TREATMENT OF COMBAT GUNSHOT SHRAPNEL TRAUMA OF LARGE DEFECTS OF THE SOFT TISSUES OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES WITH PLASTIC SURGERY IN COMBINATION WITH VACUUM ASSISTED WOUND CLOSURE (VAC).

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To evaluate efficacy of the tissue defect closure techniques in combination with VAC in the treatment of battle casualities of the lower extremities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The results of wound healing until complete wound closure, of 62 patients with shrapnel defects of the lower extremities where assessed. RESULTS: Results: Treatment of patients with soft tissue defects of the lower extremities using rotational flaps on the vascular pedicle and VAC significantly reduces the incidence of infectious complications (18.75% in the main group vs. 30% in the control group (p<0.05)), reduces the intensity of pain according to the VAS scale during the first week of treatment in the main group to 5±0.5 versus 7±0.8 in the control group (p<0.05) and reduces the length of hospital stay by 7 days. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The use of rotational flaps on the vascular pedicle and local tissue closure techniques in combination with VAC is an effective method of treating patients with combat gunshot wounds of the soft tissues of the lower extremities.