ĐIỀU TRỊ TỔN THƯƠNG TẠI CHỖ DO RẮN HỔ MANG CẮN BẰNG PHƯƠNG PHÁP HÚT ÁP LỰC ÂM

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in treatment of local injuries in patients bitten by cobra. Methods: A prospective study involved 21 patients with cobra bites treated with NPWT (using vacuum-assisted closure device - VAC) at the Poison Control Center of Bạch Mai Hospital. Results: The most common sites of cobra bites were the feet (52.4%) and hands (38.1%). The venomous snakes were identified as Naja kaouthia (57.1%) and Naja atra (42.9%). 18 patients (85.7%) required VAC placement once, 3 patients (14.3%) required VAC placement twice. The average VAC treatment duration was 53 ± 12 hours. VAC significantly reduced wound area and swelling. After VAC, 18/21 patients underwent skin grafting, 3/21 patients required free flaps, and no patients required amputation or reduced limb function. Wound healing after plastic surgery was good with a Stony Brook Scar Evaluation score of 4-5 points in 17/19 patients (89.5%). During VAC, only 1 patient (4.17%) experienced increased pain. No patient developed infection due to VAC placement. Conclusion: Negative negative pressure wound therapy using vacuum-assisted closure device revealed good results in the treatment of local lesions caused by cobra bites.