A Comparative Study of Vacuum Assisted Closure Versus Normal Saline Dressing in the Healing of Diabetic Wounds in PMCH Patna

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Vacuum assisted closure compared with conventional normal saline dressing in healing of the diabetic wounds in the form of the rate of granulation tissue formation, duration and cost effectiveness. Material and Methods: This is a prospective comparative study done in Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna from Jan 2025- Dec 2025. In this study 45 randomly selected patients were assigned to the study group (VAC-Vacuum assisted closure dressings) and 45 patients to the control group using normal saline dressings all patients were studied and clinical findings were recorded, necessary investigations ordered and appropriate treatment given. All cases were followed up to discharge and subsequently for a follow up on 1st week. All the data were analyzed using the Chi- square test and The Student's T test and the results were tabulated. A “p” value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The efficacy of the dressings was compared as the percent of ulcer surface area covered by granulation tissue. The Split Skin Graft uptake was much better in the Vacuum assisted closure dressing group 92.5 % ± 2.3 than the normal saline Dressing group 78.15 % ± 3.9 which was statistically significant. The mean hospital stay was also significantly lesser in the study group than the control group. Conclusion: The application of vacuum-assisted closure dressings significantly improved the speed of granulation tissue creation and portrayed superior graft absorption compared to patients treated with traditional normal saline dressings for their diabetic wounds.

Keywords: Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC). Normal Saline Dressings, Diabetic Wounds, Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).