to make an appointment with the specialist you want through the online appointment system.

Frequently Asked Questions