Negative Pressure Wound Therapy as an Artificial Leech to Save a Congestive Flap: Case Report

Historically, patients with lower limb defects have represented a challenge for plastic surgeons because of their higher rate of complications. One of the main complications is venous congestion. Recently, various studies have suggested the use of negative pressure wound therapy as a salvage flap therapy, showing promising results. In this case report, we will outline the case of an elderly patient with different comorbidities in whom we used negative pressure wound therapy (as an artificial leech) to reverse venous congestion in the flap, with a satisfactory clinical outcome and without any more surgical procedures.

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Case report describing negative pressure wound therapy as an 'artificial leech' to reverse venous congestion in a lower-limb flap in an elderly comorbid patient, achieving satisfactory salvage without further surgery.

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