Retention of vacuum-assisted closure device sponge leading to a perianal abscess and fistula.

Dear Editors, Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) devices provide negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and are currently employed frequently in the management of complex wounds. NPWT has been shown to improve clinical outcomes significantly. Proposed mechanisms of action for this wound management system include providing strain, which promotes more rapid wound closure by encouraging perfusion, fibroblast migration and cell mitosis and proliferation; removing infected material and excess exudates; reducing localised oedema; and drawing wound edges close together (1). As with any treatment modality, VAC device possesses inherent risks for complications also, most commonly pressure sores (2). However, there are extremely rare reports about retained VAC device sponges. Here we present a case, first of its kind according to our knowledge, of a VAC device sponge retained in the perianal region, leading to an abscess, following a traumatic wound repair.