Closed incision negative pressure therapy: international multidisciplinary consensus recommendations

Closed-incision negative pressure therapy as a strategy to reduce sternal wound infection in identified high-risk patients: a multicentre propensity matched study

OBJECTIVES

The premise of this retrospective study was to evaluate the intraoperative use of closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) to help reduce the incidence of postoperative sternal wound infections in multimorbid patients with an elevated risk of developing a sternal wound infection post cardiac surgery versus a cohort that received standard-of-care dressings.

METHODS

Data for all adult patients were collected from each cardiothoracic surgery unit across 3 hospitals in the United Kingdom. High-risk patients had 2 or more recognized risk factors. Fisher's exact test (two-tailed) and unpaired t-test were used to help analyse categorical and continuous data. Propensity matching was performed to compare the 2 groups.

RESULTS

A total of 5,288 patients who had cardiac surgery were included. Propensity matching led to 766 matched cases. There were significantly fewer sternal wound infections in the ciNPT group [43 (5.6%) vs 119 (15.5%) cases; P = 0.0001], as well as fewer deep sternal wound infections [14 (1.8%) vs 31 (4.0%) cases; P = 0.0149] and superficial sternal wound infections [29 (3.8%) vs 88 (11.4%) cases; P = 0.0001]. A higher mean length of stay in the ciNPT group was statistically significant (11.23 ± 13 vs 9.66 ± 10 days; P = 0.0083) as was a significantly higher mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) (11.143 ± 13 vs 8.094 ± 11; P = 0.0001). A statistically significant higher readmission to the intensive care unit due to sternal wound infection was noted for the controls [16 (2.08%) vs 3 (0.39%) readmissions; P = 0.0042].

CONCLUSIONS

The ciNPT appears to be an effective intervention to help reduce the incidence of sternal wound infection in high-risk individuals undergoing cardiac surgery.

Effectiveness of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Infrainguinal Bypass in the Vascular Quality Initiative

BACKGROUND

To analyze surgical site infections (SSIs) after infrainguinal bypass for standard dressings versus closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) in the Society for Vascular Surgery's Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed SSI after infrainguinal bypass procedures in the VQI from December 2019 to December 2021 comparing ciNPWT and standard dressings. The primary outcome of any superficial or deep wound infection at 30 days was analyzed in a subset of procedures with 30-day follow-up data (cohort A, n = 1,575). Secondary outcomes including in-hospital SSI, return to the operating room (OR) for infection, and length of stay (LOS) were analyzed for all procedures (cohort B, n = 9,288). Outcomes were analyzed in propensity-matched cohorts.

RESULTS

Patients who received ciNPWT (n = 1,389) were more likely to be female (34% vs. 32%, P = 0.04) with a higher rate of smoking history (90% vs. 86%, P = 0.003), diabetes (54% vs. 50%, P = 0.007), obesity (34% vs. 26%, P < 0.001), prior peripheral vascular intervention (57% vs. 51%, P < 0.001), and to prosthetic conduit (55% vs. 48%, P < 0.001) compared to patients with standard dressings (n = 7,899). After propensity matching of cohort A (n = 1,256), the 30-day SSI rate was 4% (12/341) in the ciNPWT and 6% (54/896) in the standard dressing group (P = 0.07, 95% CI 0.03-1.06). In the propensity-matched in-hospital cohort B (n = 5,435), SSI was 3% (35/1,371) in the ciNPWT group and 2% (95/4,064) in the standard dressing group (P = 0.66). There was no difference in the rate of return to the OR for infection, 1% (36/4,064) vs. 1% (19/1,371) (P = 0.13) or LOS, 9.0 vs. 9.0 days (P = 0.86) for the standard versus ciNPWT groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this analysis of the VQI registry, the use of ciNPWT after infrainguinal bypass did not result in a statistically significant decrease in 30-day SSI. We recommend that surgeons consider the use of ciNPWT as part of a bundled process of care for high risk rather than all patients, as it may reduce SSI after infrainguinal bypass.

The prophylactic use of negative-pressure wound therapy after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a frequent complication in cardiac surgery patients and lead to increased patient discomfort and extended hospitalization. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the protective role of single-use negative-pressure wound therapy (sNPWT) devices on closed surgical wounds after cardiac surgery, and explored their potential preventive application across all cardiac surgery patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on ScienceDirect, focusing on studies related to "negative pressure wound therapy" or "PICO negative pressure wound therapy" combined with "cardiac surgery" or "sternotomy," published between 2000 and 2022. Inclusion criteria encompassed case-control studies comparing sNPWT with traditional dressings on closed cardiac surgical incisions in adult patients undergoing median sternotomy without immediate postoperative infective complications, with available details on SSIs. A retrospective analysis of cases treated with sNPWT in our centre was also performed. The meta-analysis revealed a protective role of sNPWT, indicating a 44% risk reduction in overall SSIs (odds ratio 0.56) and a 40% risk reduction in deep wound infections (odds ratio 0.60). Superficial wound infections, however, showed non-significant protective effects. A single-centre study aligned with the meta-analysis findings, confirming the efficacy of sNPWT and was included in the meta-analysis. In conclusion, the meta-analysis and the single-centre study collectively support the protective role of negative pressure wound therapy against overall and deep SSIs, suggesting its potential prophylactic use on all cardiac surgery populations.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy to Reduce Surgical Site Infections after CRS/HIPEC

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common cause of morbidity after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal malignancy. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been proposed as a method to reduce the rates of SSIs; however, there is paucity in the literature on the efficacy in this population. The goal of this study was to determine whether routine use of NPWT in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC could reduce the risk of developing SSI.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective before-after study to assess the rates of SSI with NPWT compared with a standard postoperative surgical dressing (SSD) in all patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC from November 2013 to December 2021 at a single tertiary care center. The primary outcome was rate of SSI. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate for risk factors for SSI.

RESULTS

A total of 178 patients were treated with CRS/HIPEC over the study period. Seventy patients had placement of SSD, and 108 patients had placement of NPWT. Rates of SSI were 11.4% (8/70) and 5.6% (6/108) in the two groups, respectively (p = 0.16). On multivariate analysis, patients treated with NPWT had a significantly lower risk of developing an SSI (OR 0.24 [0.06, 0.92], p = 0.037). Patients living >50 km from the hospital had significantly higher risk of developing SSI (OR 2.03 [1.09, 3.78], p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that routine use of NPWT can reduce the risk of developing an SSI in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for peritoneal malignancy.

Managing incisional wounds with Prevena VAC therapy in lower-extremity vascular surgery: A comparative study

BACKGROUND

Vascular surgical site infections have been reported with an overall incidence of 5-10% for patients undergoing arterial interventions and as high as 10-20% for lower-limb bypass grafting procedures. Given that vascular surgery patients are known to be at a higher risk of postoperative wound infections and other complications, our objective was to evaluate a potential method to reduce such complications. This study compares the rate of wound healing complications between incisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and conventional dressings in vascular surgery patients with infra-inguinal incisions. The primary endpoint is complete closure of the wound at the 2-week follow-up appointment. Secondary endpoints include frequency infections requiring antibiotics, need for wound revision, and wound dehiscence.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study with retrospective control group was performed following infra-inguinal vascular surgeries for peripheral arterial disease at the Mount Carmel Health System. The patients included in this study were those who underwent a lower-extremity vascular procedure with primary closure of an incision distal to the groin between January 2014 and July 2018. Patients that had received an infra-inguinal incision with primary closure were included. Patients in the experimental group who had a Prevena Wound VAC were compared with a retrospectively obtained control arm treated with conventional dressings. Data regarding wound healing and complications, specifically infections and wound dehiscence, were obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients were recruited in our study: 64 in the Prevena group and 137 in the control group. There was a significant reduction in the number of open wounds in the Prevena group compared to the control group at the 2-week follow-up (10.9% Prevena vs 33.6% control; p = .0005). When evaluated in aggregate, there was a statistically significant reduction in the number of patients who succumbed to any complication in the Prevena arm compared with traditional dressings (13 (20.3%) Prevena vs 72 (52.6%) control; p < .0001).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study suggest there should be a significant consideration for the use of NPWT as a prophylactic measure to reduce the risk of wound complications of primarily closed infra-inguinal incisions in vascular surgery patients following common vascular procedures. Its use is particularly effective for patients at enhanced risk of infection, especially those with poor vascularization from BMI, smoking, and diabetes. This leads to decreased trends in antibiotic use, ED visits, readmissions, and surgical revisions, which translates to decreased utilization of hospital resources and economic burden.

Improvement of operating room air quality and sustained reduction of surgical site infections in an orthopedic specialty hospital

INTRODUCTION

Surgical site infection (SSI) rates can be impacted by air quality, and a high-efficiency particulate air and ultraviolet air recirculation system (HUAIRS) has been shown to improve operating room air quality. This study examined the impact of HUAIRS devices on SSI rates when used at an orthopedic specialty hospital.

METHODS

HUAIRS devices were used intraoperatively at the facility. Total particle counts before and after HUAIRS implementation were compared. SSI rates for nervous system procedures or for all procedures at the facility were also compared for the 2.5-year periods before and after implementing HUAIRS devices.

RESULTS

Over 30,000 consecutive procedures were performed from 2017 to 2022. The overall SSI rate at the facility was 0.45% before implementing HUAIRS devices compared to 0.22% (P < 0.001) after. The SSI rate following nervous system procedures was 2.06% before implementing HUAIRS devices versus 0.29% (P < .001) after. Total particle counts were also significantly lower after implementing HUAIRS devices.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of HUAIRS devices at an orthopedic specialty hospital is associated with significant reductions in SSI rates and intraoperative air contamination levels. These data support the need to further investigate intraoperative air quality interventions for the reduction in SSI rates.

Effect of closed incision negative pressure wound treatment in vascular surgery: A meta-analysis

The meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the effect of closed-incision negative pressure wound (NPW) treatment in vascular surgery. Using dichotomous or contentious random or fixed effect models, the outcomes of this meta-analysis were examined, and the odds Ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Ten examinations from 2017 to 2022 were enrolled for the present meta-analysis, including 2082 personals with vascular surgery. Closed-incision NPW treatment had significantly lower infection rates (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.30-0.51, p < 0.001), grade I infection rates (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.20-0.52, p < 0.001), grade II infection rates (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.21-0.71, p = 0.002), and grade III infection rates (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13-0.73, p = 0.007), and surgical re-intervention (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25-0.97, p = 0.04) compared to control in personal with vascular surgery. However, no significant differences were found between closed-incision NPW treatment and control in the 30-day mortality (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.29-1.00, p = 0.05), antibiotic treatment (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.24-1.19, p = 0.12), and length of hospital stay (MD, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.24-0.19, p = 0.83) in personnel with vascular surgery. The examined data revealed that closed-incision NPW treatment had significantly lower infection rates, grade I infection rates, grade II infection rates, and grade III infection rates, surgical re-intervention, however, there were no significant differences in 30-day mortality, antibiotic treatment, or length of hospital stay compared to control group with vascular surgery. Yet, attention should be paid to its values since some comparisons had a low number of selected studies.

Influence of closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy on the incidence of surgical site wound infection in patients undergoing spine surgery: A meta-analysis

The present meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the impact of closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) on the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery, thereby aiming to provide evidence-based support for the prevention of postoperative wound infections during spinal surgery. Relevant studies pertaining to the application of ciNPWT in spinal surgery were retrieved through searches of the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases, spanning from their inception to May 2023. The literature screening and data extraction were performed by two researchers based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a quality assessment of the included studies. Meta-analyses were performed using the odds ratios (ORs) and standardised mean differences (SMDs) as effect variables. RevMan 14.0 and STATA 17.0 were employed for meta-analysis of the extracted data. In total, eight articles involving 1198 patients, including 391 in the experimental group and 807 in the control group, were included. The meta-analysis results revealed that ciNPWT significantly reduced the incidence of SSIs in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery (OR, 0.39; 95% CI: 0.22-0.67, p = 0.0007); however, it did not lead to a reduction in hospital stay duration (SMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.98 to 0.01, p = 0.06). Existing evidence suggests that ciNPWT has a positive impact on patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery, as it significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative surgical site wound infections; however, it does not result in a shorter hospital stay for patients.

Single-use negative pressure wound therapy to prevent surgical site complications in high-risk patients undergoing caesarean sections: a real-world study

Surgical site complications (SSCs), including surgical site infection (SSI), are common following C-sections. Management of the post-operative incision with single-use negative pressure wound therapy (sNPWT) has been shown to reduce the risk of SSC in high-risk individuals. This study explored the outcomes of routine, real-world use of sNPWT in high-risk patients undergoing C-sections. An observational, retrospective in-service evaluation was conducted across eight obstetric centres in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Patients undergoing C-sections were stratified for their risk of developing SSC using commonly known risk factors, including BMI ≥30, smoking, diabetes, and whether the patients had undergone previous C-sections or had a previous history of wound dehiscence. Those at high-risk were treated with sNPWT post-operatively. Data relating to any SSC that developed post-operatively, for up to 30 days, were captured. Data were compared with original research previously published by Wloch et al. (2012). Of 1111 women considered high-risk, 106 (9.5%) went on to develop SSCs, predominantly superficial SSIs. SSCs were associated with extra visits with their general practitioner (GP), outpatient visits, or inpatient hospital stays in 5.7%, 2.4%, and 1.7% of the entire cohort, representing 59.4%, 25.5%, and 17.9% of the 106 patients with SSC. Patients needed on average 1.8 extra GP visits and 0.7 extra outpatient visits. Patients who needed to be readmitted to hospital had an average length of stay of 4 days. In comparison with a previously published cohort, in which sNPWT was not used, we observed a significant reduction in the incidence of SSCs across BMI groups 18.5-24.9 (P = 0.02), 25-29.9 (P = 0.003), and ≥35 kg/m2 (P = 0.04). In those patients who had undergone at least one previous C-section, the rates of complications also reduced (P = 0.006). This analysis provides further justification for using sNPWT to manage surgical incisions in patients considered at high risk of developing post-procedural SSCs, particularly those with a BMI ≥30 or a history of more than one C-section.

Influence of Closed-incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Abdominal Site Complications in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Background

Closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) has shown promise in reducing surgical wound complications. Among its numerous benefits, it allows for exudate management and tension offloading from wound edges. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of prophylactic ciNPWT versus conventional dressings on abdominal donor site complications in microsurgical breast reconstruction (MR).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in January 2023. PubMed and Embase were searched to identify all relevant studies. Data collected included rates of total wound complications, wound dehiscence, infection, seroma, and length of hospital stay.

Results

A total of 202 articles were screened, and eight studies (1009 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Use of ciNPWT was associated with a significantly lower rate of wound dehiscence (OR, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.85; P = 0.0085, I2 = 0%). There was no significant difference in the rate of total wound complications [odds ratio (OR), 0.63; 95% CI, 0.35-1.14; P = 0.12, I2 = 69%], donor site infection (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.42-1.50; P = 0.47, I2 = 13%), seroma (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.22-2.49; P = 0.63, I2 = 57%), or length of hospital stay (SMD, 0.089; 95% CI, -0.13-0.35; P = 0.37, I2 = 29%).

Conclusions

Although exudate management by ciNPWT fails to reduce surgical site infection, seroma formation, and overall length of stay, ciNPWT tension offloading properties seem to be associated with lower rates of wound dehiscence when compared with conventional dressings in abdominal-based autologous breast reconstruction.

"Soap Scrap" Technique: A Tissue-Preserving Approach to Treating Wounds with Undermining or Pockets

ABSTRACT

This retrospective case series introduces a tissue-preserving approach to treat complicated wounds with undermined edges or wounds with pockets. Wounds with undermining or pockets are commonly encountered in clinical practice and can be difficult to manage when trying to achieve wound closure. Traditionally, epibolic edges need to be resected or cauterized with silver nitrate, whereas wound undermining or pockets need to be resected or unroofed. The method described herein consists of three components: sharp debridement of all undermined areas or inside walls of wound pockets, compression, and immobilization. Compression can be performed using multilayered compression alone, modified negative-pressure therapy, or both. Immobilization of all wound layers can be achieved using a brace, removable Cam Walker, or a cast.This article reports on 11 patients who had unfavorable upper and lower extremity wounds with undermined areas or wound pockets who were treated using this methodology. The average patient age was 73 years, and the average wound depth was 1.12 cm. The average undermined area was 1.7 (range, 0.2-5.0) cm. Wounds healed in an average of 9.1 weeks; all wounds healed between 3 and 15 weeks. This series demonstrates a novel tissue-preserving approach to treating wounds with undermining or wounds with pockets using debridement, immobilization, and compression.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) after Hybrid Reconstruction of Occipital Pressure Sore Using Local Flap and Skin Graft

Background and objectives: Pressure sores are a common medical burden among patients, particularly those who are bedridden or frail. Surgical management of occipital pressure sores poses unique challenges due to limited elasticity and the spherical shape of the scalp. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel reconstruction method utilizing a local transpositional flap and split-thickness skin graft with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for occipital pressure sore treatment. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with occipital pressure sores who underwent hybrid reconstructions using a local flap and split-thickness skin graft in conjunction with NPWT. Surgical outcomes, including flap survival rate, graft take percentage, and complications, were assessed. A comparative analysis was performed between the NPWT group and the conventional dressing group. Results: The NPWT group (n = 24) demonstrated a significantly higher mean graft take percentage at postoperative day 14 compared with the conventional dressing group (n = 22) (98.2% vs. 81.2%, p < 0.05). No significant difference in flap survival rate was observed between the two groups. Conclusions: As the aging population continues to grow, occipital pressure sores have gained significant attention as a crucial medical condition. The innovative surgical method incorporating NPWT offers an efficient and safe treatment option for patients with occipital pressure sores, potentially establishing itself as the future gold standard for managing this condition.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy vs Standard of Care Over Closed Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Surgical Incisions in the Reduction of Surgical Site Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are common surgical procedures but carry a risk of harmful and costly surgical site complications (SSCs). This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) on the risk of SSCs following THA and TKA.

Methods

A systematic literature review identified studies published between January 2005 and July 2021 comparing ciNPT (Prevena Incision Management System) to traditional standard-of-care dressings for patients undergoing THA and TKA. Meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model. A cost analysis was conducted using inputs from the meta-analysis and cost estimates from a national database.

Results

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies evaluated SSCs, where a significant difference was seen in favor of ciNPT (relative risk [RR]: 0.332, P < .001). Significant benefits in favor of ciNPT were also observed for surgical site infection (RR: 0.401, P = .016), seroma (RR: 0.473, P = .008), dehiscence (RR: 0.380, P = .014), prolonged incisional drainage (RR: 0.399, P = .003), and rate of return to the operating room (RR: 0.418, P = .001). The estimated cost savings attributed to ciNPT use was $932 per patient.

Conclusions

The use of ciNPT after TKA and THA was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of SSCs, including surgical site infections, seroma, dehiscence, and prolonged incisional drainage. The risk of reoperation was reduced as were the costs of care in the modeled cost analysis, suggesting a potential for both economic and clinical advantages for ciNPT over standard-of-care dressings, particularly in high-risk patients.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy in Oncoplastic Surgery Prevents Delays to Adjuvant Therapy

Breast reductions, including oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS), have high postoperative wound healing complication (WHC) rates, ranging from 17% to 63%, thus posing a potential delay in the onset of adjuvant therapy. Incision management with closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) effectively reduces postoperative complications in other indications. This retrospective analysis compares postoperative outcomes and delays in adjuvant therapy in patients who received ciNPT on the cancer breast versus standard of care (SOC) after oncoplastic breast reduction and mastopexy post lumpectomy.

Methods

Patient demographics, ciNPT use, postoperative complication rates, and time to adjuvant therapy were analyzed from the records of 150 patients (ciNPT = 29, SOC = 121). Propensity score matching was used to match patients based on age, body mass index, diabetes, tobacco use, and prior breast surgery.

Results

In the matched cohort, the overall complication rate of ciNPT-treated cancerous breasts was 10.3% (3/29) compared with 31% (9/29) in SOC-treated cancerous breasts (P = 0.096). Compared with the SOC-treated cancerous breasts, the ciNPT breasts had lower skin necrosis rates [1/29 (3.4%) versus 6/29 (20.7%); P = 0.091] and dehiscence rates [0/29 (0%) versus 8/29 (27.6%); P = 0.004]. In the unmatched cohort, the total number of ciNPT patients who had a delay in adjuvant therapy was lower compared to the SOC group (0% versus 22.5%, respectively; P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Use of ciNPT following oncoplastic breast reduction effectively lowered postoperative wound healing complication rates and, most importantly, decreased delays to adjuvant therapy.

Preclinical assessment of novel longer-duration wear negative pressure wound therapy dressing in a porcine model

While reticulated open cell foam (ROCF) is a well-established dressing for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), there is the known potential for granulation tissue ingrowth if left in place for longer than 72 h. This may cause wound bed disruption, bleeding, and pain upon dressing removal. In addition, any retained foam fragments may elicit an adverse tissue reaction. A novel, easy to use dressing designed to utilise the advantages of ROCF while addressing its challenges has recently been created. This 7 day study investigated the utility of a novel NPWT dressing under longer-duration wear circumstances while assessing the prevalence of tissue ingrowth and ease of dressing removal in full-thickness excisional wounds utilising a porcine model. Histopathology and morphometry evaluations indicated thicker granulation tissue with, depending on the parameters assessed, either comparable or better tissue quality for wounds treated with the novel dressing. Greater re-epithelialization levels were also evident compared with ROCF. Three-dimensional imaging analysis indicated faster wound fill with a corresponding decrease in wound area with the novel dressing. Furthermore, tissue ingrowth was limited to only ROCF-treated wounds, which was not unexpected in this longer-duration wear study. The force required to remove the novel dressing was considerably lower compared with ROCF, correlating to the tissue ingrowth results. Results of this study illustrate that the novel dressing provided more favourable wound healing results compared with traditional ROCF. In addition, reduction in the risk of tissue ingrowth and low dressing peel force may allow it to be used as a longer-wear dressing.

"Soap Scrap" Technique: A Tissue-Preserving Approach to Treating Wounds With Undermining or Pockets

ABSTRACT

The case series aims to introduce a novel tissue-preserving approach to treat complicated wounds with undermined edges or wounds with pockets. Wounds with undermining and wounds with pockets are commonly encountered in clinical practice and can be difficult to manage when trying to achieve wound closure. Traditionally, epibolic edges need to be resected or cauterized with silver nitrate, whereas, wound undermining or pockets need to be resected or unroofed. This case series evaluates the use of this novel tissue-preserving approach to the treatment of undermined areas and wound pockets.This method consists of three components: sharp debridement of all undermined areas or inside walls of wound pockets, compression, and immobilization. Compression can be performed using multilayered compression alone, modified negative pressure therapy (NPWT), or both. Immobilization of all wound layers can be achieved using a brace, removable Cam Walker, or a cast.This is a retrospective case series. This article present 11 patients with unfavorable wounds due to undermined areas or wound pockets who were treated using this methodology. The average patient age was 73 years old, including wounds of the upper and lower extremities. The average wound depth was 1.12 cm. The average undermined area was 1.7 cm, undermined areas ranging from 0.2 to 5 cm. Wounds healed on average in 9.1 weeks; all wounds healed between 3 to 15 weeks. This series demonstrates a novel tissue-preserving approach to treating wounds with undermining or wounds with pockets using debridement, immobilization, and compression.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: A Comparison of Outcomes

We aim to discern the impact of closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) on wound healing in the oncoplastic breast surgery population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent oncoplastic breast surgery with and without ciNPT in a single health system over 6 years. Oncoplastic breast surgery was defined as breast conservation surgery involving partial mastectomy with immediate volume displacement or replacement techniques. Primary outcomes were rates of clinically significant complications requiring either medical or operative intervention, including seroma, hematoma, fat necrosis, wound dehiscence, and infection. Secondary outcomes were rates of minor complications.

Results

ciNPT was used in 75 patients; standard postsurgical dressing was used in 142 patients. Mean age (P = 0.73) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (P = 0.11) were similar between the groups. The ciNPT cohort had higher baseline BMIs (28.23 ± 4.94 versus 30.55 ± 6.53; P = 0.004), ASA levels (2.35 ± 0.59 versus 2.62 ± 0.52; P = 0.002), and preoperative macromastia symptoms (18.3% versus 45.9%; P ≤ 0.001). The ciNPT cohort had statistically significant lower rates of clinically relevant complications (16.9% versus 5.3%; P = 0.016), the number of complications (14.1% versus 5.3% with one complication, 2.8% versus 0% with >2; P = 0.044), and wound dehiscence (5.6% versus 0%; P = 0.036).

Conclusions

The use of ciNPT reduces the overall rate of clinically relevant postoperative complications, including wound dehiscence. The ciNPT cohort had higher rates of macromastia symptoms, BMI, and ASA, all of which put them at increased risk for complications. Therefore, ciNPT should be considered in the oncoplastic population, especially in those patients with increased risk for postoperative complications.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Versus Standard of Care Over Closed Plastic Surgery Incisions in the Reduction of Surgical Site Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Background

Surgical site complications (SSCs) are not uncommon in plastic surgery procedures due to characteristics of the incisions and the patients undergoing such procedures. Closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) has been used to manage surgical incisions across surgical specialties. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of ciNPT on risk of SSCs following plastic surgery.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to identify studies published between January 2005 and July 2021 comparing ciNPT versus traditional standard of care (SOC) dressings for patients undergoing plastic surgery. Meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model. A cost analysis was conducted using inputs from the meta-analysis and cost estimates from a national hospital database.

Results

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. In the 11 studies that evaluated the effect of ciNPT on of SSCs, ciNPT use was associated with a significant reduction in risk of SSC (P < .001). ciNPT use was also associated with reduced risk of dehiscence (P = .001) and skin necrosis (P =.002) and improved scar quality (P = .014). Hospital length of stay was decreased by an average of 0.61 days for patients receiving ciNPT (P < .001). There were no differences in observed risk of SSIs (P = .113) and seromas (P = .143). While not statistically significant, a decrease in rate of reoperations (P = .074), fluid volume removed from the drains (P = .069) and drain days (-1.97 days, P = .093) was observed with ciNPT use. The estimated cost savings attributed to ciNPT use was $904 (USD) per patient.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that ciNPT may reduce the incidence of SSCs and related health care utilization and costs in plastic surgery procedures.

Reducing donor-site complications in DIEP flap breast reconstruction with closed incisional negative pressure therapy: A cost-benefit analysis

INTRODUCTION

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are considered the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction but create large abdominal incisions that risk donor-site morbidity during harvest. Closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) is emerging as an effective alternative to standard postoperative dressings, but there is a paucity of data in DIEP flap donor sites.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case-control study investigating the use of ciNPT in DIEP flap donor sites at a single institution between March 2017 and September 2021. Patients who underwent microsurgical autologous breast reconstruction with DIEP flaps were included. Patients were divided into those with donor incision sites managed with ciNPT (n = 24) and those with conventional postoperative wound dressings (n = 20). We compared patient demographics, wound drainage volumes and postoperative outcomes between the two groups. A cost-benefit analysis was employed to compare the overall costs associated with each complication and differences in length of stay between the two groups.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity burden or smoking status between the two groups. Both groups had similar lengths of stay and wound drainage volumes with no readmissions or reoperations in either group. There was a statistically significant reduction in donor-site complications (p = 0.018), surgical site infections (p = 0.014) and seroma formation (p = 0.016) in those with ciNPT. Upon cost-benefit analysis, the ciNPT group had a mean reduction in cost-per-patient associated with postoperative complications of £420.77 (p = 0.031) and £446.47 (p = 0.049) when also accounting for postoperative length of stay CONCLUSION: ciNPT appears to be an effective alternative incision management system with the potential to improve complication rates and postoperative morbidity in DIEP flap donor sites. Our analysis demonstrates improved cost-benefit outweighing the increase in costs associated with ciNPT. We recommend a multicentre prospective trial with formal cost-utility analysis to strengthen these findings.

Determinants of healing and readiness for prosthetic fitting after transtibial amputation: Integrative literature review

BACKGROUND

Healing after an amputation is a critical step in the recovery process. Delayed wound healing can lead to deconditioning and flexion contractures which reduce a patient's ability to use a prosthesis, ambulate independently, and return to community participation. The purpose of this integrative literature review was to determine the evidence-based physiological factors, comorbidities, postoperative management, and outcome measures associated with healing after transtibial amputation and address how these factors clinically guide readiness for prosthetic intervention.

METHODS

Authors completed Google Scholar searches to identify the most effective search terms to locate salient publications. Authors also completed literature searches of Ovid MEDLINE and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process, and Other Nonindexed Citations and Daily <1946 to August 6, 2020>; Embase Classic + Embase <1947 to August 6, 2020>; and CINAHL Complete <1946 to August 6, 2020> databases using the following search terms: "transtibial," "trans-tibial," "below knee," "BKA," "amputation," amputation stump," "amputee," "wound healing," and "heal/s/ed/ing." The authors decided to include all levels of evidence to capture the maximum number of articles related to the determinants of healing and readiness for prosthetic fitting after transtibial amputation.

RESULTS

The searches identified 2067 potential articles for review, and after removing articles not relevant to the topic, authors completed full-text assessment on 20 articles. These included review and synthesis on three randomized controlled trials and 12 cohort studies.

CONCLUSION

Preamputation assessment is most critical in patients who present with a longer list of comorbidities and suboptimal physiologic factors known to predict wound complications. Clinical judgment is most subjective when determining the degree of healing over time. Readiness for prosthetic treatment need not wait for complete healing of the residuum. Future research is needed to assess transcutaneous oxygen profusion along with other noninvasive measures of blood flow and perfusion as a more objective way to track progression of healing over time. This objective methodology would quantify healing, reduce subjectivity, and promote research to compare different enhanced recovery after surgery protocols for their impact on healing after amputation.

Closed Incisional Negative Pressure Therapy Reduces Perineal Wound Complications After Abdominoperineal Resection

BACKGROUND

Perineal wound complications after abdominoperineal resection continue to be a significant challenge. Complications, ranging from 14% up to 60%, prolong hospitalization, increase risk of readmission and reoperation, delay the start of adjuvant therapy, and place psychological stress on the patient and family.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of closed incision negative pressure therapy on perineal wound healing.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in an academic community hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection from 2012 to 2020 were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Perineal wound complications within 30 and 180 days were the primary outcome measures.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were included in the study. Of these, 31 patients were managed with closed incision negative pressure therapy. The overall perineal wound complications were less frequent in the closed incision negative pressure therapy group (10/31; 32.2%) compared to the control group (10/14; 71.4%; = 5.99 [ p = 0.01]). In the closed incision negative pressure therapy group, 2 patients (20%) did not heal within 180 days and no patient required reoperation or readmission. In the control group, 4 patients (44%) had not healed at 180 days and 1 patient required flap reconstruction. When the effect of other variables was controlled, closed incision negative pressure therapy resulted in an 85% decrease in the odds of wound complications (adjusted OR 0.15 [95% CI, 0.03-0.60]; p = 0.01).

LIMITATIONS

The nonrandomized nature and use of historical controls in this study are its limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

The ease of application and the overall reduction in the incidence and severity of complications may offer an option for perineal wound management and possibly obviate the need for more expensive therapies. Further prospective controlled trials are required to effectively study its efficacy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B895 .

LA TERAPIA POR PRESIN NEGATIVA INCISIONAL CERRADA, REDUCE LAS COMPLICACIONES DE LA HERIDA PERINEAL DESPUS DE LA RESECCIN ABDOMINOPERINEAL

ANTECEDENTES:Las complicaciones de la herida perineal, después de la resección abdominoperineal, continúan siendo un desafío importante. Las complicaciones, que van desde el 14% hasta el 60%, prolongan la hospitalización, aumentan el riesgo de reingreso y reintervención, retrasan el inicio de la terapia adyuvante y generan estrés psicológico en el paciente y su familia.OBJETIVO:Evaluar el impacto de la terapia de presión negativa con incisión cerrada en la cicatrización de heridas perineales.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLINICO:Hospital comunitario académico.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a resección abdominoperineal entre 2012 y 2020.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Las complicaciones de la herida perineal dentro de los 30 y 180 días fueron las principales medidas de valoración.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron en el estudio a un total de 45 pacientes. De estos, 31 pacientes fueron tratados con terapia de presión negativa con incisión cerrada. Las complicaciones generales de la herida perineal fueron menos frecuentes en el grupo de terapia de presión negativa con incisión cerrada (10/31, 32,2%) en comparación con el grupo de control (10/14, 71,4%) (X_1 ^ 2 = 5,99 [ p = 0,01]). En el grupo de terapia de presión negativa con incisión cerrada, dos pacientes (20%) no cicatrizaron en 180 días y ningún paciente requirió reintervención o readmisión. En el grupo de control, cuatro pacientes (44%) no habían cicatrizado a los 180 días y un paciente requirió reconstrucción con colgajo. Cuando se controló el efecto de otras variables, la terapia de presión negativa con incisión cerrada resultó con una disminución del 85% en las probabilidades de complicaciones de la herida (OR ajustado, 0.15 [IC 95%, 0,03-0,60]; p = 0,01).LIMITACIONES:La naturaleza no aleatoria y el uso de controles históricos en este estudio, son limitaciones.CONCLUSIÓNES:La facilidad de aplicación, reducción general de la incidencia y gravedad de las complicaciones, pueden ofrecer una opción para el manejo de las heridas perineales y posiblemente obviar la necesidad de tratamientos más costosos. Se necesitan más ensayos controlados prospectivos para efectivamente estudiar la eficacia. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B895 . (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Traditional Dressing: An Italian Health Technology Assessment Evaluation

This evaluation shows the main advantages related to the introduction of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in Italian clinical practice for the management of incisions in vascular surgery in patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and at risk of postoperative complications, compared to treatment with traditional dressings. A health technology assessment (HTA) activity was conducted assuming the hospital perspective, within a 12-month time horizon. The nine EUnetHTA Core Model dimensions were deeply explored, using scientific evidence on the topic, real-life data, and healthcare professionals' perceptions. The evaluation shows that the use of NPWT has had a positive impact in terms of higher clinical effectiveness and safety profile. The process mapping highlights how NPWT allows a reduction of 2.5 hospitalization days compared with standard dressing, with the consequent benefits considering economic, organizational, and social aspects. A significant economic saving per patient emerged, with an overall optimization of the patient's clinical pathway, impacting positively on the hospital's capacity. The budget impact analysis shows that the higher number of patients treated with NPWT, the higher the economic advantages. Furthermore, assuming the patient's perspective, it would generate an overall reduction in social costs of 28%. In conclusion, the results of this study provide helpful evidence-based information to policymakers through examinations of the relative values of intervention, thus supporting the overall hospital and institutional decision-making process to define appropriate areas of investments, leading to the achievement of not only higher clinical outcomes, but also important social, economic, and organizational advantages.

The Effect of Negative Pressure on Wound Healing and Regeneration in Closed Incisions under High Tension: Evidence from Animal Studies and Clinical Experience

Closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) is known to enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration. The main aim of the present study is to investigate its effectiveness on enhancing wound healing under tension. An animal study was designed using a swine model by removing a skin flap to create a wound that could be closed primarily under tension, and iNPWT was applied. The enhancement of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, collagen deposition, and tissue proliferation with reduced inflammation by iNPWT was confirmed by histology. The effect of iNPWT was further verified in patients receiving a profunda artery perforator (PAP) free flap for breast reconstruction. iNPWT was applied on the transversely designed donor site in continuous mode for 7 days, in which the wound was always closed under tension. A significant improvement in off-bed time was noted with the application of iNPWT (4.6 ± 1.1st and 5.5 ± 0.8th postoperative days in the iNPWT and control groups, respectively, p = 0.028). The control group (without iNPWT treatment) presented more cases of poor wound healing in the acute (23.1% vs. 0%) and wound breakdown in the late (23.1% vs. 8.3%) stages. The treatment of closed incisions under tension with iNPWT clinically enhances wound healing and tissue regeneration and with histological evidence.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy After Abdominal Body Contouring: A Comparative Matched Analysis of Outcomes and Cost

Background: Studies that have previously validated the use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) after body contouring procedures (BCP) have provided limited data regarding associated health care utilization and cost. We matched 2 cohorts of patients after BCP with and without iNPWT and compared utilization of health care resources and post-operative clinical outcomes. Methods: Adult patients who underwent abdominoplasty and/or panniculectomy between 2015 and 2020 by a single surgeon were identified. Patients were propensity score matched by body mass index (BMI), gender, smoking history, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and incision type. Primary outcomes included time to final drain removal, outpatient visits, homecare visits, emergency department visits, and cost. Secondary outcomes included surgical site occurrences (SSO), surgical site infections, reoperations, and revisions. Results: One hundred sixty-six patients were eligible, and 40 were matched (20 with iNPWT and 20 without iNPWT) with a median age of 47 years and BMI of 32 kg/m2. There were no differences in demographics or intraoperative details (all P > .05). No significant differences were found between the cohorts in terms of health care utilization measures or clinical outcomes (all P > .05). Direct cost was significantly greater in the iNPWT cohort (P = .0498). Inpatient length of stay and procedure time were independently associated with increased cost on multivariate analysis (all P < .0001). Conclusion: Consensus guidelines recommend the use of iNPWT in high-risk patients, including abdominal BCP. Our results show that iNPWT is associated with equivalent health care utilization and clinical outcomes, with increased cost. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate the cost utility of this technique in this patient population.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Spinal Surgery

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has demonstrated promise in the management of surgical site infections as well as assisting in surgical wound healing. In this manuscript, we describe the mechanisms and applications of NPWT for surgical wounds and existing evidence for NPWT in cardiac, plastic, and general surgery, followed by a discussion of the emerging evidence base for NPWT in spinal surgery. We also discuss the different applications of NPWT for open wounds and closed incisions, and the promise of newer closed-incision NPWT (ciNPWT) devices. There is nominal but promising prospective evidence on NPWT's efficacy in select at-risk populations for post-operative wound complications after spinal surgery. As there is currently a paucity of robust clinical evidence on its efficacy, rigorous randomized prospective clinical trials are needed.

Skin grafting treatment of adolescent lower limb avulsion injury

Background

Under the influence of various factors, the number of lower extremity avulsion injuries in adolescents is increasing year by year. The main modality of treatment is skin grafting. There are many types of skin grafting. Although many studies on skin grafting after avulsion injuries have been published in the past few decades, there are differences in the treatment options for adolescents with post avulsion injuries.

Main body

Thorough debridement and appropriate skin grafts are essential for the surgical management of avulsion injuries for optimal prognosis. In the acquisition of grafts, progress has been made in equipment for how to obtain different depths of skin. The severity of the avulsion injury varies among patients on admission, and therefore the manner and type of skin grafting will vary. Especially in adolescents, graft survival and functional recovery are of great concern to both patients and physicians. Therefore, many efforts have been made to improve survival rate and activity.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the principles of treatment of avulsion injuries, the historical development of skin grafts, and the selection of skin grafts, hoping to be helpful for future research.

Evolution of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Orthopaedic Trauma

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has evolved from open wound management to now include closed incision management. It has been a major advance in the management of open wounds and closed incisional wounds especially in orthopaedic trauma surgery. Because of the success of NPWT in the late 1990s and early 2000s, surgeons began using NPWT with adjuncts on closed incisions as a way to help prevent surgical wound dehiscence especially in at-risk patients for wound problems. It has been well established that obesity, diabetes, and smoking in addition to other comorbidities increase the risk of wound dehiscence and surgical site infections in orthopaedic patients. It is widely used for open wound management, often associated with open fractures, and in the mitigation of risk of surgical site infections over closed incisions (incisional negative pressure wound therapy). Newer systems allow the use of various topical wound solutions to be instilled in conjunction with NPWT, termed NPWTi-d. This has shown promising results in difficult wounds that may be resistant to standard NPWT. This article reviews the evolution and use of NPWT in orthopaedic trauma.

"Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy (ciNPT) reduces abdominal donor site surgical wound dehiscence in Deep Internal Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstructions: DEhiscence PREvention Study II (DEPRES II) - a Randomized Clinical Trial"

BACKGROUND

In breast reconstruction surgeries, surgical wound dehiscence is a serious complication which generates a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems. There are indications that postoperative treatment with closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) has been associated with reduced wound dehiscence rates. This randomized clinical trial examines the effect of ciNPT application on abdominal donor site surgical wound dehiscence in low- and high-risk patients undergoing a breast reconstruction with a deep internal epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap.

METHODS

Eighty eligible women, stratified as low- or high-risk patients, were included and were randomized for treatment with either ciNPT or adhesive strips (AS) by drawing sealed, opaque envelopes. All surgeons were kept blind for allocation. Primary outcomes were surgical wound dehiscence and surgical site infection at the abdominal donor site upon follow-up after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were seroma and hematoma formation. Five patients were excluded from the study due to non-sufficient exposure to the study treatment (n=4) or major protocol deviation (n=1).

RESULTS

A total of 75 women, low-risk (n=38) and high-risk (n=37), received either ciNPT (n=36) or AS (n=39). Patients' demographics did not differ significantly. Donor-site surgical wound dehiscence occurred in 23 patients; the Absolute Risk Reduction was statistically significant (21.6%, 95% Confidence Interval [1.5-41.7]). No statistically significant differences were found in surgical site infection or secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized clinical trial, postoperative treatment with ciNPT decreased the incidence of surgical wound dehiscence at the abdominal donor site in low- and high-risk DIEP flap breast reconstruction patients.

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy to reduce surgical-site infections in major limb amputations: a meta-analysis

Purpose

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) has shown effectiveness in the treatment of high-risk surgical wounds. Especially patients with diabetes-induced peripheral arterial disease undergoing major limb amputation have a high intrinsic risk for post-surgical wound infections. While normal gauze wound dressings do not cause stimulation of microvasculature, iNPWT might improve wound healing and reduce wound complications. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature for rates of wound complications and readmissions, as well as post-surgical 30-day mortality.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review searching the Cochrane, PubMed, and Ovid databases. Inclusion criteria were the modified Coleman methodology Score >60, non-traumatic major limb amputation, and adult patients. Traumatic amputations and animal studies were excluded. Relevant articles were reviewed independently by referring to the title and abstract. In a meta-analysis, we compared 3 studies and 457 patients.

Results

A significantly overall lower rate of postoperative complications is associated with usage of iNPWT (odds ratio (OR) = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30-0.89; P = 0.02). There was no significant improvement for 30-day mortality, when iNPWT was used (OR= 081; 95% CI: 0.46 - 1.45; P = 0.48). Nevertheless, we did not note a significant difference in the readmission rate or revision surgery between the two groups.

Conclusion

Overall, the usage of iNPWT may reduce the risk of postoperative wound complications in major lower limb amputations but does not improve 30-day mortality rates significantly. However, to anticipate surgical-site infection, iNPWT has shown effectiveness and thus should be used whenever applicable.

Sternal wound infections after sternotomy: risk factors, prevention and management

A serious complication after cardiac surgery is sternal wound infection. Although incidence rates vary worldwide, this complication raises significant concern in a certain patient demographic. This article uses risk assessment strategies to identify a high-risk patient profile and draws parallels with positive predictors in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative setting. It describes the complexity of sternal wound infections and highlights guidelines on detection and treatment. The optimal goal of this article is to help minimise the incidence of sternal wound complications after sternotomy by discussing recommendations for preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative preventive measures.

The Use of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy on the Medial Thigh Donor Site in Transverse Musculocutaneous Gracilis Flap Breast Reconstruction

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of closed incision negative pressure therapy (CINPT) on donor site complications and patient perceptions in transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap breast reconstruction. Our institution conducted a retrospective cohort study, including all patients with TMG flap breast reconstruction from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021. Patients were grouped according to conventional wound management or CINPT. Outcomes were surgical site complications, fluid drainage, time to drain removal, and in-hospital stay length. A patient survey was created. A total of 56 patients with 83 TMG flaps were included (control group: 35 patients with 53 TMG flaps; CINPT group: 21 patients with 30 TMG flaps). Patient characteristics were similar in both groups. The flap width was significantly larger in the CINPT group (8.0 cm vs. 7.0 cm, p = 0.013). Surgical site complications were reduced in the CINPT group without statistical difference (30.0% vs. 50.9%, p = 0.064). Fluid drainage and time to drain removal were similar in both groups. The average in-hospital stay was significantly shortened in the CINPT group (10.0 days vs. 13.0 days, p = 0.030). The survey excluded pain, skin irritations, and discomfort during sleep and movement in the CINPT group and showed that the patients felt well protected. This study fails to provide compelling evidence for CINPT to enhance incision healing on the donor site in TMG flap breast reconstruction. There was a trend toward reduced surgical site complications on the donor thigh and the in-hospital stay was shortened. Prophylactic CINPT increases patient comfort and provides a feeling of additional wound protection.

A systemic review and a meta-analysis on the influences of closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery by negative pressure wound treatment compared with conventional dressings

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the influences of closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery (OTS) by negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) compared with conventional dressings. A systematic literature search up to March 2022 was done and 14 studies included 3935 subjects with OTS at the start of the study; 2023 of them used NPWT and 1912 were conventional dressings. They were reporting relationships between the influences of closed incisions in OTS by NPWT compared with conventional dressings. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the influences of closed incisions in OTS by NPWT compared with conventional dressings using the dichotomous methods with a random or fixed-effect model. NPWT had significantly lower deep surgical site infections (SSIs) (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.87, P = .004), superficial SSIs (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.19-0.61, P < .001), and wound dehiscence (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21-0.80, P = .009) compared with conventional dressings in subjects with closed incisions in OTS. NPWT showed a beneficial effect on deep SSIs, superficial SSIs, and wound dehiscence compared with conventional dressings in subjects with closed incisions in OTS. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

Negative pressure wound therapy for surgical wounds healing by primary closure

BACKGROUND

Indications for the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) are broad and include prophylaxis for surgical site infections (SSIs). Existing evidence for the effectiveness of NPWT on postoperative wounds healing by primary closure remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of NPWT for preventing SSI in wounds healing through primary closure, and to assess the cost-effectiveness of NPWT in wounds healing through primary closure.

SEARCH METHODS

In January 2021, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries and references of included studies, systematic reviews and health technology reports. There were no restrictions on language, publication date or study setting.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included trials if they allocated participants to treatment randomly and compared NPWT with any other type of wound dressing, or compared one type of NPWT with another.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently assessed trials using predetermined inclusion criteria. We carried out data extraction, assessment using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and quality assessment according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations methodology. Our primary outcomes were SSI, mortality, and wound dehiscence.

MAIN RESULTS

In this fourth update, we added 18 new randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one new economic study, resulting in a total of 62 RCTs (13,340 included participants) and six economic studies. Studies evaluated NPWT in a wide range of surgeries, including orthopaedic, obstetric, vascular and general procedures. All studies compared NPWT with standard dressings. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias for at least one key domain. Primary outcomes Eleven studies (6384 participants) which reported mortality were pooled. There is low-certainty evidence showing there may be a reduced risk of death after surgery for people treated with NPWT (0.84%) compared with standard dressings (1.17%) but there is uncertainty around this as confidence intervals include risk of benefits and harm; risk ratio (RR) 0.78 (95% CI 0.47 to 1.30; I² = 0%). Fifty-four studies reported SSI; 44 studies (11,403 participants) were pooled. There is moderate-certainty evidence that NPWT probably results in fewer SSIs (8.7% of participants) than treatment with standard dressings (11.75%) after surgery; RR 0.73 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.85; I² = 29%). Thirty studies reported wound dehiscence; 23 studies (8724 participants) were pooled. There is moderate-certainty evidence that there is probably little or no difference in dehiscence between people treated with NPWT (6.62%) and those treated with standard dressing (6.97%), although there is imprecision around the estimate that includes risk of benefit and harms; RR 0.97 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.16; I² = 4%). Evidence was downgraded for imprecision, risk of bias, or a combination of these. Secondary outcomes There is low-certainty evidence for the outcomes of reoperation and seroma; in each case, confidence intervals included both benefit and harm. There may be a reduced risk of reoperation favouring the standard dressing arm, but this was imprecise: RR 1.13 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.41; I² = 2%; 18 trials; 6272 participants). There may be a reduced risk of seroma for people treated with NPWT but this is imprecise: the RR was 0.82 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.05; I² = 0%; 15 trials; 5436 participants). For skin blisters, there is low-certainty evidence that people treated with NPWT may be more likely to develop skin blisters compared with those treated with standard dressing (RR 3.55; 95% CI 1.43 to 8.77; I² = 74%; 11 trials; 5015 participants). The effect of NPWT on haematoma is uncertain (RR 0.79; 95 % CI 0.48 to 1.30; I² = 0%; 17 trials; 5909 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There is low-certainty evidence of little to no difference in reported pain between groups. Pain was measured in different ways and most studies could not be pooled; this GRADE assessment is based on all fourteen trials reporting pain; the pooled RR for the proportion of participants who experienced pain was 1.52 (95% CI 0.20, 11.31; I² = 34%; two studies; 632 participants). Cost-effectiveness Six economic studies, based wholly or partially on trials in our review, assessed the cost-effectiveness of NPWT compared with standard care. They considered NPWT in five indications: caesarean sections in obese women; surgery for lower limb fracture; knee/hip arthroplasty; coronary artery bypass grafts; and vascular surgery with inguinal incisions. They calculated quality-adjusted life-years or an equivalent, and produced estimates of the treatments' relative cost-effectiveness. The reporting quality was good but the evidence certainty varied from moderate to very low. There is moderate-certainty evidence that NPWT in surgery for lower limb fracture was not cost-effective at any threshold of willingness-to-pay and that NPWT is probably cost-effective in obese women undergoing caesarean section. Other studies found low or very low-certainty evidence indicating that NPWT may be cost-effective for the indications assessed.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

People with primary closure of their surgical wound and treated prophylactically with NPWT following surgery probably experience fewer SSIs  than people treated with standard dressings but there is probably no difference in wound dehiscence (moderate-certainty evidence). There may be a reduced risk of death after surgery for people treated with NPWT compared with standard dressings but there is uncertainty around this as confidence intervals include risk of benefit and harm (low-certainty evidence). People treated with NPWT may experience more instances of skin blistering compared with standard dressing treatment (low-certainty evidence). There are no clear differences in other secondary outcomes where most evidence is low or very low-certainty. Assessments of cost-effectiveness of NPWT produced differing results in different indications. There is a large number of ongoing studies, the results of which may change the findings of this review. Decisions about use of NPWT should take into account surgical indication and setting and consider evidence for all outcomes.

Superior Enhancement of Cutaneous Microcirculation Due to “Cyclic” Application of a Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Device in Humans – Local and Remote Effects

Objectives

Despite a common utilization of “Negative Pressure Wound Therapy” (NPWT) Devices in a wide range of specialties, some of the basic mechanisms of action of the techniques are still on debate. Conflicting results from prior studies demonstrate our lack of understanding how wound-bed perfusion or cutaneous microcirculation is affected by NPWT.

Methods

We conducted a prospective randomized study which included 45 healthy subjects to further investigate the acute effects of NPWT on cutaneous microcirculation underneath the applied dressing. Three modes of application, namely, continuous, intermittent, cyclic, were tested. Amongst others, measurements of elicited surface pressure and a comprehensive microcirculatory analysis were carried out by utilizing an O2C-device. For the detection of (systemic) remote effects, perfusion changes of the contra-lateral thigh were evaluated.

Results

All three tested modes of application led to a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in local tissue perfusion with an increased blood flow of max +151% and tissue oxygen saturation of +28.2% compared to baseline values. Surface pressure under the dressing significantly increased up to 29.29 mmHg due to the activation of the NPWT device. Continuous, intermittent, and cyclic application of negative pressure were accurately sensed by participants, resulting in reported pain values that mirrored the different levels of applied suction. Although the cyclic application mode showed the most pronounced effects regarding microcirculatory changes, no statistical significance between groups was observed.

Conclusion

We could demonstrate a significant improvement of cutaneous microcirculation under an applied NPWT dressing with favorable effects due to cyclic mode of application. An increased surface pressure leads to a better venous drainage of the tissue, which was shown to increase arterial inflow with a consecutive improvement of oxygen supply. Further research is warranted to evaluate our findings regarding wound bed perfusion in the clinical field with respect to formation of granulation tissue and wound healing.

Simple and Efficient Pressure Ulcer Reconstruction via Primary Closure Combined with Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (CiNPWT)—Experience of a Single Surgeon

Background: In this study, we aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy (CiNPWT) when combined with primary closure (PC) in a patient with pressure ulcers, based on one single surgeon’s experience at our medical center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with stage III or IV pressure ulcers who underwent reconstruction surgery. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, cause and location of defect, comorbidities, lesion size, wound reconstruction methods, operation time, debridement times, application of CiNPWT to reconstructed wounds, duration of hospital stay, and wound complications were analyzed. Results: Operation time (38.16 ± 14.02 vs. 84.73 ± 48.55 min) and duration of hospitalization (36.78 ± 26.92 vs. 56.70 ± 58.43 days) were shorter in the PC + CiNPWT group than in the traditional group. The frequency of debridement (2.13 ± 0.98 vs. 2.76 ± 2.20 times) was also lower in the PC + CiNPWT group than in the traditional group. The average reconstructed wound size did not significantly differ between the groups (63.47 ± 42.70 vs. 62.85 ± 49.94 cm²), and there were no significant differences in wound healing (81.25% vs. 75.38%), minor complications (18.75% vs. 21.54%), major complications (0% vs. 3.85%), or mortality (6.25% vs. 10.00%) between the groups. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that PC combined with CiNPWT represents an alternative reconstruction option for patients with pressure ulcers, especially in those for whom prolonged anesthesia is unsuitable.

Closed‐incision negative pressure therapy at −125 mmHg significantly reduces surgical site complications following total hip and knee arthroplasties: A stratified meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Closed‐incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPT) has shown promising effects for managing infected wounds. This meta‐analysis explores the current state of knowledge on ciNPT in orthopedics and addresses whether ciNPT at −125 mmHg or −80 mmHg or conventional dressing reduces the incidence of surgical site complications in hip and knee arthroplasty.

Methods

This meta‐analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Cochrane Handbook. Prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with ciNPT use compared to conventional dressings following hip and knee surgeries were considered for inclusion. Non‐stratified and stratified meta‐analyses of six RCTs were conducted to test for confounding and biases. A P value less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The included six RCTs have 611 patients. Total hip and knee arthroplasties were performed for 51.7% and 48.2% of the included population, respectively. Of 611 patients, conventional dressings were applied in 315 patients and 296 patients received ciNPT. Two ciNPT systems have been used across the six RCTs; PREVENA Incision Management System (−125 mmHg) (63.1%) and PICO dressing (−80 mmHg) (36.8%). The non‐stratified analysis showed that the ciNPT system had a statistically significant, lower risk of persistent wound drainage as compared to conventional dressing following total hip and knee arthroplasties (OR = 0.28; P = .002). There was no difference between ciNPT and conventional dressings in terms of wound hematoma, blistering, seroma, and dehiscence. The stratified meta‐analysis indicated that patients undergoing treatment with high‐pressure ciNPT (120 mmHg) displayed significantly fewer overall complications and persistent wound drainage (P = .00001 and P = .002, respectively) when compared to low‐pressure ciNPT (80 mmHg) and conventional dressings. In addition, ciNPT is associated with shorter hospital stays. (P = .005).

Conclusion

When compared to conventional wound dressing and −80 mmHg ciNPT, the use of −125 mmHg ciNPT is recommended in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty.

Vacuum-Assisted Therapy for Combined Volar-Dorsal Soft-Tissue Defects of the Hand: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Application of negative-pressure wound therapy dressings to the web spaces and small, often moist, areas of the hand can be technically demanding and time consuming. The researchers present a case report and technique for managing a devastating hand infection and soft-tissue defects by creating a self-fabricated sponge glove that is easily reproducible. Vacuum-assisted therapy for combined volar dorsal soft-tissue defects of the hand, or "Hand Vac," is a novel approach for treating extensive hand wounds. This technique was used in a patient with diabetes with a deep space infection of the hand following serial debridements and antibiotic bead therapy. A single, medium-size sponge was cut using a knife and scissors to create an easily applied glove that was then sealed with adhesive dressing and a single suction port. The patient avoided complete amputation of the hand and deep infection was eradicated. The wounds had progressive granulation and healing and were eventually covered with split-thickness skin grafts. The authors conclude that severe soft-tissue defects involving both the volar and dorsal aspects of the hand can be effectively managed with a single glove-like sponge and suction port.

Effect of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy on incidence rate of surgical site infection after stoma reversal: a pilot study

Introduction

The stoma reversal (SR) procedure is associated with a relatively high risk of perioperative complications with surgical site infection (SSI) as the most common. Recently closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) was applied widely to prevent SSI.

Aim

To investigate the efficiency of ciNPWT in terms of the incidence rate of SSI after SR surgery.

Material and methods

As an exploratory observational cohort study patients were treated either with ciNPWT (n = 15) or standard sterile dressing (SSD) (n = 15). CiNPWT was applied every 3 days whereas SSD was changed every day. Clinical evaluation for SSI signs, C-reactive protein level and pain assessment using the visual analogue scale (VAS) were analyzed.

Results

The incidence rate of SSI was in 13% (2/15) in the ciNPWT group and 26% (4/15) in the SSD group (p = 0.651, OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.03–3.73). All patients in the SSD group who developed SSI presented both local and generalized signs of infection. Pain-VAS levels assessed on the 1^st (MdnciNPWT = 4, MdnSSD = 5, p = 0.027, W = 51.5) and 3^rd postoperative day (MdnciNPWT = 2, MdnSSD = 4, p = 0.014, W = 45.5) were significantly lower in the ciNPWT group than in the SSD group.

Conclusions

CiNPWT seems not to have a benefit to reduce SSI after the SR procedure. Further investigation is needed to establish firmly the benefit of using ciNPWT in this group of patients.

Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy versus conventional dressings following soft-tissue sarcoma excision: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Aims

The primary objective of this study was to compare the postoperative infection rate between negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and conventional dressings for closed incisions following soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) surgery. Secondary objectives were to compare rates of adverse wound events and functional scores.

Methods

In this prospective, single-centre, randomized controlled trial (RCT), patients were randomized to either NPWT or conventional sterile occlusive dressings. A total of 17 patients, with a mean age of 54 years (21 to 81), were successfully recruited and none were lost to follow-up. Wound reviews were undertaken to identify any surgical site infection (SSI) or adverse wound events within 30 days. The Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score were recorded as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Results

There were two out of seven patients in the control group (28.6%), and two out of ten patients in the intervention group (20%) who were diagnosed with a SSI (p > 0.999), while one additional adverse wound event was identified in the control group (p = 0.593). No significant differences in PROMs were identified between the groups at either 30 days (TESS, p = 0.987; MSTS, p = 0.951) or six-month (TESS, p = 0.400) follow-up. However, neoadjuvant radiotherapy was significantly associated with a SSI within 30 days of surgery, across all patients (p = 0.029). The mean preoperative modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) was also significantly higher among patients who developed a postoperative adverse wound event (p = 0.028), including a SSI (p = 0.008), across both groups.

Conclusion

This is the first RCT comparing NPWT with conventional dressings following musculoskeletal tumour surgery. Postoperative wound complications are common in this group of patients and we observed an overall SSI rate of 23.5%. We propose proceeding to a multicentre trial, which will help more clearly define the role of closed incision NPWT in STS surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1049–1056.

Negative pressure wound therapy compared with conventional wound dressings for closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery: A meta-analysis

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of negative pressure wound therapy compared with conventional wound dressings on closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery. A systematic literature search up to October 2021 was done and 12 studies included 3555 subjects with closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery at the start of the study: 1833 of them were provided with negative pressure wound therapy and 1722 were conventional wound dressings. They were reporting relationships about the effect of negative pressure wound therapy compared with conventional wound dressings on closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the effect of negative pressure wound therapy compared with conventional wound dressings on closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery using the dichotomous and continuous methods with a random or fixed‐effect model. Negative pressure wound therapy had significantly lower deep surgical site infection (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48–0.88, P = .005), superficial surgical site infection (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11–0.49, P = .31), and wound dehiscence (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21–0.80, P = .009) compared with conventional wound dressings in subjects with closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery. However, negative pressure wound therapy had no significant effect on the length of hospital stay (MD, 0.29; 95% CI, −2.00‐ 2.58, P = .80) compared with conventional wound dressings in subjects with closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery. Negative pressure wound therapy had significantly lower deep surgical site infection, superficial surgical site infection, and wound dehiscence; however, negative pressure wound therapy had no beneficial effect on the length of hospital stay compared with conventional wound dressings in subjects with closed incisions in orthopaedic trauma surgery. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Wound management Following Midline Laparotomy in Gynecological Oncology Operations: A Feasibility Pilot Study

Introduction

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a cause of considerable morbidity and mortality in healthcare. Increasingly, closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) is being studied as a potential method of reducing incidence of SSI with conflicting results in the literature. Few studies however have looked at its use in the field of gynecological oncology.

Objectives

We aimed to compare the incidence of SSI when using ciNPWT dressings versus conventional dressings in gynecological oncology patients undergoing midline laparotomies.

Methods

This was a pilot study involving 14 patients receiving the ciNPWT dressing and 26 control patients. All patients were followed up for a period of 30 days. We used the American College of Surgeons (ACS) risk calculator to estimate each patient’s risk of SSI in order to risk stratify the groups.

Results

The incidence of wound infection was 21% (3/14) in the ciNPWT group and 23% (6/26) in the control group (p=0.886). The ciNPWT group was found to be at significantly higher risk for SSI as calculated by the ACS tool (8.8% ciNPWT, 6% control, p=0.004). After stratifying for this difference in risk, still no significant difference in incidence of SSI was found between the two groups (27% (3/11) ciNPWT, 29% (2/7) control p=0.929).

Conclusion

The incidence of SSI does not appear to decrease by the prophylactic use of the closed-incision negative pressure wound dressing. 

Modified Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Increases Seroma Evacuation: An Ex Vivo Model

Background

Incisional negative wound pressure therapy (iNPWT) is a relatively novel dressing technique with the aim of reducing postoperative wound infections and dehiscence in high-risk wounds after all kinds of surgical procedures. There is a lack of theoretical knowledge about the way those dressing would ameliorate wound healing. One aspect is the reduction of superficial tension, but significant remaining seroma might still cause deep wound infections. The aim of this study was the evaluation of technical modifications of the standard iNPWT dressing to increase seroma evacuation.

Methods

iNPWT dressings were applied on the porcine abdominal wall, and an incremental pressure ramp from 50 to 200 mmHg was performed. The resulting wound pressures were measured using (i) balloon manometry and (ii) esophageal manometry catheter. Seroma evacuation was analyzed with a seroma model. All measurements were performed with (i) standard iNPWT dressing, (ii) wound gauze diverted through the incision, and (iii) placement of suction drain tube into iNPWT.

Results

Due to the modifications of the iNPWT dressing, the vacuum applied by the iNPWT dressing could be transferred into the wound and was not only restricted to superficial layers. More importantly, placement of wound gauzes or suction drain tubes led to complete extraction of wound seroma. The placement of the suction drain tube showed the best combination of increased intrawound pressure as well as seroma evacuation.

Conclusion

Addition of a suction drain tube to the iNPWT dressing leads to an improved function of the iNPWT dressing in our ex vivo model.

Abdominal Body Contouring: Does Body Mass Index Affect Clinical and Patient Reported Outcomes?

BACKGROUND

Obese individuals are thought to be higher risk for complications after excisional abdominal body contouring (EAC) due to co-morbidities and significant tissue resection.

OBJECTIVES

We comparatively analyzed EAC patients with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m² and BMI <35 kg/m² to highlight key differences in clinical and patient-reported-outcomes (PROs).

METHODS

Patients ≥18 years-old undergoing EAC by a single surgeon from 01/2018-01/2020 were identified and separated into cohorts based on BMI (<35 and ≥35 kg/m²). Patients were excluded if they had a cosmetic abdominoplasty without history of bariatric surgery or massive weight loss, or if they had <1000 gs of tissue resected. Clinical outcomes and PROs using the BODY-Q were comparatively analyzed.

RESULTS

70 total patients with median BMIs of 30[26-32] and 41[37-45] kg/m² in each cohort, were identified. Patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m² were more likely to have higher ASA (P<0.01) and use of incisional negative pressure wound devices (P = 0.042). Alternatively, they were less likely to have had concurrent liposuction (P = 0.05). There were no differences in development of an SSO, SSI or SSOpi (P>0.05) between cohorts. Multivariate logistic regression showed that BMI ≥35 kg/m², iNPWD and liposuction were not associated with the development of complications. PROs demonstrated improvement in multiple domains despite BMI.

CONCLUSION

There was no association with BMI ≥35 kg/m² and the development of complications within our cohort. We encourage preoperative weight loss when possible, however these procedures can be performed safely with acceptable outcomes even in individuals who are obese and/or require extensive tissue removal.

Prophylactic Single-use Negative Pressure Dressing in Closed Surgical Wounds After Incisional Hernia Repair: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken to evaluate whether the prophylactic application of a specific single-use negative pressure (sNPWT) dressing on closed surgical incisions after incisional hernia (IH) repair decreases the risk of surgical site occurrences (SSOs) and the length of stay.

BACKGROUND

The sNPWT dressings have been associated to several advantages like cost savings and prevention of SSOs like seroma, hematoma, dehiscence, or wound infection (SSI) in closed surgical incisions. But this beneficious effect has not been previously studied in cases of close wounds after abdominal wall hernia repairs.

METHODS

An RCT was undertaken between May 2017 and January 2020 (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT03576222). Participating patients, with IH type W2 or W3 according to European Hernia Society classification, were randomly assigned to receive intraoperatively either the sNPWT (PICO)(72 patients) or a conventional dressing at the end of the hernia repair (74 patients). The primary endpoint was the development of SSOs during the first 30 days after hernia repair. The secondary endpoint included length of hospital stay. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 23.0.

RESULTS

At 30 days postoperatively, there was significatively higher incidence of SSOs in the control group compared to the treatment group (29.8% vs 16.6%, P < 0.042). There was no SSI in the treatment group and 6 cases in the control group (0% vs 8%, P < 0.002). No significant differences regarding seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, and length of stay were observed between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The use of prophylactic sNPWT PICO dressing for closed surgical incisions following IH repair reduces significatively the overall incidence of SSOs and the SSI at 30 days postoperatively.

The use of closed incision negative pressure therapy for incision and surrounding soft tissue management: Expert panel consensus recommendations

As the use of closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) becomes more widespread, dressing designs have evolved to address implementation challenges and meet surgeon demand. While traditional application of ciNPT was limited to the immediate suture line, a novel dressing that covers the incision and additional surrounding tissues has become available. To expand upon previous ciNPT recommendations and provide guidance on this new dressing, an expert panel of plastic surgeons convened to review the current literature, identify challenges to the implementation and sustainability of ciNPT, and use a modified Delphi technique to form a consensus on the appropriate use of ciNPT with full‐coverage dressings. After three rounds of collecting expert opinion via the Delphi method, consensus was reached if 80% of the panel agreed upon a statement. This manuscript establishes 10 consensus statements regarding when ciNPT with full‐coverage foam dressings should be considered or recommended in the presence of patient or incision risk factors, effective therapeutic settings and duration, precautions for use, and tools and techniques to support application. The panel also discussed areas of interest for future study of ciNPT with full‐coverage dressings. High‐quality, controlled studies are needed to expand the understanding of the benefits of ciNPT over the incision and surrounding tissues.

Prophylactic incisional negative pressure wound therapy for gynaecologic malignancies

Wound complications are an important cause of postoperative morbidity among patients with gynaecologic malignancies. We evaluated whether the placement of closed-incisional negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) at the time of laparotomy for gynaecologic cancer surgery reduced wound complication rates. A retrospective cohort study with primary wound closure performed by a gynaecologic oncologist was carried out. We evaluated two cohorts of patients who underwent surgery in 2017 with standard closure and patients who underwent surgery in 2019 with the placement of prophylactic ciNPT. Postoperative outcomes were examined. A total of 143 patients were included, 85 (59.4%) vs 58 (40.6%) with standard closure and ciNPT, respectively. The total complication rate in our sample was 38.71%. The rate of surgical complications in patients treated with ciNPT was 6.9% compared with 31.8% (P = .000) in patients treated with standard closure. In the analysis of complications, a significant reduction in infections (17.1%), seromas (15.4%), and wound dehiscence (17.1%) were observed when ciNPT was applied. The median hospital stay was 8 vs 6 days in the standard closure vs ciNPT groups (P = .048). The use of the prophylactic ciNPT following a laparotomy may decrease wound complications and hospital stays in oncological patients. ciNPT could be considered as part of clinical practice in patients at high risk of wound complications, such as patients with gynaecological malignancies.

Comparison of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy with conventional dressing for reducing wound complications in emergency laparotomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the post-operative effects of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy with conventional dressing in emergency laparotomy.

METHODS

This study was conducted from 1st November 2018 to 31st March 2020 in ABVIMS &amp; Dr. R.M.L. Hospital, New Delhi. The potential candidates for the study were patients of 18 years and above who were admitted in surgical emergency and underwent emergency laparotomy by a midline incision. Fifty random patients were alternatively allotted to group A (25 patients) and group B (25 patients). In the patients of group A, closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) was applied on midline closed wound after an exploratory laparotomy procedure. The patients in group B, standard dry gauze dressing was done.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients in group A and group B were 46.76±12.20 and 41.96±8.33 years, respectively (p-value-0.11). The wound infection was present in 12% of cases in group A and 32% in group B, but when we calculate the p-value, it was found to be statistically non-significant (p-value-0.08). Similarly, seroma formation and wound dehiscence were found less in group A as compared to group B but not reached up to a statistically significant limit (p-value 0.55 and 0.38 respectively). The frequency of dressing change was 1-2 per week in 92% of cases in group A while it was 3-4 per week in 68% of cases in group B. The mean time of the frequency of dressing change was 1.24±0.72 per week and 4.28±1.90 per week in both the groups respectively (p-value &lt;0.001). There was no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference in the duration of hospital stay between group A (mean hospital stay 8.20±2.34 days) and group B (mean hospital stay 8.21±3.37 days).

CONCLUSION

Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy has no advantages over conventional dressing in terms of post-operative complications and hospital stay. However, it reduces the frequency of dressing change significantly, which reduces the mental stress of the patient and the burden of changing daily dressing.