Negative pressure wound therapy for the open abdomen

The procedure

The aim of vacuum therapy is to remove infected material, stop fluid escaping and help the wound heal. A permeable film, which allows fluid to pass through it, is placed over the wound and a foam sponge or other dressing such as gauze is placed on top. A drainage tube is placed in the sponge and everything is covered with a transparent sticky film to seal the wound. A small pump then sucks away excess fluid from the wound (the vacuum part of the treatment). A sensing device in the form of a pad placed on top of the foam may be used to make sure that the right amount of suction is used.