Comparative study between vacuum-assisted closure therapy and tetra-silver nitrate in the management of diabetic foot ulcer

Abstract

Background Diabetes-related foot ulcers are becoming more common. The percentage range is 15 to 25%. Several procedures and dressing agents have been investigated. In the vacuum-assisted closure technique, sub-atmospheric pressure is employed to accelerate the healing process. Aim and objectives In this study, the healing rates of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) treated with tetra-silver nitrate dressing were compared with those treated with negative pressure wound care. Patients and methods More than 30 patients were randomly allocated to one of two study groups by the Vascular Surgery department at Aswan University Medical School. Group A received a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressing for a total of 30 patients, while group B received tetra-silver nitrate. Result After 6 weeks, there was a statistically significant difference in wound-healing rates between the two groups. Conclusion Patients who got VAC developed granulation tissue faster than those who received tetra-silver nitrate. VAC treatment is safe and effective in diabetic foot ulcers. Granulation tissue formation accelerates healing and reduces the risk of problems such as infection or amputation.