Negative pressure wound therapy for surgical site infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Efficacy and safety of negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices pocket infection

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) pocket infection, eliminating the need for CIED and leads extraction.

METHODS

The NPWT cohort consisted of 42 patients with CIED infection who were treated with NPWT from 2013 to 2023. Among them, 3 patients had a systemic infection and 1 patient had incomplete data. We performed a case-control study in which the NPWT group was compared with the conservative treatment group (40 patients). Main outcomes included failure rate (CIED/lead extraction during the 1-year follow-up, 30-day mortality/chronic infection, or infection-related mortality/recurrence) and infection-free time, with cure defined as absence of failure criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients with pocket infections were treated with NPWT from 2013 to 2023. NPWT was curative in 78.9% (n = 30 of 38) of patients who remained free of infection [median follow-up 12.63 months, interquartile range (IQR): 12.30-34.10 months]. Compared with patients who were treated conservatively, the two groups demonstrated balanced baseline characteristics. Patients who were treated with NPWT had a significantly higher cure rate (78.9% vs. 55.0%, n = 22 of 40; p = 0.025) and a longer mean infection-free time at the 1-year follow-up (338.00 vs. 285.20 days, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

NPWT is an effective alternative for patients with CIED pocket infections who are unsuitable or unwilling to undergo CIED and leads extraction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was approved by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Clinicaltrials.gov number: ChiCTR2300073560) on July 07, 2023.

Cellulose-Based Nanofibers Infused with Biotherapeutics for Enhanced Wound-Healing Applications

Nanofibers fabricated from various materials such as polymers, carbon, and semiconductors have been widely used for wound healing and tissue engineering applications due to their excellent nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable properties. Nanofibers with a diameter in the nanometer range possess a larger surface area per unit mass permitting easier addition of surface functionalities and release of biotherapeutics incorporated compared with conventional polymeric microfibers. Henceforth, nanofibers are a choice for fabricating scaffolds for the management of wound healing. Nanofibrous scaffolds have emerged as a promising method for fabricating wound dressings since they mimic the fibrous dermal extracellular matrix milieu that offers structural support for wound healing and functional signals for guiding tissue regeneration. Cellulose-based nanofibers have gained significant attention among researchers in the fabrication of on-site biodegradable scaffolds fortified with biotherapeutics in the management of wound healing. Cellulose is a linear, stereoregular insoluble polymer built from repeated units of d-glucopyranose linked with 1,4-β glycoside bonds with a complex and multilevel supramolecular architecture. Cellulose is a choice and has been used by various researchers due to its solubility in many solvents and its capacity for self-assembly into nanofibers, facilitating the mimicry of the natural extracellular matrix fibrous architecture and promoting substantial water retention. It is also abundant and demonstrates low immunogenicity in humans due to its nonanimal origins. To this end, cellulose-based nanofibers have been studied for protein delivery, antibacterial activity, and biosensor applications, among others. Taken together, this review delves into an update on cellulose-based nanofibers fused with bioactive compounds that have not been explored considerably in the past few years.

A prospective multicenter phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of silk elastin sponge in patients with skin defects

Silk elastin sponge, a novel recombinant protein used for wound healing, has been shown to be effective in promoting macrophage migration, epithelial growth, granulation, and angiogenesis in both preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of silk elastin sponges in the treatment of chronic and acute wounds. A prospective multicenter, single-arm, uncontrolled clinical trial included 20 patients with chronic wounds and five with acute wounds, applying the sponge after debridement. The primary endpoints were the percentage of patients with chronic wounds and well-prepared wound beds after 14 days of treatment. The safety of the procedure was also assessed. The results showed that 90.0% of chronic wound patients had well-prepared wound beds by day 14, and 24 out of 25 patients completed the treatment, with one case discontinued due to local infection. This study concluded that silk elastin sponges may be an effective new option for wounds that are unresponsive to existing treatments.Trial registration: jRCT2052210072. Registered on 11 July 2023 in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials ( http://jrct.niph.go.jp ).

Benefits of negative pressure wound therapy in skin grafts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a widely used adjunct for wound healing and an alternative to conventional dressings for skin grafts. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effectiveness of NPWT versus conventional dressings in this population through randomised control trials (RCTs).

METHODS

A literature search in several databases was conducted from inception to October 2023. Eligible studies were RCTs reporting the efficacy and post-operative outcomes of NPWT and non-NPWT (control) in patients ≥18 years with skin grafts. Pooled proportions were analysed using a random-effects model. This review was registered prospectively with PROSPERO (CRD42023471105).

RESULTS

Overall, 16 RCTs met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. This included 411 patients and 401 controls. Compared to conventional dressings, NPWT demonstrated 8.3% higher overall graft take (95% CI: 2.97, 13.63, I2 = 85%), 10.0% higher graft take at -80 mmHg (95% CI: 5.69, 14.34, I2 = 0%), higher graft success rates (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.30, I2 = 0%), lower graft loss rates (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.85, I2 = 0%), lower complication rates (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.99, I2 = 76%) and lower reoperation rates (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.72, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION

NPWT is a safe and effective approach for dressing skin grafts in adult patients compared to conventional wound dressings. NPWT improved graft take and graft success while reducing graft failure, reoperations and overall complications.

Healing of diabetic foot ulcer in an amputation candidate with below-knee cellulitis using combination of negative pressure wound therapy and platelet-rich plasma injection: A case report study

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Diabetic foot ulcers, especially when complicated by cellulitis, pose a significant challenge in diabetes management, often leading to amputation. This case report highlights the successful treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer in an amputation candidate using a combination of negative pressure wound therapy and platelet-rich plasma injection, potentially reducing the risk of amputation in high-risk patients.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 62-year-old male with poorly controlled diabetes presented with a chronic diabetic foot ulcer and cellulitis. After surgical debridement, negative pressure wound therapy was initiated, followed by platelet-rich plasma injection into the wound bed. This combination therapy led to rapid granulation tissue formation and complete wound closure within 8 weeks, with no adverse events observed. The patient successfully avoided amputation.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Negative pressure wound therapy played a vital role in managing the complex wound by removing exudate, reducing edema, and promoting granulation tissue formation, thereby accelerating healing and preparing for skin grafting. Alongside careful wound care, negative pressure wound therapy aided infection control and patient recovery. Additionally, platelet-rich plasma therapy enhanced healing by providing growth factors and proteins that support cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis. This combination of negative pressure wound therapy and platelet-rich plasma therapy demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced wound care for patients with complex diabetic foot ulcers.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the potential benefits of combining negative pressure wound therapy and platelet-rich plasma injection in managing diabetic foot ulcers complicated by cellulitis. Further studies are needed to validate the efficacy of this approach, which could significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce amputation rates in high-risk patients.

Comparison of Single-Use Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy (sNPWT) and Standard Dressings Applied to the Same Patient During Bilateral Tissue Expander-to-Implant Exchanges

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. The number of cases is increasing among young women, and consequently, breast reconstructions are performed more often. Postoperative complications, wound healing, and the quality of scars influence the final cosmetic outcomes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of using a negative-pressure therapy compared to a standard dressing on two postoperative wounds in the same woman, after bilateral tissue expander replacement surgery-when identical healing conditions occur.

METHODS

This study includes a single-center evaluation of the application of two different dressings during bilateral exchanges of tissue expanders with breast implants. The study included 22 patients with a history of breast cancer after bilateral mastectomy with two-stage reconstruction. During the second stage, a sNPWT was applied to one breast and a standard dressing to the other.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in skin elasticity in favor of sNPWT was visible after 7 days, while the greatest difference was visible in the evaluation after 6 months (mean of 0.806 vs. 0.607). A difference in temperature measurements was shown 7 days after the procedure. However, after 30 days, these measurements were similar. There was also a reduced incidence of postoperative complications as well as seroma accumulation in the breasts with negative pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate faster healing, better scar quality, and improved skin elasticity in breasts with sNPWT compared to the standard dressing. The number of postoperative complications were also reduced, which is especially important in high-risk patients.

Factors related to successful mesh salvage with negative pressure wound therapy: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Mesh salvage using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in cases of mesh infection following hernia repair has emerged as an alternative to early mesh removal. However, the factors related to the success or failure of mesh salvage with NPWT remain unclear.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 61 patients with mesh infections after hernia repair treated with NPWT between 2018 and 2024. We analyzed demographic, clinical, and surgical variables, as well as the bacterial spectrum and antimicrobial susceptibility. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with NPWT failure, defined as the need for mesh removal.

RESULTS

Mesh salvage was successful in 80.3% of cases. Active smoking was significantly associated with NPWT failure (OR = 7.82, CI 95% 1.05-64.8; p = 0.044). Other factors, such as age, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, mesh type, and mesh position, were not significantly related to failure. Most infections were caused by Staphylococcus aureus (24.6%) and Escherichia coli (22.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

NPWT is an effective method for salvaging infected meshes, with a high success rate. Active smoking was identified as a risk factor for NPWT failure, highlighting the need for early identification of patients who may benefit from alternative approaches. Further studies are required to develop predictive models for NPWT success in mesh salvage.

Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy and negative pressure wound therapy for hard-to-heal wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) have been widely used in the treatment of hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds, but there is still a lack of sufficient evidence for their combined use for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. This systematic review aimed to identify the clinical efficacy and safety of adding adjunctive HBOT to NPWT for hard-to-heal wounds.

METHOD

Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang were searched from the establishment of the database to March 2022. The literature was screened according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. We assessed the quality of each included study with the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was performed using R programming software version 4.1.0 (R Project for Statistical Computing, US). The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were used to report data from systematic reviews and meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies were identified, including nine randomised clinical controlled trials and six retrospective studies. Meta-analysis results showed that NPWT combined with HBOT had better outcomes compared with the NPWT alone with regards to: wound healing rate (odds ratio (OR)=6.77; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 3.53-12.98; p<0.0001); bacterial positive rate of wound (OR=0.16; 95% CI: 0.05-0.55; p=0.0037); wound healing time (mean difference (MD)= -3.86; 95% Cl: -5.18 - -2.53; p<0.0001); wound area (standardised mean difference (SMD)=1.50; 95% Cl: 0.35-2.65; p=0.0104); hospitalisation time (MD= -3.14; 95% Cl: -4.93 - -1.36; p=0.005); and hospitalisation cost (OR= -202.64; 95% Cl: -404.53 - -0.75; p=0.0492). There was no significant difference in pain score (MD= -0.43; 95% Cl: -1.15-0.30; p=0.25).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study demonstrated that adjunctive HBOT with NPWT is safe and effective in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. However, these findings should be interpreted with great caution given the limitations of the studies included.

A new portable negative pressure wound therapy device: a prospective study investigating clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Closed surgical incision sites at high risk of complications, and with exudate or leakage, are increasingly being managed with closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) to reduce tissue stress and increase the force necessary to disrupt the incision. This study was undertaken to investigate the performance and safety of a canister-based, single-use NPWT (suNPWT) system when used on closed surgical incision sites.

METHOD

The investigation was designed as a prospective, open, non-comparative, multicentre study aimed at confirming the safety and performance attributes of the suNPWT system when applied to low-to-moderately exuding closed surgical incisions. The primary performance measure was the wound remaining closed from baseline to the last follow-up visit on day 14. Secondary performance measures included: wound and periwound condition; wear time of the system; product consumption; adherence to therapy; and patients' pain progress. Details of adverse events were also collected.

RESULTS

Some 35 patients were recruited. The closed surgical incisions responded well to treatment with the tested suNPWT system. All wounds remained closed throughout the investigation. Consistent with other studies of ciNPWT reporting low infection rates, the current study observed either no or low exudation in 90.4% of wounds at the final visit, together with absence of surgical site infection. Pain severity levels were low, both at dressing change and during delivery of negative pressure. No serious adverse device events were reported.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the suNPWT system supported the healing of closed surgical incisions with no safety concerns relating to its use.

Exploring Early Complications in Paraumbilical Hernia Mesh Repair: A Rigorous Six-Month Prospective Study and In-Depth Analysis

Introduction When an organ, such as the colon, pushes through the wall of the abdominal cavity, a hernia results. After femoral and inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias account for the third most common kind of abdominal hernia in adults precipitated by conditions such as obesity, ascites, and repeated pregnancies. A subtype of umbilical hernias called paraumbilical hernias is more likely to cause problems such as rupture, skin ulceration, and obstruction. Seroma, hematoma, and infection are the reported post-repair consequences but data regarding early complications is limited. High-quality data assessing early complications is necessary to improve mesh repair outcomes. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of General Surgery at Medical Teaching Institute (MTI) Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar over one year, from January to December 2022. A total of 167 patients were selected using simple random sequential selection. Patients aged 20-60 years of both genders who were diagnosed with paraumbilical hernia in the emergency department were included. To prevent bias, those with uncontrolled diabetes or existing complications from hernia were excluded. Following informed consent, data were gathered using pre-designed proformas. Patients underwent open mesh repair during each surgery, and they were monitored at one and three months following the procedure. Complications such as seroma, hematoma, and wound infection were documented. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) with chi-square tests for categorical variables and a significance level of p < 0.05. Results The study included a total of 167 patients, with a mean age of 42 years (SD ±8.77). The majority of patients (40%) ranged in age from 41 to 50 years old, with 33% aged 31 to 40. Gender distribution revealed that 63 (38%) of the patients were male and 104 (62%) were female. Early complications included 25 (15%) wound infections, 32 (19%) seromas, and 63 (38%) hematomas. The occurrence of wound infections, seromas, and hematomas did not differ significantly by age or gender (p > 0.05). Conclusion Early complications from paraumbilical hernia mesh repair include wound infections (15%), seromas (19%), and hematomas (38%). Postoperative monitoring is critical to reducing these complications.

Vacuum Sealing Drainage against Surgical Site Infection after Intracranial Neurosurgery

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a conundrum for neurosurgeons. This study examines the efficacy and outcome of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in the treatment of pyogenic SSIs following intracranial neurosurgery. Methods: Twenty patients with SSIs, who received surgical intervention, were treated retrospectively with VSD during the past five years. Primary surgical procedure types, SSI types, VSD replacements, pathogenic germs, antibiotic therapy, and infection control were reviewed and discussed. Results: Of the 20 infections, 13 (65%) were extradural and 7 (35%) were extradural SSIs combined with intracranial infections (including 5 meningitis, 1 subdural abscess, and 1 brain abscess). All the patients consented to medical device implantation (including 5 titanium webs, 6 bone flap fixation devices, and 12 duraplasties), most of which were removed during debridement. The median duration from primary surgical procedure to an SSI diagnosis was 19 days (range: 7 to 365 d). All the patients also agreed to debridement and VSD treatment; VSD was replaced 0 to 5 times (median, one time) every 4 to 7 days and kept for 4 to 35 days (median, 14 d). Seven (35%) patients had defined bacterial infections, with Staphylococcus aureus being the dominant infection. The deployed standard VSD and antibiotic treatment ensured full recovery from SSIs, including from intracranial infections: 14 (70%) patients had recovered fully by follow-up, and no infection-associated death was registered; 6 (30%) patients died of severe primary affections. Conclusion: VSD-assisted therapy is safe and effective against SSIs after intracranial neurosurgery.

Meta-analysis of postoperative incision infection risk factors in colorectal cancer surgery

Objective

To evaluate the risk factors for postoperative incision infection in colorectal cancer, this meta-analysis aimed to identify key variables impacting infection incidence following colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Utilizing a meta-analytical approach, studies published from January 2015 to December 2022 were systematically collected and analyzed through the assessment of factors like body mass index, diabetes, albumin levels, malnutrition, and surgical duration.

Results

The meta-analysis of eleven high-quality studies revealed that elevated BMI, diabetes, low albumin levels, malnutrition, and extended surgical duration were associated with increased infection risk, while laparoscopic procedures showed potential for risk reduction.

Conclusions

This study underscores the significance of preoperative risk assessment and management in mitigating postoperative incision infections in colorectal cancer patients. The findings present actionable insights for clinicians to enhance patient prognoses and overall quality of life.

Surgical effect and gastrointestinal functional recovery of laparoscopic-guided total mesorectal excision in patients with rectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

To explore the surgical effect and gastrointestinal functional recovery of laparoscopic-guided total mesorectal excision (LGTME) in patients with rectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 150 rectal cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from July 2022 to July 2023 were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a random number table. There were 75 cases in the control group (CG) who underwent traditional open rectal total mesorectal excision surgery and 75 cases in the experimental group (EG) who underwent LGTME. The surgical effects of the two groups were compared, and the gastrointestinal and anal functional recovery of the two groups were compared before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Intraoperative bleeding, incision length, time to initial feeding and time to anal exhaust in the EG were significantly lower than those in the CG ( P < 0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in gastrointestinal function and anal function between the two groups ( P > 0.05). After treatment, the levels of motilin, gastrin, neuropeptide Y and basic fibroblast growth factor in the EG were significantly higher than those in the CG, with statistical significance ( P < 0.05); the maximum anal systolic pressure and resting anal sphincter pressure in the EG were significantly lower than those in the CG ( P < 0.05); the rectal sensitivity threshold volume (RSTV) and rectal maximum volume threshold in the EG were significantly higher than those in the CG ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in most postoperative complications between the two groups ( P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LGTME improves the surgical effects of rectal cancer patients, promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function and has a small effect on anal function indicators, thereby reducing hospital stay.

Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy for the Management of Complex Surgical Wounds in a Minority Population

Introduction Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used for decades as an established treatment modality for complex wounds, now commonplace in hospitals and various clinical and outpatient settings. Several studies have noted improved healing outcomes with this device, but the current state of literature is in debate on both clinical and economic effectiveness. The use of NPWT can become expensive, largely because of the complexity of wounds and the need for outpatient management, from which a majority of the benefit is derived. This creates a disparity in access to this therapy. A lack of insurance and limited access to healthcare that is present in minority populations contribute to this inequality. Methods We reviewed the clinical courses of eight patients who were treated with NPWT at a single acute care facility in an underserved area caring for a minority population. Results We describe several different anatomic wounds along with details including the size of wounds, number of debridements, length of hospital stay, duration of treatment, and ensuing courses of the minority patients who received NPWT for the entire duration of their wound care course. Conclusions This case series demonstrates desirable wound healing outcomes with the use of NPWT in the minority population. The authors draw attention to the outpatient benefit of this device that may be lost in those with limited insurance in minority populations and seek to encourage further studies in this population in resource-limited settings to determine its true clinical effectiveness.

Effect of hydrocolloid dressings on preventing air leakage when applying negative pressure wound therapy to the perineum, buttocks, and sacrococcygeal region

Maintaining a vacuum when applying negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is the key to its function, which is a challenge in the perineum, buttocks, and sacrococcygeal region. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the effect of hydrocolloid dressings on preventing air leakage when applying NPWT in these regions. There were 61 patients in Group A (without the aid of hydrocolloid dressings) and 65 patients in Group B (with the aid of hydrocolloid dressings). The hydrocolloid dressing-assisted NPWT significantly reduced the incidence of air leakage compared with conventional NPWT placement (24.6% vs. 7.7%; risk ratio, 3.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-8.27; p = 0.009), while decreasing the number of open NPWT applications (2.2 vs. 1.7; difference, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.66; p < 0.001), shortening hospital stays (20.1 vs. 16.1; difference, 4.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-6.46; p = 0.01), and reducing the incidence of adverse skin events (18.0% vs. 4.6%; risk ratio, 3.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-13.34; p = 0.017). These findings support the routine use of hydrocolloid dressing-assisted NPWT placement in the perineum, buttocks, and sacrococcygeal region.

Effect of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Surgical Site Infections following Stoma Reversal in Colorectal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSI) are common complications after surgery, which cause other complications and increase medical costs. However, the effect of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for the prevention of SSI at stoma reversal remains inconclusive, with controversial results. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NPWT following stoma reversal in colorectal surgery to prevent SSI and other wound complications.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for articles published up to July 2022 and identified relevant studies reporting the NPWT administration following stoma reversal in colorectal surgery compared with non-pressure dressing. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI, and the secondary outcomes were hematoma, seroma, and length of hospital stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, with 825 patients with (n = 310) or without (n = 515) NPWT. Pooled SSI rate was lower in the NPWT group than in the non-pressure dressing group (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.84; P = 0.01). There was no significant effect on hematoma (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.03, 1.27; P = 0.09), seroma (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.05, 1.28; P = 0.1) and LOS (MD = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.83, 0.51; P = 0.64).

CONCLUSION

The use of NPWT following stoma reversal in colorectal surgery reduced the incidence of SSI. However, this conclusion needs to be interpreted with caution, and further studies should be conducted to confirm in higher-quality RCTs.

Effect of incisional negative pressure therapy and conventional treatment on wound complications after orthopaedic trauma surgery: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies

The results of this meta-analysis were applied to analyse the effects of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and conventional dressings on post-surgical outcomes after trauma in orthopaedics. Through June 2023, a full review of the literature has been carried out with the help of 4 databases, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. The quality of the literature was evaluated according to the classification and exclusion criteria established for this trial, which led to an analysis of 9 related trials. The results included the injury was deeply and superficially infected, and the wound was dehiscence. The 95% confidence interval (CI) and odds ratios (OR) were computed by means of a fixed-effect and a random-effect model. Meta-analyses were conducted with RevMan 5.3. There is no statistical significance between NPWT and routine therapy for deep wound infection (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.82-2.27, p = 0.23); There was no difference in the incidence of inflammation in the wound than with conventional dressings (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.84-1.45, p = 0.49); But NPWT was obviously superior to that of routine therapy in superficial wound infection (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.32-3.25, p = 0.002) and wound dehiscence (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.31-4.57, p = 0.005); But not with respect to wound exudate. therapy group, but no statistically significant difference was found with respect to wound exudation. (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.86-1.57, p = 0.34). Given that some of the chosen trials are too small for this meta-analysis, caution should be exercised when treating their values. More high-quality research with a large sample is required in order to confirm the findings.

Molecular mechanisms of action of negative pressure wound therapy: a systematic review

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has significantly advanced wound care and continues to find new applications. Its effects at a molecular level however, remain a subject of debate. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the molecular mechanisms of action of NPWT. Medline, Embase, EBSCO databases and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to January 2023. Clinical studies, animal models or in-vitro studies that quantitatively or semi-quantitatively evaluated the influence of NPWT on growth factors, cytokine or gene-expression in the circulation or wound-bed were included. Risk of Bias assessment was performed using the RoBANS tool for non-randomized studies, the COCHRANE's Risk of Bias 2(ROB-2) tool for randomized clinical studies, OHAT tool for in-vitro studies or the SYRCLE tool for animal model studies. A descriptive summary was collated and the aggregated data is presented as a narrative synthesis. This review included 19 clinical studies, 11 animal studies and 3 in-vitro studies. The effects of NPWT on 43 biomarkers and 17 gene expressions were studied across included studies. NPWT stimulates modulation of numerous local and circulating cytokines and growth factor expressions to promote an anti-inflammatory profile. This is most likely achieved by downregulation of TNFα, upregulation of VEGF, TGF-β and fibronectin.

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.

Negative pressure wound therapy promotes wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers by up-regulating PRDX2 in wound margin tissue

To understand the changes in the peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2) expression level in the wound margin tissue (T-PRDX2) of patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) before and after negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Additionally, the study aimed to explore the association between PRDX2 expression and the treatment outcome of DFUs to provide a new theoretical basis for revealing the mechanism of NPWT promoting the healing of DFUs. Fifty-six type 2 diabetes patients with foot ulcers undergoing NPWT (the DFU group) and 28 patients with chronic lower limb skin ulcers with normal glucose tolerance undergoing NPWT (the skin ulcer control [SUC] group) were included in the study. T-PRDX2 was detected using Western blotting, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were detected using a biochemical method. In addition, in vitro experiments were conducted to determine the effect of PRDX2 expression on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Before NPWT, the DFU group exhibited a significantly lower T-PRDX2 expression level compared with the SUC group. After one week of NPWT, the T-PRDX2 expression level, SOD activity, and GSH content in the wound margin tissues of the DFU and SUC groups significantly increased compared with the before NPWT levels. Conversely, the inflammatory indicators (white blood cell, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin) and MDA content were significantly lower than the before NPWT levels. The expression changes of T-PRDX2 before and after NPWT in the DFU and SUC groups were positively correlated with the 4-week wound healing rate. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PRDX2 could alleviate the oxidative stress in NHDFs, thereby promoting their proliferation and migration, while reducing cell apoptosis. NPWT promotes DFU healing by increasing T-PRDX2, and changes in the T-PRDX2 might be associated with the therapeutic effect of NPWT.

Surgical site infections in thyroid and parathyroid surgery in Japan: An analysis of the Japan Nosocomial Infections Surveillance database from 2013 to 2020

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after thyroid surgery are rare complications, with incidence rates of 0.3%-1.6%. Using a Japanese database, we conducted exploratory analyses on the incidence of SSIs, investigated the incidence of SSIs by the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance risk index, and identified the causative bacteria of SSIs. SSIs occurred in 50 (0.7%) of 7388 thyroid surgery cases. Risk index-0 patients had the lowest incidence rate of SSIs (0.41%). The incidence of SSIs in risk index-1 patients was 3.05 times the incidence of SSIs in risk index-0 patients. The rate of SSI occurrence for risk index-2 patients was 4.22 times the rate of SSI occurrence for risk index-0 patients. Thirty-one bacterial species were identified as the cause of SSIs in thyroid surgery cases, of which 12 (38.7%) SSIs were caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Of the nine SSIs caused by Staphylococcus aureus, 55.6% (five cases) were attributed to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, routine prophylactic antibiotic administration should be avoided, while the target for administration should be narrowed, according to the SSI risk. Administration of prophylactic antibiotics, such as 2 g piperacillin or 1 g cefazolin, is considered appropriate.

Impact of negative pressure wound treatment on incidence of surgical site infection in varied orthopedic surgeries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a popular treatment to heal infected wounds. This meta-analysis aimed to determine if NPWT was more effective than conventional wound dressings for surgical site infections (SSI) in varied orthopaedic surgeries. Literature was retrieved from seven electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and CNKI). Randomised control trials (RCT) and retrospective cohort studies (RS) involving arthroplasty, fracture, and spinal surgery were extracted. SSI was our primary outcome, while total complications and length of hospital stay were secondary outcomes. We carried out the risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and Stata 17.0. Among the 798 studies retrieved, 18 of them met our inclusion criteria. We identified 13 RCTs and 5 RSs. The results of meta-analysis showed that the incidence of SSI in the NPWT group was significantly lower relative to the control group (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.77, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the incidences of SSI involving arthroplasty, fracture, and spinal surgery in the NPWT group accounted for 46%, 69%, and 37% relative to the control group, respectively. The incidence of SSI in RS (OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.56) was significantly lower than that in RCT (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.90) (P = 0.02). Moreover, patients in the NPWT group had a lower total complication rate (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.76) and shorter hospital stays (SMD = -0.42, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.02), although high heterogeneity existed. NPWT may be an efficient alternative to help prevent the incidence of SSI and total complications as well as achieved shorten hospital stay in varied orthopaedic surgeries. The rational use of NPWT should be based on the presence of patients' clinical conditions and relevant risk factors.

Severe local wound infections after vascular exposure in the groin and other body areas: Prevention, treatment and prognosis

Severe surgical site infections (SSIs) are a frequent nosocomial complication after vascular interventions, an important cause of postoperative morbidity, and a substantial burden to the health care system. Patients undergoing arterial interventions are at elevated risk of SSIs, possibly because of the presence of several risk factors in this patient population. In this review, we examined the available clinical evidence for the prevention, treatment, and prognostication of postoperative severe SSIs after vascular exposure in the groin and other body areas. Results from studies evaluating preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative preventive strategies and several treatment options are reviewed. In addition, risk factors for surgical wound infections are analyzed in detail and related evidence from the literature is highlighted. Although several measures have been implemented over the time to prevent them, SSIs continue to pose a substantial health care and socioeconomic challenge. Therefore, strategies to decrease the risk and improve the treatment of SSIs for the high-risk vascular patient population should be the focus of continuing improvement and critical review. This review aimed at identifying and reviewing the current evidence for preventing, treating, and performing stratification according to the prognosis of postoperative severe SSIs after vascular exposure in the groin and other body areas.

Postoperative negative-pressure incision therapy after liver transplant (PONILITRANS study): A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative complications of surgical incisions are frequent in liver transplantation. However, evidence justifying the use of incisional negative pressure wound therapy to improve surgical wound outcomes remains limited.

METHODS

Participating patients were randomly assigned to receive incisional negative pressure wound therapy or standard surgical dressing on the closed surgical incision of the liver transplantation. The primary endpoint was surgical site infection incidence 30 days postoperatively. The secondary endpoints included surgical site events (ie, surgical site infection, dehiscence, hematoma, and seroma) and wound quality of life.

RESULTS

Between December 2018 and September 2021, 108 patients (54 in the incisional negative pressure wound therapy group and 54 in the control group) were enrolled in this study. The incidence of surgical site infection at 30 days postoperatively was 7.4% in the treatment group and 13% in the control group (P = .34). The rate of surgical site events was similar in the treatment in the and control group (27.8% vs 29.6%, P = .83). In relation to wound quality of life, the mean score was 75.20 ± 7.27 in the incisional negative pressure wound therapy group and 72.82 ± 10.57 in the control group (P = .23).

CONCLUSION

The prophylactic use of negative pressure wound therapy on primarily closed incisions did not significantly reduce incisional surgical site infection and surgical site event rates after liver transplantation compared with standard surgical dressings.

Surgical outcome after using negative pressure therapy in infected leg wounds in coronary bypass grafting surgery

Background

Infection of leg wounds is a common complication following great saphenous vein harvesting (GSV) for coronary bypass grafting (CABG). This complication can result in increased risk of patient morbidity and mortality by causing septicemia, and gangrene, subjecting the patients to amputation. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) compared to conventional wound care in infected leg wounds following GSV harvesting for myocardial revascularization.

Results

The NPWT group had a significantly lower rate of deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.013), osteomyelitis (p < 0.001), bed sores (p < 0.001), shorter duration of tissue edema (p < 0.001), and lesser discharge (p < 0.001). Also, the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the NPWT group (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that traditional wound care (without NPWT, p < 0.001) and wound stage IV (p = 0.001) significantly and independently prolonged the length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

The use of NPWT in advanced complicated infected leg wounds could improve patients’ outcomes and satisfaction by decreasing the rate of complications and the length of hospital stay.

Negative pressure wound therapy on complex extremity wounds requiring coverage with a meshed bilayer wound matrix: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVE

The treatment of complex extremity wounds is technically challenging. In this 5-year retrospective review, we compared the use of Integra Meshed Bilayer Wound Matrix (IMBWM; Integra LifeSciences, US) followed by a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) combined with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) versus IMBWM followed by STSG alone for the management of these wounds.

METHOD

Data from patients undergoing management using IMBWM for a complex extremity wound coverage were collected.

RESULTS

Among the 109 patients studied, the wounds of 62 patients were managed using IMBWM and NPWT, and 47 were managed using IMBWM alone. The most common aetiology of these injuries was trauma. Wound size and location were similar for each group, ranging in size from 2-30cm² and being primarily on the forearm, followed by the leg and arm. There was a significantly greater take of the IMBWM+STSG with NPWT (96.8%) compared to without NPWT (85.1%, p=0.03). There were significantly fewer reapplications of the dermal matrix required in the NPWT group (3.2%) versus the non-NPWT group (14.9%, p=0.03). There were significantly fewer postoperative complications, prior to STSG, in the NPWT group (3.2%) versus the non-NPWT group (14.9%, p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

The combination of IMBWM with NPWT leads to a higher success rate, and can reduce the number of dermal matrix reapplications and postoperative complications, in the setting of complex extremity wounds. The use of IMBWM in combination with NPWT has the potential to improve both surgical procedures and patient outcomes in this setting.