Efficacy Of Vacuum Assisied Dressing Technique In The Treatment Of Diabetes In Foot Ulcers

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) provide significant care issues due to their delayed healing durations and high complication rates. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted dressing in enhancing DFU healing and to identify factors that influence outcomes. Objective: To determine the efficacy of vacuum assisted dressing technique in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Study Design: A quasi-experimental Study Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Surgery, at Mardan Medical Complex Mardan from March 2024 to August 2024. Materials and Methods: The study included 85 patients with DFUs, with an average age of 58.3 years (SD ± 12.5) and diabetes duration of 10.8 years (SD ± 6.3). Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were analyzed. The key outcomes were healing time, ulcer size decrease, pain reduction, and complication rates. Regression analysis was used to find determinants of healing. Results: This study looked at 85 people with diabetic foot ulcers, with a mean age of 58.3 years and average diabetes duration of 10.8 years. The majority of patients (64.7%) were male, non-smokers, and had an average BMI of 28.1 kg/m². The ulcers were primarily Wagner Grade 2 (52.9%) or Grade 3 (35.3%), with an average size of 5.2 cm² and infection in 70.6%. Treatment with vacuum-assisted dressing showed significant success, with a mean healing time of 8.5 weeks and >50% ulcer size reduction in 64.7% of patients, including 29.4% who had reductions of more than 75%. Pain scores dropped by an average of 2.3 points, and problems were minor (88.2% had no adverse events). Satisfaction was high, with 70.6% reporting "Very Satisfied" and 58.8% finding the procedure "Very Easy" to use. Regression analysis showed that age, smoking, Wagner grade, ulcer size, and infection were significant predictors of healing time. Vacuum-assisted dressing considerably shortened healing time (β = -2.5, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vacuum-assisted dressing is a successful and patient-friendly approach for controlling DFUs that reduces healing time, ulcer size, and complications. Early intervention and addressing modifiable risk factors are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. Key Words: Diabetic foot ulcers, vacuum-assisted dressing, Healing