Debridement combined with vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of severe infection in abdominal wall due to allogeneic umbilical cord embedded in abdominal wall for immunotherapy

Objective To explore the effect of debridement combined with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) on the treatment of severe infection in abdominal wall due to allogeneic umbilical cord embedded in abdominal wall for immunotherapy. Methods From January 2015 to December 2016, 12 patients with severe infection in abdominal wall due to allogeneic umbilical cord embedded in abdominal wall for immunotherapy were admitted to our department. They were conducted with systemic anti-infective treatment, local debridement, and VSD. The wounds were continuously washed for 3 to 5 days after the VSD device installed, with negative pressure value from -16.0 to -12.0 kPa. The VSD device was removed 5 to 7 days later. Continue wound dressing by aseptic ribbon gauze was stuffed in the cavity, and the incision was sutured after the granulation tissue grew well in the cavity. Results In all patients, allogeneic umbilical cords were completely removed and abdominal infection was cured. The wounds healed well, the sensory function of abdominal was normal, and the activity was not restricted. All the patients were followed up for 3 to 6 months with no reinfection or incisional hernia. Conclusions Embeding the whole allogeneic umbilical cord in abdominal wall for immunotherapy can lead to severe infection in abdominal wall. Abdominal infection can be cured by debridement combined with VSD with good clinical results.