Surgical treatment of diabetic leg ulcer

Objective To investigate the effect of staging treatment for diabetic leg ulcer by vacuum sealing drainage surgery (VSD) combined with perforator flap. Methods From Aug. 2013 to Aug. 2015, 21 patients (in glycemic stability) with diabetic leg ulcer received the sustained VSD suction after a thorough debridement at the first phase and used perforator flap to repair the wound at second phase. Results After a thorough debridement and the sustained VSD suction, all the wounds were repaired with perforator flaps at the second phase. Postoperative flaps of 19 cases survived completely. Postoperative flaps of 2 cases appeared 1/4-1/5 area necrosis of distal flap and healed well after clear debridement. All patients were followed up in glycemic stability and all the flaps survived well without complications such as osteomyelitis and soft tissue infection. Conclusion Based on glycemic stability, VSD combined perforator flap in treatment of diabetic leg ulcers can control the infection and wound closure, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion. Key words: Diabetic ulcer; Vacuum sealing drainage; Perforator flap