Negative pressure wound therapy in the management of wound infection after kidney transplantation
Rahelić D, Markić D, Sotošek S, Ahel J, Gršković A, Materljan M, Vukelić I, Maričić A,
Department of Urology, University Hospital Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
ABSTRACT
Kidney transplantation is the best treatment modality for patients with end-stage renal disease. Wound healing is impaired in patients with kidney transplantation and factors as immunosupression, older age and comorbidities has negative impact on wound healing. In the recent time negative pressure wound therapy become important technique of the wound management. We present two patients with problems with wound healing in the early posttransplant period. In both patients immunosupressive regime was based on tacrolimus, mycophenolate mophetil and high-dose corticosteroids with anti IL-2 induction therapy. Postoperatively, the wound become inflamated and opened. Negative pressure wound therapy was successfully applied to aid wound healing.
The duration of treatment was two and three weeks respectively. After that period wound becomes significantly improved and closed. After secondary closure of the wound posttransplant course was uneventful in both patients. Now, one and three years after transplantation they both have well functionized kidney. According to our limited experience negative pressure wound therapy is feasible and effective treatment of wounds with dehiscence after kidney transplantation.