Wound care in the adult diabetic patient using negative pressure wound therapy

Problem: Foot ulcers are a common problem among diabetics that often result in an amputation of the lower extremity. Negative pressure wound therapy delivered via vacuum-assisted wound closure is a relatively new method of both acute and chronic wound treatment. Despite the advancements in wound care, the number of diabetic patients with foot ulcers is increasing. The wound vacuum-assisted closure method is currently being evaluated in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: Electronic Journals, PubMed and Ovid Medline were searched on the Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) Library website to identify articles on this topic. All full-text articles within the last ten years pertaining to the subject matter located on WCMC Library website were included. A total of twenty-eight references were used for this literature review. Results: The results of this literature review illustrate negative pressure wound therapy methods are successfully being used in the treatment a variety of wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers. The research has shown the vacuum-assisted closure accelerates wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers by decreasing inflammation, increasing local perfusion, reducing bacterial load, and increasing granulation tissue formation. Conclusion: Although the research shows evidence the wound vacuum-assisted closure is an effective treatment option for diabetic foot ulcers, a long-term randomized prospective study is needed to determine if the wound vacuum-assisted closure should be the standard of care for the wound treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers to prevent the need for an amputation.