The vacuum sealing technique. A new approach to cover soft tissue defects,used after the resection of a leiomyosarcoma

The vacuum sealing technique is a new, simple to use procedure for traumati c and chronic soft tissue defects, burns and soft tissue infections. We use d this technique for the first time for temporary closure after the resecti on of deep infiltrating leiomyosarcoma. Radical excision of the tumor with partial resection of the forearm flexor muscles and safety margin of 3 cm l ed to a large skin defect (12x16 cm). For temporary closure of this defect we used the vacuum sealing technique for 7 days. Because of histologically proven incomplete resection of the tumor, we did a second excision and used the vaccum sealing technique a second time for 7 days. After this time per iod the granulation of the wound ground was excellent, and we closed the de fect by split skin transplantation from the thigh. Bacterial infection or o ther complications were not seen during use of vacuum sealing technique. Th e vacuum sealing technique induced optimal local conditions for skin grafti ng: it facilated granulation tissue production and maintained a clean wound bed without the necessity of changing wound dressing before skin grafting. This technique is painless and does not impair mobility.