Evaluation of cosmetic appearance of herniotomy wound scars in African children: Comparison of tissue glue and subcuticular suturing

Aim:

To evaluate the cosmetic appearance of herniotomy wound scars closed using either the tissue glue or subcuticular suturing technique.

Materials and Methods:

Prospective randomised control study; randomisation into tissue glue and suturing groups. Ethical clearance obtained. Cosmetic outcome were based on visual analogue scale by parents and Hollander wound evaluation scale by a Plastic Surgeon blinded to the wound closure method.

Results:

Fifty one wounds were evaluated, 26 in the tissue glue group and 25 in the suturing group. Parents'' evaluation using Visual Analogue scale (VAS) showed that in the suturing group, 17 parents (68%) gave a VAS of 8cm while six parents (24%) gave a score of 7cm. Two parents (8%) gave a score of 9cm. In the tissue glue group, 22 parents (84.6%) scored the scar of their children as 8 or 9cm on the VAS while four parents (15.4%) gave a score of 7cm. The median VAS was 8cm for both groups with a range of 7 to 9cm. The Chi- square test showed that the parents preferred tissue glue compared with subcuticular suturing (X2 = 7.90, P < 0.05). The Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale (HWES) used by Plastic Surgeon showed 21 herniotomy wounds (84%) had a score of 6 in the suturing group while four wounds (16%) had a score of 5. In the tissue glue group, 19 wounds (73%) had a score of 6, six wounds (23.1%) had a score of 5 and a patient (3.8%) had a score of 4. The median score is 6 for both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups (X² = 1.481, P = 0.393).

Conclusion:

This study has shown that the cosmetic outcome of wound closure using the tissue glue technique and subcuticular suturing technique are similar.     

Safer circumcision in patients with haemophilia: the use of fibrin glue for local haemostasis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and the reduced costs of factor concentrates in circumcision by using fibrin glue in patients with haemophilia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with haemophilia (age range 6-14 years, 10 with haemophilia A, one with haemophilia B) were circumcised using fibrin glue for local haemostasis and to reduce the duration of clotting factor replacement after surgery. Circumcision was carried out under general anaesthesia; the prepuce was incised circumferentially and excised using the Gomco clamp technique. Haemophiliac patients were divided into two groups: in group 1 (four patients, three with haemophilia A and one with haemophilia B) the factor levels were assessed every 8 h and bolus injections of factor repeated during the first 4 days after surgery; in group 2, the seven remaining haemophilia A patients received a postoperative bolus injection and approximately 4 U/kg per hour of factor substitution for the first 2 days after surgery by continuous infusion. Eleven other patients with haemophilia A underwent circumcision using same surgical procedure but were given only factor substitution without fibrin glue, and served as a control group (group 3). RESULTS: None of the patients had significant bleeding or complications. The total costs were significantly reduced, to $8898 per patient in group 1 and $4866 per patient in group 2, when compared with $12875 per patient in group 3 (both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue is a useful treatment for circumcision in patients with haemophilia; it lessens the need for factor substitution after circumcision and thus reduces the high cost of treatment.     

Locomotion of human skin keratinocytes on polystyrene, fibrin, and collagen substrata and its modification by cell-to-cell contacts

Epithelial wound repair assures the recovery of the epithelial barrier after wounding. During wound healing epithelial cells migrate to cover the wound surface. The presented experiments were carried out to compare the migration of human keratinocytes from primary and secondary culture on polystyrene, collagen, and fibrin glue used in clinical techniques. The images of migrating keratinocytes were recorded and analyzed using computer-aided methods. The results show that the character of the substrate strongly affects the speed and turning behavior of keratinocytes locomoting over it. The highest motile activity of human skin keratinocytes was found on fibrin glue substratum. It was found that locomotion of freely moving isolated cells was much faster than that of cell sheets. The autologous keratinocytes cultured in vitro were applied with fibrin glue to cover trophic wounds. The transplantation of human autologous keratinocyte suspension in fibrin glue upon long-lasting trophic wounds appeared to induce rapid and permanent wound healing.     

A comparison of keratinocyte cell sprays with and without fibrin glue

Fibrin glue is an excellent template for cellular migration and has been shown to be an effective delivery system for cultured autologous keratinocytes. We have investigated whether fibrin glue has any benefit on the percentage of epithelial cover when cultured autologous keratinocytes are sprayed onto a freshly debrided wound bed.Three pigs were used for this study. This provided a total of 18 full thickness, vertically orientated wounds, each 4cm in diameter and isolated in PTFE chambers to prevent re-epithelialisation from the wound margins. Eight wounds were sprayed with cultured autologous keratinocytes suspended in 2ml culture medium and eight wounds were sprayed with cultured autologous keratinocytes suspended in 1ml of the fibrin/aprotinin component of Tisseel fibrin glue (Baxter) mixed with 1ml of culture medium. In the latter group the thrombin component of the fibrin glue kit was applied to the wound bed immediately prior to grafting. The remaining two wounds were used as controls and sprayed with either culture medium or fibrin glue without cells. Epithelial cover was calculated in whole-wound biopsies at 3 weeks using image analysis, histology and immunohistochemistry.The cell suspension in fibrin glue appeared to spread more evenly over the wound surface, with no pooling in the inferior aspect of the wound. However, mean epithelial area at 3 weeks in the fibrin group was 1.6cm(2) per wound compared with 1.8cm(2) for the non-fibrin group, as measured by image analysis of digital photographs. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.802). This surprising result was confirmed by histological analysis of the wound biopsies, with a good correlation between histological and image analysis data (R=0.967). There was no observable difference in the quality of the epithelium on histological and immunohistological analysis of either group.     

角质细胞与成纤维细胞混合移植修复裸鼠全层皮肤缺损的初步报告

目的：利用组织工程原理探讨修复全层皮肤缺损的理想方式。方法：以裸鼠为动物模型,在皮肤全层缺损区域分别移植纤维蛋白胶(n=10),纤维蛋白胶角质细胞悬液（n=10）,纤维蛋白胶成纤维细胞悬液（n=10）以及纤维蛋白胶角质细胞成纤维细胞悬液（n=10）,术后每天对伤口进行大体观察,第5,7,10,14,21,35d,分别取材活检行组织学及免疫组织化学检查。结果：移植有角质细胞组（2和4组）的创面愈合快,术后10d组织学提示创面完全上皮化,抗人特异性HLA－1型抗原、抗involucrin染色和抗Ⅶ型胶原染色阳性证明新生上皮由移植的人角质细胞形成,抗involucrin染色阳性又证明角质细胞分化成熟有角质层形成,抗Laminin染色、抗Ⅶ型胶原染色阳性提示早期基底膜形成。组织学检查提示第4组新生上皮有许多类似皮钉样结构。结论：培养的角质细胞,成纤维细胞结合纤维蛋白胶移植到创面上后,可以形成复层分化良好、接近正常结构和功能的新生成肤组织。     

Closure of laparoscopic trocar site wounds with cyanoacrylate tissue glue: a simple technical solution.

Cyanoacrylate-based tissue glue has been widely used for many years around the world, and was recently approved for use in the United States, mainly for skin cuts and lacerations. Other applications were described, in different surgical situations. Although ideal for small, clean incisions, its use in laparoscopic surgery is currently limited. Over a year period, 100 patients with more 250 trocar site wounds had their wounds glued using histoacryl. Infection rate was extremely low (one case), and partial dehiscence of the wound happened in two patients, where wound edge approximation was not optimal. Cosmetic results were excellent and patient satisfaction was high, as no sutures had to be removed. Glue application is easy and quick, with no risk of needle sticks, and it is a viable option for laparoscopic wound closure.     

Evaluation of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor as an agent for wound bed preparation in traumatic wounds

Background:

In patients with life-threatening injuries, simple wounds requiring split-thickness skin grafts (SSG) often get neglected. These then need SSG once they are covered with granulation tissue through wound bed preparation. Traditionally, this is done by daily moist dressings. Recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF) has been shown to improve healing in chronic wounds.

Aim:

The present study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of rhPDGF in wound bed preparation with the current practice of daily saline dressings.

Setting and Design:

A prospective randomised, single-blinded study was carried out for evaluation in traumatic wounds.

Materials and Methods:

The patients were randomised and divided into a control group that was subjected to saline dressings and a test group that was treated with rhPDGF gel. Both the groups were then compared. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 16.0 and the quantitative variables were analysed using unpaired “t” test, while the pre- and post-intervention effects were assessed using paired “t” test. The 95% CI values were also included.

Results:

Of the 155 wounds studied, time taken for appearance of granulation tissue (in days) in the test group had a mean of 13.81 ± 2.68, while that in the control group was 13.36 ± 3.81 (P = 0.401). Complete re-epithelialisation without discharge occurred in the control group with a mean value of 28.9 ± 3.67 days, while that in the test group had a mean of 31.17 ± 4.82 days.

Conclusion:

There was no difference in wound healing between the patients treated with rhPDGF compared to those treated by conventional moist dressings.KEY WORDS: Platelet-derived growth factor, soft tissue injuries, split-thickness skin grafts, trauma, wound bed preparation, wounds and injuries     

Treatment of chronic wounds with cultured autologous keratinocytes as suspension in fibrin glue

Cultivated keratinocytes have been used for treatment of chronic wounds. Our group developed a new application form, using a suspension of subconfluently cultivated keratinocytes in fibrin glue (keratinocyte-fibrin-glue-suspension = KFGS), which has successfully been used in burn patients. Altogether 8 patients (average: 57 yrs.) with complex chronic wounds of different origin were treated with KFGS. All wounds, which had been existing from 4 months to 14 years, showed good reepithelization. Up to now there has been observed stable wound closure for 4 years after grafting. This study demonstrates the wound healing potency of a keratinocyte-fibrin-glue-suspension also for chronic wounds. Fibrin glue seems to be both an ideal application vehicle as a biological matrix for the cultivated keratinocytes. The transplantation of cultivated autologous keratinocytes as suspension in fibrin glue is a promising way in the treatment of chronic wounds.     

医用胶水在急诊外科颜面部伤口处理中的应用

【摘要】〓目的〓观察医用胶水在急诊外科颜面部伤口处理中的疗效。方法〓对2012~2013年急诊外科收治的50例颜面部外伤应用医用胶水进行粘合,与周期另外50例使用常规清创缝合的患者进行比较。结果〓与常规清创缝合的处理方法相比,应用医用胶水进行创面的粘合处理,减少了创口周围红斑、硬结及瘢痕增生;术后创面更加平整,美观;不增加感染机会减少,且免去拆线。使用医用胶水同时减少了清创时间,患者对该方法的满意度增加。结论〓在急诊外科颜面部伤口处理应用医用胶水进行粘合处理较传统的清创术效果更好,但应正确选择适应症。     

Treatment of non-healing sternum wound after open-heart surgery with allogenic platelet-rich plasma and fibrin glue-preliminary outcomes

Introduction:

Non-healing wound in the sternal region after coronary arteries bypass graft surgery is a serious complication. For healing a chronic wound, several novel approaches have been proposed recently such as using bone marrow stem cells, platelets and fibrin glue (PFG); but a non-invasive method is highly desirable in the first approach for treatment. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the combination of PFG in one treatment.

Materials and Methods:

We report on the treatment of six patients with life-threatening chronic sternum wounds, which caused septicemia with multi-drug resistant pathogens. The ulcers were extensively debrided initially and were measured and photographed at weekly intervals. The combination of PFG was applied topically on the wound after every 2 days.

Results:

The wounds were completely closed in five patients and significantly reduced in size in one. There was no evidence of local or systemic complications and any abnormal tissue formation, keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests, in the first approach, PFG can be used safely in order to heal a non healing sternum wound following coronary artery bypass surgery.KEY WORDS: Chronic wounds, fibrin glue, platelet-rich plasma, sternal wound     

Dermal fibroblasts do not enhance the graft take rate of autologous, cultured keratinocyte suspension on full-thickness wounds in rats

Dermal fibroblasts are known to play an important role in wound healing. In this study, cultured autologous keratinocyte suspension was applied with fibrin glue to the full-thickness wounds in rats (N = 20). Histological analysis on day 14 showed regenerated epithelium in 10 wounds (50%). Keratinocytes were also premixed with allogeneic dermal fibroblasts in a ratio of 3:1 and 5:1 before application to other full-thickness wounds (N = 20) with fibrin glue. Regeneration of epithelium was observed in 10 (50%) and 9 (45%) wounds respectively. Acute inflammatory reaction and mild to moderate proliferation of fibroblasts in the subepithelial layer of the allogeneic fibroblasts were noted. The addition of dermal fibroblasts to keratinocytes/fibrin glue does not enhance the take rate of the cultured keratinocyte suspension.     

Porcine wound healing in full-thickness skin defects using Integra? with and without fibrin glue with keratinocytes

BACKGROUND:

An artificial dermal matrix such as Integra (Integra Life Sciences Corporation, USA) provides a wound bed template for vascular and fibrocyte ingrowth as well as collagen remodelling. Dermal repair leads to epidermal and basement membrane regeneration. Burn wounds in particular have been shown to benefit from Integra by enhanced wound healing.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effect of fibrin glue to modify the integration of Integra in large excised cutaneous wounds. It was hypothesized that applying fibrin glue on a wound bed would reduce the time needed for matrix vascularization and incorporation of Integra and take of the cultured keratinocytes.

METHODS:

Four separate full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsum of two swine. Wound beds were randomly assigned to either application of fibrin glue or no application of fibrin glue before application of Integra. Full-thickness biopsies were performed at days 7, 14, 21, 29 and 35. On day 21, keratinocytes were applied either as sheets or aerosolized fibrin glue suspension.

RESULTS:

Histological analysis revealed a wave of inflammatory cells and early granulation tissue ingrowth into the Integra from the fascia below on day 7. Only this initial phase was augmented by application of fibrin glue to the wound bed. By day 14, most and by day 21, all of the Integra thickness was incorporated. Accelerated dermal repair proceeded from the base with new collagen deposition in Integra spaces. There was no evidence of keratinocyte engraftment, although re-epithelialization occurred at wound edges extending onto the incorporated Integra.

CONCLUSIONS:

It appears there is an acceleration of early phase (day 7 to day 21) dermal incorporation with fibrin glue application to the wound bed, perhaps secondary to increased cellular migration. Day 21 appears to be too early to apply cultured keratinocytes either as sheets or aerosolized suspension.     

碱性成纤维细胞生长因子与创面修复棗1024例多中心对照临床试验结果

在全国３２家医院,采用多中心对照方法,进一步观察重组牛碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（ｂＦＧＦ）对创面修复的影响和可能发生的毒副反应。结果表明,在统一病例选择范围,治疗方法及治疗标准的前提下,３２家医院经ｂＦＧＦ治疗的１０２４例烧伤（３３０例）,手术创伤或供皮区创面（５０９例）及慢性难愈合创面（１８５例）均较对照创面（８２６例,其中１８５例为自身对照）修复质量显著提高,创面愈合时间分别缩短３天￣４天,ｂＦ     

Treating infected diabetic wounds with superoxidized water as anti-septic agent : a preliminary experience

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of superoxidized water (MicrocynTM) in diabetic patients with different wounds. Study Design: Single-centre single blinded randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Surgery, Orthopaedics and General Medicine at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, from April to June 2006. Patients and Methods: One hundred known diabetic patients were enrolled. Half were randomized to the intervention group (those whose wounds were managed with superoxidized water) and half to the control group (whose wounds were treated with normal saline) using a table of random numbers. The two groups were matched for age, gender, duration of diabetes and category of wound. All patients received appropriate surgical treatment for their wounds as required. Local wound treatment was carried out daily using superoxidized water soaked gauzes on twice daily basis in the intervention group and normal saline in the control group. The treatment was continued until wound healing. The main outcome measures were duration of hospital stay, downgrading of the wound category, wound healing time and need for interventions such as amputation. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in favour of the superoxidized water group with respect to duration of hospital stay, downgrading of the wound category and wound healing time. Conclusion: Although the initial results of employing superoxidized water for the management of infected diabetic wounds are encouraging, further multicentre clinical trials are warranted before this antiseptic is recommended for general use. It may offer an economical alternative to other expensive antiseptics with positive impact on the prevailing infection rates, patient outcomes and patient satisfaction.     

Cooling of the burn wound: the ideal temperature of the coolant

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of cooling a fresh burn wound were well demonstrated. However, there are still conflicting reports as to the optimum temperature of coolant, duration of application and effects in limiting tissue damage. A study was undertaken to investigate this, the importance of the temperature of, and the time period of application of the coolant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four identical deep dermal wounds were created on the back of 10 anaesthetised pigs. Each animal served as an independent experimental model. The effectiveness of cooling was monitored by measuring intradermal temperatures. The animals were divided into two groups; using ice water and tap water as the coolants. In each pig one wound was not cooled (wound 1). Three were cooled; one immediately for 30 min in group 1 and for 4 h in group 2 (wound 2). The other two wounds were cooled after 30 min for 30 min and 3 h (wounds 3 and 4, respectively). RESULTS: It was found that the temperature of the coolant was crucial. When ice water of 1-8 degrees C (group 1) was used more necrosis than in the wounds that were not cooled was seen. When tap water was used at 12-18 degrees C (group 2) it was demonstrated clinically and histologically that the cooled wounds had less necrosis than the uncooled wounds and thus healed faster. In group 2 the beneficial effects of cooling were still present when delayed for half an hour. CONCLUSION: First aid cooling of a burn wound with tap water is an effective method of minimising the damage sustained during a burn, and is universally and immediately available. Ice water cooling is associated with an increase in tissue damage.     

Importance of defining experimental conditions in a mouse excisional wound model

The murine dorsum dermal excisional wound model has been widely utilized with or without splint application. However, variations in experimental methods create challenges for direct comparison of results provided in the literature and for design of new wound healing studies. Here, we investigated the effects of wound location and size, number of wounds, type of adhesive used for splint fixation on wound healing using splinted or unsplinted dorsum excisional full thickness wound models. One or two 6‐ or 8‐mm full thickness wounds were made with or without splinting in genetically diabetic but heterozygous mice (Dock7^m + / + Lepr^db). Two different adhesives: tissue adhesive and an over the counter cyanoacrylate adhesive (OTCA) “Krazy glue” were used to fix splints. Wound contraction, wound closure, and histopathological parameters including reepithelialization, collagen deposition and inflammation were compared between groups. No significant effect of wound number (1 vs. 2), side (left vs. right and cranial vs. caudal) or size on wound healing was observed. The OTCA group had a significantly higher splint success compared to the tissue adhesive group that resulted in significantly higher reepithelialization and collagen deposition in the OTCA group. Understanding the outcomes and effects of the variables will help investigators choose appropriate experimental conditions for the study purpose and interpret data.     

硝酸银软膏对Ⅱ度烧伤创面治疗作用的多中心临床研究

目的观察硝酸银(AgNO3)软膏对浅Ⅱ、深Ⅱ度烧伤创面的治疗效果,并评价其药物不良反应。方法选择80例浅Ⅱ度和40例深Ⅱ度烧伤患者,进行多中心、随机、阳性药物平行对照和同体试验研究(共4个中心,每个中心30例)。将患者创面按用药不同分为AgNO3组和磺胺嘧啶银(SD-Ag)组,观察各组创面完全愈合时间、指定时相点下创面愈合率、创面细菌培养情况、药物疗效和安全性、药物对创面的刺激性等。结果浅Ⅱ度创面:AgNO3组完全愈合时间为(9．5±2．7)d, SD-Ag组为(10．8±3．4)d,用药后7 d创面愈合率分别为(77．9±20．5)％及(67．3±22．6)％;深Ⅱ度创面:AgNO3组完全愈合时间为(21．5±4．8)d,SD-Ag组为(23．3±6,4)d,用药后20 d创面愈合率分别为(86．6±15．9)％及(78．5±17．7)％。同等深度烧伤创面上述各项数据两组间比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0．01)。同等深度烧伤创面AgNO3组与SD-Ag组比较,具有同样明显的杀菌作用,但前者对创面的刺激性更小。结论AgNO3软膏是一种可用于浅Ⅱ、深Ⅱ度烧伤创面的有效、安全的外用药。     

Antifibrinolytic additives to fibrin glue for laparoscopic wound closure in urinary tract.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fibrinolytic activity of urine may rapidly degrade fibrin glue used in the urinary tract, thereby limiting tissue adhesion. The goals of this study were to verify the ability of antifibrinolytic agents to delay the degradation of fibrin glue in the urinary tract and to assess the results of this delay on subsequent wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 25 domestic pigs, a 3.5-cm incision in the urinary bladder was left open (N = 6) or closed laparoscopically with fibrin glue alone (N = 6), fibrin glue containing aprotinin 5000 KIU/mL (N = 6), or fibrin glue containing aprotinin 2500 KIU/mL with (N = 4) or without (N = 3) aminocaproic acid 12.5 mg/mL. At harvest 7 days later, the bladder was tested for leakage. Histologic features were scored by a pathologist blinded to the closure method. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the groups in the amount of leakage at harvest. Significant fibrin glue material in the wound was noted more often in the pigs treated with fibrin glue plus aprotinin (7 of 13) than in the fibrin glue-only group (0 of 6; P = 0.04). The presence of significant fibrin material in the wound correlated well with absence of granulation tissue (P < 0.001), such that granulation tissue bridging the wound edges was found more often in the fibrin glue-only group (6 of 6) than in the groups treated with fibrin glue plus aprotinin (4 of 13; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although aprotinin +/- aminocaproic acid did delay the degradation of fibrin glue used to close a bladder wound, it was associated with inhibition of granulation tissue in the glued wound. These findings suggest that aprotinin alone and aprotinin plus aminocaproic acid are not useful additives to fibrin glue used for wound closure in the urinary tract.     

An evaluation of the role of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in the control of burn wound infection at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

A prospective study was carried out on 61 patients to evaluate the role of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in the control of burn wound infection. The patients were randomised into three groups: group 1 (n=21) received ampicillin and cloxacillin; group 2 (n=20) received erythromycin and genticin and a control group (n=20) received no systemic chemo prophylaxis. The burn wounds were similarly managed. Wound colonisation was determined from surface wound swab cultures and wound infection was determined from wound biopsy cultures and histopathology. The colonisation time (days) for the groups was 2.90+/-0.92, 3.15+/-0.77 and 3.05+/-0.83 for groups 1 and 2 and the control, respectively. The commonest organism isolated from contaminated wounds was Staphylococcus aureus. Wound infection was established in 5.70+/-1.70, 5.75+/-1.62 and 5.6+/-1.90 days for group 1, group 2 and the control group, respectively. There was no significant difference between wound infection time of control and group 1 nor was there such difference between the control and group 2 (P>0.05). The commonest organism infecting burn wounds in all the groups was Pseudomonas aeruginosa followed by S. aureus. There was however a significant difference between the treatment groups and the control (P<0.05) with regard to the percentage of infected wounds that grew P. aeruginosa, compared to those that grew S. aureus. It was concluded that systemic antibiotic prophylaxis is of no value in controlling burn wound sepsis, and might even favour the growth of P. aeruginosa in the burn wounds.     

Vacuum assisted closure therapy for treatment of complex wounds in replanted extremities

The object of this study was to compare the outcomes of the vacuum assisted closure (VAC) therapy and conventional wound care with dressing change for treatment of complex wounds in patients with replantation of amputated upper and lower extremities. Data of 43 patients with replantation of amputated extremities from May 2004 to December 2011 were reviewed. There were 18 wounds of 18 patients with replantation, which were treated by dressing change and 26 wounds of 25 patients by VAC therapy. The outcomes were evaluated by the survival rate of replanted extremities, growth of granulation tissue, interval between wound treatment and secondary procedure and eventual secondary wound coverage methods. Vascular thromboses were found in 3 patients with wound treatment by dressing change and 5 by VAC. All replants of two groups of patients survived after salvage procedures. The wound score was 3.6 ± 0.7 in the conventional dressing change group and 5.8 ± 0.7 in the VAC group at the sixth day after treatment, respectively. The intervals between wound treatment and secondary wound coverage procedure were 12.0 ± 1.7 days in the dressing change group and 6.1 ± 0.7 days in the VAC group. Flaps were applied for wound coverage in 9 out of 18 (50.0%) wounds in the dressing change group and 5 out of 26 (19.2%) in the VAC group (P < 0.05), when the wounds of rest of patients were covered by the skin graft. The results showed that VAC could promote the growth of granulation tissue of wound, decrease the need of flap for wound coverage, and did not change the survival of replantation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:620–624, 2013.