What is the role of incisional vacuum therapy in challenging spinal wounds? A single centre experience

The Utility of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy following Spinal Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine if closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) decreases surgical site infection (SSI) or wound dehiscence following spinal fusion.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to identify studies utilizing ciNPWT following spinal fusion. Funnel plots and quality scores of the articles were performed to determine if the articles were at risk of bias. Forest plots were conducted to identify the treatment effect of ciNPWT following spinal fusion.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies comprising 1,061 patients who received ciNPWT or a standard postoperative dressing following spinal fusion were included. The rate of SSI [ciNPWT: 4.49% (95% CI: 2.48, 8.00) vs. control: 11.32% (95% CI: 7.51, 16.70), p=0.0103] was significantly lower for patients treated with ciNPWT. A fixed-effects model showed no significant difference between patients who received ciNWPT or a standard postoperative dressing with respect to requiring reoperations for wound debridement (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.64, 2.41). Additionally, wound dehiscence was not significantly different between the two groups although it was non-significantly lower in ciNWPT-treated patients [ciNPWT: 4.59% (95% CI: 2.49, 8.31) vs control: 7.48% (95% CI: 4.38, 12.47), p=0.23].

CONCLUSION

Closed incision NPWT may reduce the rates of SSI following spinal fusion. The use of ciNWPT may also significantly reduce the burden associated with postoperative wound complications, but the meta-analysis was insufficiently powered to make this association. Additional, studies may identify a subset of patients who benefit from ciNPWT for other wound-related complications.