“VAC” Technique as a Physiatrist's Bridge between Debridement and Surgery : Case Report of Filarial Leg Ulcer

Abstract

Difficult ulcers have differing aetiologies calling for varying strategies. For long, physiatrists have been treating diabetic foot and decubitus ulcers with great success. The “vacuum assisted therapy” (VAC) technique is proven to alter the local milieu to facilitate wound healing. A known case of filariasis for last 14-15 years, presented with elephantiasis of left leg with a large ulcer. The financial status of the patient prevented usage of the commercial VAC machine and so “in-house” VAC technique innovations were used at a fractional cost. She was successfully treated using the VAC technique and spontaneous complete healing was achieved in 8 weeks and resulted in early rehabilitation. It was very cost-effective.