The Use of Closed Incision Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in Orthopaedic Surgery

Analgesic effect of premixed nitrous oxide/oxygen on removal of vacuum assisted closure dressings: randomized controlled trial study protocol

BACKGROUND

Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) is an effective treatment that promotes wound healing in clinical practice. However, the pain caused by Vacuum assisted closure VAC dressing removal is still a challenge for patients and medical staff. The purpose of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect and safety of premixed nitrous oxide/oxygen in the treatment of pain caused by VAC dressing removal.

METHODS/DESIGN

This study is a single center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. A total of 100 patients requiring VAC dressing removal were recruited and randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group will receive routine treatment plus a premixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture, and the control group will receive routine treatment plus oxygen. Participants and researchers are all blind to the operation process. The results of each group will be monitored at baseline (T0), 5 min after intervention (T1), and 5 min after finishing intervention (T2), 15 min after finishing intervention (T3). The primary outcome measure was pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included physiological parameters, adverse reactions, operators, and patients' satisfaction.

DISCUSSION

This study will explore the analgesic effect of oxide/oxygen mixture on VAC dressing removal. If it is beneficial to patients with VAC dressing change, it will be helpful for pain management of VAC dressing removal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR2200056742. Registered on February 13, 2022.

Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in Proximal and Distal Femur Megaprosthetic Reconstructions after Bone Tumor Resections

Objective  Surgical management for bone tumors is aggressive in nature and frequently followed by wound-related complications (WRCs). To minimize these events, different strategies have been employed, with closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) emerging as a potential adjuvant. With this study we intend to assess the impact of this technique in minimizing WRCs in patients with proximal and distal femur tumors treated with megaprosthesis. Methods  This was an observational retrospective study including 41 participants diagnosed with proximal or distal femur tumors treated with wide resection and reconstruction using a megaprosthesis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the postoperative surgical dressing applied: the vacuum-assisted closure group (VAC) received ciNPWT; and the non-VAC group that received conventional dressings. Data regarding postoperative WRCs and other potential variables of interest were recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics, version 24.0. Results There were 20 patients included in the VAC and 21 in the non-VAC group. The majority of patients presented no complications and there were no differences between groups in terms of WRCs, including infection. Nonetheless, wound dehiscence and persistent fluid leakage had a positive correlation with the diagnosis of infection, which all together presented correlation with the need for surgical revision. Conclusion  Despite the absence of statistical significance, ciNPWT seems to help minimize wound dehiscence, persistent wound leakage and surgical site infections in patients with proximal and distal femur bone tumors treated with megaprosthesis. Also, wound dehiscence and persistent wound leakage correlate well with surgical site infection, and those three parameters correlate with the need for surgical revision.

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy for the prevention of surgical site complications in Paediatric patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis: A randomized clinical trial

Surgical wound complications are adverse events with important repercussions for the health of patients and health system. Surgical site infections and wound dehiscences are among the most important surgical wound complications, with a high incidence in paediatric patients undergoing surgery for non-idiopathic scoliosis. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy for surgical incisions is used as a preventive measure against surgical wound complications in adults; however, there has been scant evidence for using it in children. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of incisional negative pressure wound therapy in preventing surgical wound complications in paediatric patients undergoing surgery to treat non-idiopathic scoliosis. Randomized clinical trial. Children younger than 18 years of age undergoing surgery for non-idiopathic scoliosis were randomly assigned into two groups to receive one of two different types of dressings for the first 7 days after surgery. One group were treated with a postoperative hydrofibre and hydrocolloid dressing with silver for wounds (control group), and the other group received a single-use incisional negative pressure wound therapy system (intervention group). The wounds were assessed after removal of the dressings at 7 days after surgery and again at 30, 90, and 180 days after surgery. Surgical wound complications, sociodemographic variables, variables related to the procedure and postoperative period, economic costs of treatment of surgical wound complications, and time to healing of the surgical wound were recorded. Per protocol and per intention to treat analysis was made. The per protocol incidence of surgical wound complications was 7.7% in the intervention group versus 38.5% in the control group (p = 0.009; Fisher exact test. RR = 0.20 IC95%: 0.05-0.83). Surgical wound dehiscence, surgical site infections, seroma, and fibrin were the most common surgical wound complications. The type of surgery, duration of surgery, and patients' age were associated with a higher risk for surgical wound complications. Postoperative hydrofibre and hydrocolloid dressing with silver for wounds were found to be associated with a longer time to healing. Initial costs for dressings in the group receiving incisional negative pressure wound therapy were higher, but the total postoperative costs were higher for those receiving postoperative hydrofibre and hydrocolloid dressing with silver for wounds. It was found that for each US$1.00 of extra costs for using incisional negative pressure wound therapy, there was a benefit of US$12.93 in relation to the cost of complications prevented. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy is cost-effective in the prevention of surgical wound complications in children undergoing surgery for non-idiopathic scoliosis.

Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Wounds in Patients with Lower Intestinal Perforations

Objectives

Laparotomy for lower intestinal perforation is associated with a high incidence of surgical site infections. This study aimed to assess whether incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) could reduce the incidence of these infections and wound dehiscence in patients with lower intestinal perforation.

Methods

This single-center prospective study was conducted between September 2019 and July 2022. In the therapy group, wounds were closed with subcuticular sutures, and iNPWT was applied at -120 mmHg for 5 days. A total of 10 days of iNPWT was employed. These patients were compared with a historical control group. The iNPWT group (Group A) comprised 22 patients.The historical control group (Group B) had 65 patients. Table outlines patient characteristics and compares the two study groups.

Results

Patient characteristics were demographically similar. The incidence of surgical site infections was lower in the therapy group than in the control group (9.1% vs. 52.3%, p < 0.001). Wound dehiscence was not observed in the therapy group but was noted in three patients (4.6%) in the control group. In univariate and multivariate analysis, an application of the therapy device was associated with reduced incidence of surgical site infections (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusions

The application of iNPWT in patients with lower intestinal perforation was associated with reduced surgical site infections.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma combined with negative pressure wound therapy in treating patients with chronic wounds: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively explore the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in treating patients with chronic wounds. Computer searches were conducted, from database infection to November 2023, in EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of PRP combined with NPWT technology for treating chronic wounds. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and conducted quality assessments according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Stata 17.0 software was employed for data analysis. Overall, 18 RCTs involving 1294 patients with chronic wounds were included. The analysis revealed that, compared with NPWT alone, the use of PRP combined with NPWT technology significantly improved the healing rate (odds ratios [OR] = 1.92, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.43-2.58, p < 0.001) and total effective rate (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.23-1.39, p < 0.001), and also significantly shortened the healing time of the wound (standardized mean difference = -2.01, 95% CI: -2.58 to -1.45, p < 0.001). This study indicates that the treatment of chronic wounds with PRP combined with NPWT technology can significantly enhance clinical repair effectiveness and accelerate wound healing, with a high healing rate, and is worth further promotion and practice.

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy may not protect against post-operative surgical site complications in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures

PURPOSE

To determine if incisional negative pressure wound therapy is protective against post-operative surgical site complications following definitive fixation of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with an acute bicondylar tibial plateau fracture (AO/OTA 41-C) undergoing ORIF from 2010 to 2020 was performed. Patients received either a standard sterile dressing (SD) or incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT). Primary outcomes included surgical site infection, osteomyelitis, and wound dehiscence. Secondary outcomes included non-union and return to the operating room. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

180 patients were included and 22% received iNPWT (n = 40) and 78% received standard dressings (n = 140). iNPWT was more common in active smokers (24.7% vs. 19.3%, p = 0.002) and the SD group was more likely to be lost to follow up (3.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.025). iNPWT was not protective against infection or surgical site complications, and in fact, was associated with higher odds of post-operative infection (OR: 8.96, p = 0.005) and surgical site complications (OR:4.874, p = 0.009) overall. Alcohol abuse (OR: 19, p = 0.005), tobacco use (OR: 4.67, p = 0.009), and time to definitive surgery (OR = 1.21, p = 0.033) were all independent risk factors for post-operative infection.

CONCLUSION

In this series of operatively treated bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, iNPWT did not protect against post-operative surgical site complications compared to conventional dressings. Tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and time to definitive surgery, were independent risk factors for post-operative infection. Further studies are needed to determine if iNPWT offers a protective benefit in exclusively high-risk patients with relevant medical and social history.

The impact of negative pressure wound therapy on surgical wound infection, hospital stay and postoperative complications after spinal surgery: A meta-analysis

To systematically assess the effect of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on postoperative surgical wound infection, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications after spinal surgery. Relevant studies on the application of NPWT in spinal surgery were conducted via a computerised database search, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang, from inception to June 2023. The identified literature was rigorously screened and data extraction was performed by two investigators independently. The quality of the relevant studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). The effect size for count data was determined by the odds ratio (OR), while the impact size for measurement data was expressed as the standardised mean difference (SMD). The 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for each effect magnitude. Stata 17.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. Ten papers, totalling 1448 patients, were finally included. This study demonstrated that NPWT led to a statistically significant reduction in the occurrence of postoperative surgical wound infections (OR: 0.377, 95% CI: 0.238-0.598, p < 0.001), fewer postoperative complications (OR: 0.526, 95% CI: 0.360-0.770, p = 0.001) and a shortened hospital stay (SMD: -0.678, 95%CI: -1.324 to -0.031, p = 0.040) after spinal surgery compared with the control group. When compared with other treatment approaches, NPWT also demonstrated a substantial reduction in surgical wound infections and postoperative complications, as well as a shorter duration of hospitalisation after spinal surgery.

Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Does Not Affect Deep Surgical Site Infection Rates in Neuromuscular Scoliosis Surgery

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a devastating complication in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) undergoing posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSIF) for progressive scoliosis. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (INPWT) has been used in other surgical fields to reduce SSI. Our purpose was to examine the prophylactic use of INPWT after NMS surgery to decrease SSI. At a single institution, 71 consecutive patients with NMS underwent PSIF from 2015 to 2019. Starting in 2017, all patients with NMS received INPWT postoperatively until discharge. Rates of deep SSI were compared between the two cohorts of patients. Additionally, patient demographic and operative factors such as American Society of Anesthesiologists score, number of levels instrumented, need for an anterior spinal release, need for spinal fusion to pelvis, blood loss, operative time, fluoroscopy time, length of stay, and transfusion requirement were analyzed for potential influence on deep SSI. There was no significant difference in deep SSI rates between patients who received INPWT (2 of 41) and those treated with a standard postoperative dressing (2 of 30; P=1.0). Although INPWT theoretically can stabilize the wound environment and prevent deep SSI, our findings do not support this. More research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of INPWT after PSIF for NMS. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(6):373-378.].

Closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) to minimize wound-related complications in lower limb reconstruction after bone tumor resection: preliminary proof-of-concept study

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of postoperative closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) and conventional dressings in wound-related complications after bone tumor resection and reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 50 patients with bone tumors and clinical indication for wide resection and reconstruction were included and divided into two groups (A and B). Bone defect reconstructions were achieved with modular endoprosthesis or biologic techniques, mainly involving allografts with free vascularized fibula. Group A received ciNPWT, and Group B conventional dressings. Wound-related complications, including wound dehiscence, persistent wound leakage, surgical site infections (SSIs), and causes for surgical revision, were assessed.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients were included in Group A and 31 in Group B. No significant differences were found between groups regarding epidemiologic and clinical presentation features, contrarily to reconstructive options, which were significantly different between both (Fisher = 10,100; p = 0.005). Additionally, Group A presented lower wound dehiscence rate (0 vs. 19.4%; χ2(1) = 4.179; p = 0.041), SSI rate (0 vs. 19.4%; χ2(1) = 4.179; p = 0.041), and surgical revision rate (5.3% vs. 32.3%; χ2(1) = 5.003; p = 0.025) compared to Group B.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study reporting the impact of ciNPWT after bone tumor resection and reconstruction, and its results support a potential role for this technique in diminishing postoperative wound complications and SSIs. A multicentric randomized controlled trial may help clarify the role and impact of ciNPWT after bone tumor resection and reconstruction.

Risk Factors Associated with Plantar Necrosis following Tarsal Arthrodesis in Dogs

OBJECTIVES

 The aim of this study was to define landmarks of the intermetatarsal channel of the dorsal pedal artery and to assess whether damage to the dorsal pedal artery during metatarsal screw placement in dogs undergoing pan- and partial-tarsal arthrodesis (PanTA/ParTA) could be a mechanism in the development of plantar necrosis.

STUDY DESIGN

 This study was divided in to two parts: (1) ex-vivo anatomical study: 19 canine cadavers, (2) retrospective clinical study: 39 dogs. Cadaveric dissection documented the mean intermetatarsal channel position. Metatarsal screw position was evaluated on postoperative radiographs of dogs after PanTA or ParTA. Screw position, arthrodesis type and surgical approach were assessed for their impact on complications, including plantar necrosis.

RESULTS

 The mean proximal and distal extent of the intermetatarsal channel lies between 4.3% ± 1.9 and 22.8% ± 2.9 the length of metatarsal III (MTIII) respectively. The intermetatarsal channel lies within the most proximal 25% of MTIII in 95% of cases. At least one screw risked damaging the mean intermetatarsal channel position in 92% of dogs; 8% of these dogs went on to develop plantar necrosis. The mean screw position did not differ between ParTA cases with or without plantar necrosis (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

 Violation of the intermetatarsal channel is possible during metatarsal screw placement. Care should be taken when placing screws in the proximal 25% of the metatarsals, specifically avoiding exiting dorsally between MTII and MTIII and across the distal region of the intermetatarsal channel, where the perforating metatarsal artery passes interosseously, as damage may contribute to the aetiology of plantar necrosis.

ROLE OF INCISIONAL VACUUM THERAPY IN ENDOPROSTHETIC BONE RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY

Reconstructive surgery with endoprostheses is the chosen method for treating bone malignancies. Postoperative infections are frequent complications, and their treatment involves prolonged hospital stays and antibiotic therapy. Among the advancements aimed at reducing the rate of postoperative infection, the use of incisional negative pressure therapy (iNPT) has shown promising results, with no reports in the literature regarding its use in patients with such conditions.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of iNPT in reducing postoperative complications in surgeries for resection of bone tumors associated with modular endoprosthesis reconstruction.

Methods

Retrospective case series of 16 patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma, who underwent resection and reconstruction with endoprosthesis associated with iNPT during the postoperative period. Follow-up was performed for a period of six months, and the evaluated outcomes were the incidence of postoperative infection and complications of the surgical wound.

Results

The use of iNPT for a postoperative period of seven days resulted in only three (18.7%) cases of postoperative infection. No cases of wound dehiscence, seroma formation, or hematoma at the surgical site were observed.

Conclusion

The rate of surgical wound complications in our case series is lower than that reported in most of the literature, and iNPT appears to be an efficient way to reduce the rate of local complications in reconstructive surgeries with endoprosthesis after resection of bone malignancies. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

Risk Factors for All-Cause Early Reoperation Following Tumor Resection and Endoprosthetic Reconstruction: A Secondary Analysis from the PARITY Trial

BACKGROUND

Oncologic resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction of lower-extremity musculoskeletal tumors are complex procedures fraught with multiple modes of failure. A robust assessment of factors contributing to early reoperation in this population has not been performed in a large prospective cohort. The aim of the present study was to assess risk factors for early reoperation in patients who underwent tumor excision and endoprosthetic reconstruction, with use of data from the Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumor Surgery (PARITY) trial.

METHODS

Baseline characteristics were assessed, including age, sex, tumor type, tumor location, presence of a soft-tissue mass, diabetes, smoking status, chemotherapy use, and neutropenia. Operative factors were recorded, including operative time, topical antibiotics, silver-coated prosthetics, endoprosthetic fixation, extra-articular resection, length of bone resected, margins, tranexamic acid, postoperative antibiotics, negative-pressure wound therapy, and length of stay. Univariate analysis was utilized to explore the differences between patients who did and did not undergo reoperation within 1 year postoperatively, and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was utilized to explore the predictors of reoperation within 1 year.

RESULTS

A total of 155 (25.7%) of 604 patients underwent ≥1 reoperation. In univariate analysis, tumor type (p < 0.001), presence of a soft-tissue mass (p = 0.045), operative time (p < 0.001), use of negative-pressure wound therapy (p = 0.010), and hospital length of stay (p < 0.001) were all significantly associated with reoperation. On multivariate assessment, tumor type (benign aggressive bone tumor versus primary bone malignancy; hazard ratio [HR], 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04 to 0.63; p = 0.01), operative time (HR per hour, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.23; p < 0.001), and use of negative-pressure wound therapy (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.90; p = 0.002) remained significant predictors of reoperation within 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent variables associated with reoperation within 1 year in patients who underwent tumor resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction included tumor type (benign aggressive bone tumor versus primary bone malignancy), operative time, and use of negative-pressure wound therapy. These results will help to inform patients and surgeons regarding the risk of reoperation by diagnosis and reinforce operative time as a factor influencing reoperation. These results also support further investigation into the use of negative-pressure wound therapy at the time of surgery in this patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Administration of Prophylactic Enoxaparin on the Morning of Surgery Does Not Increase Risk of Blood Transfusion or Wound Drainage Following Internal Fixation of Geriatric Femur Fractures

BACKGROUND

Despite standard use of chemoprophylaxis, 30-day incidence of venous thromboembolism after geriatric, those older than 60 years, femur fracture surgery is reported to be up to 10%. Missing one dose of enoxaparin has been proven to increase the risk of developing venous thromboembolism. It is commonplace to hold preoperative chemoprophylaxis the morning of surgery because of concern for intraoperative bleeding or wound drainage. We sought to determine whether administration of prophylactic enoxaparin the morning of surgery resulted in an increased rate of blood transfusion or wound drainage in geriatric patients undergoing femur fracture treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients older than 60 years who underwent internal fixation of an isolated femur fracture, including femoral neck, intertrochanteric, subtrochanteric, femoral shaft, and distal femur fractures, at a Level 1 trauma center. Medical records, hospital billing data, and radiographs were reviewed to determine patient characteristics such as Charlson Comorbidity Index, enoxaparin dosing, packed red blood cell transfusion, and persistent wound drainage, defined as any drainage requiring utilization of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy. Thirty-day mortality served as the secondary outcome measure.

RESULTS

Five hundred seven patients were included. One hundred sixty-four (32%) received enoxaparin on the morning of surgery, whereas 343 (68%) did not. 27% of patients received PRBC transfusion, and this did not differ between groups (27% vs. 28%, P = 0.72). Subgroup analysis of fixation strategies revealed no difference in the frequency of blood transfusion for any fixation type as related to the timing of enoxaparin dosage. Utilization of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy for the treatment of postoperative wound drainage did not differ between dosing groups. No difference was observed in thirty-day mortality between groups (2.4% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.9).

DISCUSSION

Administration of a prophylactic dose of enoxaparin on the morning of surgery does not seem to increase the rate of postoperative blood transfusion or wound drainage after fixation of geriatric femur fracture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic.

Management of Deep Spinal Wound Infections Following Instrumentation Surgery with Subfascial Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

 The treatment of infections following a spine surgery continues to be a challenge. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been an effective method in the context of infection therapy, and its use has gained popularity in recent decades. This study aims to analyze the impact of known risk factors for postoperative wound infection on the efficiency and length of NPWT therapy until healing.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 We analyzed 50 cases of NPWT treatment for deep wound infection after posterior and posteroanterior spinal fusion from March 2010 to July 2014 retrospectively. We included 32 women and 18 men with a mean age of 69 years (range, 36-87 years). Individual risk factors for postoperative infection, such as age, gender, obesity, diabetes, immunosuppression, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, and previous surgeries, as well as type and onset (early vs. late) of the infection were analyzed. We assessed the associations between these risk factors and the number of revisions until wound healing.

RESULTS

 In 42 patients (84%), bacterial pathogens were successfully detected by means of intraoperative swabs and tissue samples during first revision. A total of 19 different pathogens could be identified with a preponderance of Staphylococcus epidermidis (21.4%) and S. aureus (19.0%). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was recorded in two patients (2.6%). An average of four NPWT revisions was required until the infection was cured. Patients with infections caused by mixed pathogens required a significantly higher number of revisions (5.3 vs. 3.3; p < 0.01) until definitive wound healing. For the risk factors, no significant differences in the number of revisions could be demonstrated when compared with the patients without the respective risk factor.

CONCLUSION

 NPWT was an effective therapy for the treatment of wound infections after spinal fusion. All patients in the study had their infections successfully cured, and all spinal implants could be retained. The number of revisions was similar to those reported in the published literature. The present study provides insights regarding the effectiveness of NPWT for the treatment of deep wound infection after spinal fusion. Further investigations on the impact of potential risk factors for postoperative wound healing disorders are required. Better knowledge on the impact of specific risk factors will contribute to a higher effectiveness of prophylaxis for postoperative wound infections considering the patient-specific situation.

Is the Addition of Anaerobic Coverage to Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis During Soft Tissue Sarcoma Resection Associated With a Reduction in the Proportion of Wound Complications?

BACKGROUND

Wound complications are common after resection of soft tissue sarcomas, with published infection rates ranging from 10% to 35%. Multiple studies have reported on the atypical flora comprising these infections, which are often polymicrobial and contain anaerobic bacteria, and recent studies have noted the high prevalence of anaerobic bacterial infections after soft tissue sarcoma resection [ 26, 35 ]. Based on this, our institution changed clinical practice to include an antibiotic with anaerobic coverage in addition to the standard first-generation cephalosporin for prophylaxis during soft tissue sarcoma resections. The current study was undertaken to evaluate whether this change was associated with a change in major wound complications, and if the change should therefore be adopted for future patients.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) After controlling for potentially confounding variables, was the broadening of the prophylactic antibiotic spectrum to cover anaerobic bacteria associated with a lower odds of major wound complications after soft tissue sarcoma resection? (2) Was the broadening of the prophylactic antibiotic spectrum to cover anaerobic bacteria associated with a lower odds of surgical site infections with polymicrobial or anaerobic infections after soft tissue sarcoma resection? (3) What are the factors associated with major wound complications after soft tissue sarcoma resection?

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 623 patients who underwent soft tissue sarcoma resection at a single center between January 2008 and January 2021 using procedural terminology codes. Of these, four (0.6%) pediatric patients were excluded, as were five (0.8%) patients with atypical lipomatous tumors and two (0.3%) patients with primary bone tumors; 5% (33 of 623) who were lost to follow-up, leaving 579 for final analysis. The prophylactic antibiotic regimen given at the resection and whether a wound complication occurred were recorded. Patients received the augmented regimen based on whether they underwent resection after the change in practice in July 2018. A total of 497 patients received a standard antibiotic regimen (usually a first-generation cephalosporin), and 82 patients received an augmented regimen with anaerobic coverage (most often metronidazole). Of the 579 patients, 53% (307) were male (53% [264 of 497] in the standard regimen and 52% [43 of 82] in the augmented regimen), and the mean age was 59 ± 17 years (59 ± 17 and 60 ±17 years in the standard and augmented groups, respectively). Wound complications were defined as any of the following within 120 days of the initial resection: formal wound debridement in the operating room, other interventions such as percutaneous drain placement, readmission for intravenous antibiotics, or deep wound packing for more than 120 days from the resection. Patients were considered to have a surgical site infection if positive cultures resulted from deep tissue cultures taken intraoperatively at the time of debridement. The proportion of patients with major wound complications was 26% (150 of 579); it was 27% (136 of 497) and 17% (14 of 82) in the standard and augmented antibiotic cohorts, respectively (p = 0.049). With the numbers we had, we could not document that the addition of antibiotics with anaerobic coverage was associated with lower odds of anaerobic (4% versus 6%; p = 0.51) or polymicrobial infections (9% versus 14%; p = 0.25). Patient, tumor, and treatment (surgical, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy) variables were collected to evaluate factors associated with overall infection and anaerobic or polymicrobial infection. Patient follow-up was 120 days to capture early wound complications. A multivariable analysis was performed for all variables found to be significant in the univariate analysis. A p value < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance for all analyses. No patients were found to have an adverse reaction to the augmented regimen, including allergic reactions or Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection.

RESULTS

After controlling for other potentially confounding factors such as neoadjuvant radiation, tumor size and anatomic location, as well as patient BMI, anaerobic coverage was associated with smaller odds of wound complications (OR 0.36 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18 to 0.68]; p = 0.003). Other factors associated with major wound complications were preoperative radiation (versus no preoperative radiation) (OR 2.66 [95% CI 1.72 to 4.15]; p < 0.001), increasing tumor size (OR 1.04 [95% CI 1.00 to 1.07]; p = 0.03), patient BMI (OR 1.07 [95% CI 1.04 to 1.11]; p < 0.001), and tumor in the distal upper extremity (versus proximal upper extremity, pelvis/groin/hip, and lower extremity) (OR 0.18 [95% CI 0.04 to 0.62]; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The addition of anaerobic coverage to the standard prophylactic regimen during soft tissue sarcoma resection demonstrated an association with smaller odds of major wound complications and no documented adverse reactions. Treating physicians should consider these findings but note that they are preliminary, and that further work is needed to replicate them in a more controlled study design such as a prospective trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

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.

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.

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.

The Infection Control Route in the Operating Room Effectively Reduces the Wound Infection of Patients

Surgical care is one of the significant aspects of global healthcare, with approximately 234 million operations being conducted annually. Surgical treatment has a substantial risk of complications and death. This study was conducted to explore the application effect of the infection control route in the operating room on the wound infection prevention care of patients. The clinical data of 136 patients receiving surgical treatment from October 2018 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The participants were assigned via random draw at a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive either routine care management (control group) or the infection control route (research group). The surgical wound infections of patients in the two groups were compared. The research group had higher scores in surgical materials management and disinfectant management than the control group (P < 0.01). In the research group, the total number of colonies within 5 minutes before surgery, 25 minutes after the start of surgery, and after surgery were all smaller than those in the control group (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the grade B healing rate between the two groups (P > 0.05), and the research group had a significantly higher healing rate in grade A than the control group, but its grade C healing rate and wound infection rate were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). In the research group, the length of hospital stay, the time to get out of bed, the antibiotic use duration, and the stitch removal time was significantly shorter than those in the control group (P < 0.0001). The research group received a higher clinical nursing satisfaction than the control group (P < 0.05). The infection control route in the operating room for infection prevention care effectively reduces the wound infection rate of patients and accelerates their postoperative recovery.

Can prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy improve clinical outcomes in spinal fusion surgery? A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Recently negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is increasingly being prophylactically used to prevent wound complications in various types of surgeries, but its role in spinal fusion surgery was less well established. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic NPWT (PNPWT) usage in spinal fusion surgery.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, databases PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies. Studies comparing PNPWT with standard wound dressing (SWD) were included and analyzed. The primary outcome was the incidence of surgical site infection, and secondary outcomes were incidence of wound dehiscence, overall wound complication, readmission and reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of five studies were included; there were 279 patients in PNPWT group and 715 patients in SWD group. Four studies investigated surgical site infection; the pooled analysis showed a significantly lower incidence of surgical site infection in PNPWT group (OR: 0.399; 95% CI: 0.198, 0.802). Two studies explored wound dehiscence, three studies reported overall wound complication, and there were no significant differences between the two groups ((OR: 0.448; 95% CI: 0.144, 1.389) and (OR: 0.562; 95% CI: 0.296, 1.065), respectively). Two studies evaluated readmission, three studies compared reoperation rate, and the pooled results demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups ((OR: 1.045; 95% CI: 0.536, 2.038) and (OR: 0.979; 95% CI: 0.442, 2.169), respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence suggested PNPWT could effectively reduce postoperative surgical site infection, but it had no significant benefit on reducing the incidence of wound dehiscence, overall wound complication, readmission and reoperation.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome and Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy After Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Case of Marfan Syndrome

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a postoperative wound care method, which has recently become an ongoing field of research in hip and knee arthroplasty. We report the successful management of wound dehiscence and infection after THA in a case of Marfan syndrome by closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT). Our patient also developed a rare postoperative neurologic complication, that is, Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS). To our knowledge, this is the first report of PTS and ciNPWT use for SSI after THA in a Marfan patient. As wound dehiscence and infection can occur after THA in Marfan patients, we propose ciNPWT as an option to treat or even prevent (prophylactic use) such complications in this rare group of patients.

Wound Closure Following Intervention for Closed Orthopedic Trauma

The method of skin closure and post-operative wound management has always been important in orthopedic surgery and plays an even larger role now that surgical site infection (SSI) is a national healthcare metric for both surgeons and hospitals. Wound related issues remain some of the most feared complications following orthopedic trauma procedures and are associated with significant morbidity. In order to minimize the risk of surgical site complications, surgeons must be familiar with the physiology of wound healing as well as the patient and surgical factors affecting healing potential. The goal of all skin closure techniques is to promote rapid healing with acceptable cosmesis, all while minimizing risk of infection and dehiscence. Knowledge of the types of closure material, techniques of wound closure, surgical dressings, negative pressure wound therapy, and other local modalities is important to optimize wound healing. There is no consensus in the literature as to which closure method is superior but the available data can be used to make informed choices. Although often left to less experienced members of the surgical team, the process of wound closure and dressing the wound should not be an afterthought, and instead must be part of the surgical plan. Wounds that are in direct communication with bony fractures are particularly at risk due to local tissue trauma, resultant swelling, hematoma formation, and injured vasculature.

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.

The application of close incisional negative pressure wound therapy in revision arthroplasty among asian patients: a comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) was one of the main causes of revision of arthroplasty. In order to reduce wound complications and surgical site infections, close incisional negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) has been introduced into arthroplasty. This study was designed to review the clinical benefits of the application of ciNPWT in revision arthroplasty.

METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective comparative study approved by the Institutional Review Board. Patients, who underwent revision total knee arthroplasty or revision total hip arthroplasty at the author's institution from January 2016 to October 2019, were included in this study. The ciNPWT cohort included all eligible patients, who underwent operations from January 2018 to October 2019, with the use of ciNPWT(n = 36). The control cohort included all eligible patients, who underwent operations from January 2016 to December 2017 with the use of conventional dressing(n = 48). The incidences of wound complications were compared to both cohorts.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of superficial surgical site infection (SSI) between control cohort and ciNPWT cohort (12.5% in control vs 0% in ciNPWT, p = 0.035). However, there was no statistically significance of the overall wound complication rate for both cohorts. (14.6% in control vs 8.3% in ciNPWT, p = 0.504).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of ciNPWT could result in a lower rate of superficial surgical site infection when compared with conventional dressing among the patients undergoing revision total knee and total hip arthroplasties.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UW19-706.

Effect of vacuum sealing drainage on healing time and inflammation-related indicators in patients with soft tissue wounds

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) on wound repair time and inflammation-related indicators in patients with soft-tissue wounds in comparison with traditional treatment. From January 2018 to January 2020, 130 enrolled patients with soft-tissue wounds were randomly divided into two groups: VSD group (65 cases) and routine dressing change (RDC) group (65 cases). The inflammation-related indicators including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), and procalcitonin (PCT) of preoperative stage and postoperative day 3 (POD 3) and POD 7 were recorded. Wound healing was observed 3 and 7 days after treatment, and the clinical efficacy, changes in the wound (coverage rate and thickness of granulation tissue and bacterial clearance rate), wound-cleaning time, wound-healing time, and hospital stay time were recorded after treatment as well. No significant difference was observed in terms of the baseline between the two groups. On POD 3 and POD 7, CRP, WBC, and PCT levels in the VSD group were lower than those in the RDC group, while ESR levels were higher, with significant differences (P < .05). After treatment, the wound-cleaning time, wound-healing time, and hospital length of stay of the VSD group were all lower than those of the RDC group, with significant differences (P < .05). VSD has a significant effect on the treatment of patients with soft-tissue wounds, which can effectively shorten the time of wound healing and reduce inflammation-related indicators. Compared with traditional RDC, VSD is more worthy of clinical application.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Persistent wound drainage after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) increases the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) decreases infections in traumatic wounds, but evidence for its use after elective TJA is limited. The purpose of this meta-analysis of level I studies is to determine the effect of ciNPWT on risk of SSI and wound complications following TJA.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing ciNPWT vs standard dressings after total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Studies exclusively involving THA for femoral neck fractures were excluded. Risk of SSI and noninfectious wound complications (blisters, seroma, hematoma, persistent drainage, dehiscence, and wound edge necrosis) following TJA were analyzed.

RESULTS

SSI risk was lower with ciNPWT compared to standard dressings (3.4% vs 7%; relative risk [RR] 0.48, P = .007), specifically in revision THA and TKA (4.1% vs 10.5%; RR 0.41, P = .03). ciNPWT increased the noninfectious complication risk after primary TKA (RR 4.71, P < .0001), especially causing wound blistering (RR 12.66, P < .0001). ciNPWT decreased hospital length of stay by 0.73 days (P = .04) and reoperation rate (RR 0.28, P = .01).

CONCLUSION

ciNPWT decreases SSI risk compared to standard dressings after revision TJA, but not primary TJA. ciNPWT is associated with >12-fold increased risk of wound blistering after primary TKA. ciNPWT plays a role in revision TJA management, but additional randomized controlled trials with uniform wound assessment methods must be performed to sufficiently power findings and draw conclusions on the use of ciNPWT after primary TJA.

Application of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Total Ankle Replacement

The efficacy and safety of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) was evaluated following total ankle replacement. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients who underwent total ankle replacement between January 2010 and June 2018. Following joint replacement, the patients received iNPWT (iNPWT group) or sterile dressings (Control group). Infection rate, wound complication incidence, length of stay, visual analogue scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, and short-form 36 scales, and ankle range of motion were assessed 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Thirty-four patients (n = 13 iNPWT and n = 21 Control) were included. No significant differences were found in baseline data. During follow-up, one Control patient developed a superficial infection at the incision. Wound complications developed in 4 Control patients and 1 iNPWT patient; although this was not statistically significant. Length of stay was similar between the 2 groups. Two weeks after surgery, the range of visual analogue scale (2.1 vs 1.4), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (13.7 vs 9.7), and short-form 36 scale (9.0 vs 6.5) improvement, and increase of ankle range of motion (9.2 vs 6.1) was significantly larger in the study group than in the control group (p < .05). Three months to 1 year after the surgery, this difference was no longer statistically significant. The application of iNPWT following total ankle arthroplasty helped reduce postoperative pain, improve ankle function, and improve patient quality of life. However, these benefits were no longer statistically significant 3 months to 1 year after surgery.

The effect of negative pressure wound therapy on surgical site occurrences in closed incision abdominal wall reconstructions: a retrospective single surgeon and institution study

PURPOSE

The use of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) in abdominal wall reconstruction is heavily debated. The current literature shows mixed results for its efficacy in preventing surgical site occurrences (SSOs), and many of the studies are limited by small sample size or a lack of generalizability. We sought to assess whether the use of prophylactic ciNPWT has an effect on reducing the rate of SSOs.

METHODS

Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected abdominal wall reconstruction database of a single surgeon at a single institution was completed. Two hundred and seventy patients were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to assess the effect of each variable on the rate of SSOs.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-eight patients (95.56%) met inclusion criteria. One hundred and fifty-nine (61.63%) of these patients received ciNPWT. The median duration of ciNPWT was 6 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence of SSOs between groups (OR = 0.843, 95% CI [0.445-1.594], p = 0.598). It did, however, show a significant decrease in the rates of seroma (7.07% vs. 0.63%, p = 0.004). Moreover, skin resection was associated with a decreased rate of SSO (OR = 0.295, 95% CI [0.096-0.911], p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

ciNPWT was not associated with a decrease in SSOs following abdominal wall reconstruction but did show a statistically significant decrease in postoperative seromas. Future, large prospective analyses may help further discover the utility of ciNPWT in reducing SSOs.

Management of Wounds With Orthopedic Fixation Hardware Using Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation and Dwell

SUMMARY

Negative-pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell (NPWTi-d) is an option for management of wounds with exposed orthopedic fixation hardware. The mechanical effect of the negative-pressure therapy works to contract the wound edges, and the instillation of solution and its subsequent removal help remove infectious material. NPWTi-d also promotes robust granulation tissue formation. In this article, we discuss the science behind NPWTi-d and its role in the treatment of wounds with indwelling orthopedic fixation hardware.

An In Vitro Study Measuring the Effects of Circumferential and Near-Circumferential Closed Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Dressings

Background

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and closed incisional negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) have been shown to promote the healing of acute and chronic wounds. Despite the growth in their usage, the mechanism by which they promote healing is not fully understood. Several studies have shown that NPWT results in a combination of microdeformation and macrodeformation, which may promote wound recovery. The macrodeformation forces have raised concerns about circumferential NPWT compressing the extremity and decreasing perfusion distal to the NPWT. The literature on circumferential NPWT is mixed, with some studies showing increased perfusion, while others have shown decreased perfusion. We hypothesized that a near-circumferential ciNPWT dressing applied over intact skin would provide a “lift-off” force rather than a compressive force. We also theorized that as the sponge contracts under negative pressure while in a near-circumferential setting, the dressing will pull on the surrounding skin and tissue, leading to a decrease in the pressure of the extremity. This could potentially translate to improved venous and lymphatic return, increasing perfusion to the tissue beneath the sponge as well as distal to the sponge.

Methods

This study consisted of three separate experiments. The first experiment measured the width and length of a ciNPWT dressing at various negative pressures. The second experiment utilized an in vitro model consisting of an elastic ball and tubing to examine the effects that circumferential and near-circumferential ciNPWT dressings may have on extremity pressure. Varying lengths of ciNPWT dressings were applied to the ball, ranging from 25% circumferential to 100% circumferential. The pressure within the ball was monitored as varying lengths of circumferential dressings were applied at various negative pressures. The third experiment utilized the same model as the second experiment but with a 66% circumferential dressing and various baseline ball pressures to see how extremity pressure may impact the ability of the ciNPWT dressing to alter extremity pressure.

Results

The first experiment demonstrated that a ciNPWT dressing decreased in length and width in a linear fashion as negative pressure was applied. The second experiment revealed that both fully circumferential and near-circumferential dressings resulted in a decrease in the pressure of the elastic ball at lower levels of suction. The greatest decrease in ball pressure was noted with the 66% near-circumferential dressing. With greater suction, however, the pressure within the ball was noted to increase above baseline. The third experiment illustrated that as the baseline pressure of a ball was increased, the dressing had less of an ability to change the pressure of the ball.

Conclusions

These results suggest that near-circumferential and circumferential ciNPWT systems may decrease the pressure of an extremity at certain negative pressures and that compression may be less likely to occur when used on a higher-pressure extremity.

Effects of vacuum sealing drainage to improve the therapeutic effect in patients with orthopedic trauma and to reduce post-operative infection and lower-limb deep venous thrombosis

The present study investigated the effects of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) to improve the therapeutic efficacy in patients with orthopedic trauma (OT) and reduce post-operative infection and lower-limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT) through a retrospective analysis. A total of 76 patients with OT treated at our hospital were selected for observation. The patients were divided into the control group (CG; n=37) and the experimental group (EG; n=39) according to the treatment administered. For patients in the CG, routine dressing changes were applied. Patients in the EG underwent VSD treatment. The dressing change frequency, time between the first and second operation, hospital stay, treatment efficacy, wound healing time, interleukin-6 (IL-6) serum level, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) serum level, incidence of post-operative infection and incidence of lower-limb DVT were compared between the two groups. The dressing change frequency in the EG was less than that in the CG. The time between the first and second operation and hospital stay were shorter in the EG than in the CG (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the EG was 97.44%, which was higher than that in the CG (78.38%; P<0.05). The wound healing time in the EG was 1.72±0.73 weeks and shorter than that in the CG (2.23±0.85 weeks; P<0.05). With the progression of treatment, the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels decreased in the two groups, but the levels in the EG were lower than those in the CG (P<0.05). The incidence of post-operative infection and lower-limb venous thrombosis in the EG were 7.69 and 0.00%, respectively, and lower than those in the CG (27.03 and 13.01%, respectively; P<0.05). In the treatment of OT, VSD may reduce the dressing change frequency, shorten the operation time and hospital stay, accelerate wound healing and reduce post-operative infection and lower-limb DVT. Thus, the VSD treatment method is worthy of promotion and implementation in clinic.

Closed-incision negative-pressure wound management in surgery—literature review and recommendations

Background

Wound healing deficits and subsequent surgical site infections are potential complications after surgical procedures, resulting in increased morbidity and treatment costs. Closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) systems seem to reduce postoperative wound complications by sealing the wound and reducing tensile forces.

Materials and methods

We conducted a collaborative English literature review in the PubMed database including publications from 2009 to 2020 on ciNPWT use in five surgical subspecialities (orthopaedics and trauma, general surgery, plastic surgery, cardiac surgery and vascular surgery). With literature reviews, case reports and expert opinions excluded, the remaining 59 studies were critically summarized and evaluated with regard to their level of evidence.

Results

Of nine studies analysed in orthopaedics and trauma, positive results of ciNPWT were reported in 55.6%. In 11 of 13 (84.6%), 13 of 15 (86.7%) and 10 of 10 (100%) of studies analysed in plastic, vascular and general surgery, respectively, a positive effect of ciNPWT was observed. On the contrary, only 4 of 12 studies from cardiac surgery discovered positive effects of ciNPWT (33.3%).

Conclusion

ciNPWT is a promising treatment modality to improve postoperative wound healing, notably when facing increased tensile forces. To optimise ciNPWT benefits, indications for its use should be based on patient- and procedure-related risk factors.

Safety and Efficacy of Prophylactic Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy after Acute Fracture Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Soft tissue swelling after acute fracture surgery is a challenge which may increase wound dehiscence, delay early range of motion, and increase infection rate postoperatively. This study investigates closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) using wide-range cover over the incision site and the peripheral swelling trauma zone to promote early active motion and to mitigate joint stiffness, bulla formation, and tendon adhesion.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients were enrolled between January 2018 and December 2018. Patients with high-energy soft tissue trauma and comminuted fractures over distal end of limbs (hand and foot; wrist and ankle) or muscle scarcity areas (tibial shaft or patella) were included. ciNPT was applied over closed incisions in the operating room and subatmospheric pressure (-125 mmHg) initiated continuously for 5~7 days.

RESULTS

In hand and foot patients (n= 8), active motion over all fingers or toes occurred after post-operative Day 2. Mild swelling without any bullous formation was observed over the dorsal aspect of hand. In wrist and ankle patients (n= 16), flexion angle over the finger joints over 90 degrees was observed after 5 days post-surgery. For patients with tibial shaft comminuted fractures with impending compartment syndrome, early active motion of knee and ankle joint was observed as soft tissue swelling and distension pain had subsided after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The prophylactic ciNPT use in the trauma area after surgery reduced postoperative distension pain and improved early range of motion of the tendon and joint in these patients.

Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy may decrease wound complications in major lower extremity amputations

OBJECTIVE

Wound complications after major lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are a cause of significant morbidity in vascular surgery patients. Recent publications have demonstrated the efficacy of the closed incision negative pressure dressing at preventing surgical site infections (SSIs); however, there are few data on its use in major LEAs. This study sought to assess if closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) would decrease the risk of complications as compared with a standard dressing in patients with peripheral vascular disease undergoing major LEA.

METHODS

Fifty-four consecutive patient limbs with a history of peripheral arterial disease underwent below-knee or above-knee amputations. This was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database from January 2018 to December 2019, and it included 23 amputations in the NPWT group and 31 amputations in the standard dressing group. NPWT using the PREVENA system was applied intraoperatively at the discretion of the operating surgeon and removed 5 to 7 days postoperatively. The standard group received a nonadherent dressing with an overlying compression dressing. Amputation incisions were assessed and wound complications were recorded. Student's t-test and two-sample proportion z-test were used for statistical analysis. A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

For comorbidities, there was a higher incidence of tobacco use in the NPWT as compared with the standard group (44% vs 13%; P = .011), as well as trends toward increased prior amputations, anemia, hyperlipidemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder in the NPWT group. For risk factors, there were more dirty wounds in the NPWT as compared with the standard group (52% vs 26%; P = .046). For outcomes, there were fewer wound complications in the NPWT as compared with the standard group (13% vs 39%; P = .037). The types of wound-related complications in the NPWT group included one wound dehiscence with a deep SSI, one superficial SSI, and one incision line necrosis. In the standard group, there were four wound dehiscences with deep SSI, three superficial SSIs, four incision line necroses, and one stump hematoma. The rates of perioperative mortality and amputation revision did not differ significantly between the NPWT and the standard groups (3% vs 4% and 4.3% vs 10%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Closed incision NPWT may decrease the incidence of wound complications in vascular patients undergoing major LEA. This held true even among a population that was potentially at higher risk. This therapy may be considered for use in lower extremity major amputations.

Closed Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy at Flap Suture Line: An Innovative Approach for Improving Outcomes in Suboptimal Wound Conditions

Background  Persistent dead space following flap cover is a frequently encountered challenge following the reconstruction of complex wounds. It may lead to a hematoma, seroma, wound infection, and wound dehiscence. Wound dehiscence could be a devastating complication. Closed incisional negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) over the surgical incisions was found to reduce surgical site infection (SSI) and wound dehiscence. We applied this principle at the closed flap suture line and through this article, we share the indications, technique, and outcomes.

Methods  A retrospective analysis (January 2018–June 2019), in which selected high-risk patients who underwent ciNPWT at the flap suture following complex reconstruction (pedicled or free flap) were included in the study. The indications include deep incisional/organ SSI after debridement and flap coverage, persistent dead space following flap coverage, chronic osteomyelitis. Patients were analyzed in the follow-up period in terms of complications, wound healing.

Results  Nine patients underwent ciNPWT over the flap suture line. The mean age was 32.2 years (range: 10–48 years). The mean duration of the NPWT application was 7.3 days (range: 3–21 days). Three of the nine patients had flap-related minor complications. One patient had marginal flap necrosis and required skin grafting, one patient had minor wound dehiscence (1 cm) which required secondary skin suturing and one patient had chronic discharging sinus related to osteomyelitis of ischium, which subsequently healed with antibiotics and local wound care. None of the patients had NPWT-related complications.

Conclusion  Closed incisional NPWT decreases the untoward effects of dead space following the reconstruction of complex wounds. The incidence of SSI and wound gaping can be reduced.

Current Strategies in Prevention of Postoperative Infections in Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common acute complications in spine surgery and have a devastating impact on outcomes. They can lead to increased morbidity and mortality as well as greater economic burden. Hence, preventive strategies to reduce the rate of SSIs after spine surgery have become vitally important. The purpose of this article was to summarize and critically analyze the available evidence related to current strategies in the prevention of SSIs after spine surgery.

METHODS

A literature search utilizing Medline database was performed. Relevant studies from all the evidence levels have been included. Recommendations to decrease the risk of SSIs have been provided based on the results from studies with the highest level of evidence.

RESULTS

SSI prevention occurs at each phase of care including the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. Meticulous patient selection, tight glycemic control in diabetics, smoking cessation, and screening/eradication of Staphylococcus aureus are some of the main preoperative patient-related preventive strategies. Currently used intraoperative measures include alcohol-based skin preparation, topical vancomycin powder, and betadine irrigation of the surgical site before closure. Postoperative infection prophylaxis can be performed by administration of silver-impregnated or vacuum dressings, extended intravenous antibiotics, and supplemental oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although preventive strategies are already in use alone or in combination, further high-level research is required to prove their efficacy in reducing the rate of SSIs in spine surgery before evidence-based standard infection prophylaxis guidelines can be built.

Effectiveness of tumescent solution combined with negative pressure wound therapy in traditional high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein

Traditional high ligation and stripping (THLS) is a routine operation for varicose veins. However, THLS is accompanied with postoperative subcutaneous ecchymosis and pain. In this current study, we aimed to explore the effect of tumescence solution (TS) combined with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the relief of subcutaneous ecchymosis and pain after THLS of great saphenous vein.A total of 180 patients receiving THLS were enrolled in group A, and 120 patients undergoing THLS and TS combined with NPWT were assigned into group B. The occurrences of subcutaneous ecchymosis and pain were recorded. Moreover, the total area of subcutaneous ecchymosis was estimated by the grid method. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to assess the pain level of both groups.Preoperative characteristics were not significantly different between 2 groups. Postoperative ecchymosis occurred in 112 cases (62.2%) of group A and 41 cases (34.2%) of group B. The area of ecchymosis in group A (66.6 ± 44.5) cm was larger than that in group B (25.2 ± 19.9) cm. The number of patients without obvious pain in group A (57, 31.7%) was significantly less than that in group B (77, 64.2%) after operation. In addition, VAS score in group A (3.1 ± 2.6) was higher than that in group B (2.2 ± 1.9).In conclusion, the application of TS combined with NPWT in THLS can not only alleviate subcutaneous ecchymosis and pain, but also prevent the occurrence of subcutaneous ecchymosis and pain after operation. Therefore, it is conducive to postoperative recovery and is suitable for clinical application.

Does closed incision negative wound pressure therapy in non-traumatic major lower-extremity amputations improve survival rates?

Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (CINPWT) has been shown to be clinically effective compared with the traditional gauze dressing, reducing surgical site infections and wound complications. We evaluated the effect of CINPWT compared with gauze dressing on the need for revision surgery and survival after non-traumatic major lower amputation. We included 309 patients undergoing 403 major lower amputations in a retrospective study from January 1, 2010 to November 23, 2017. A total of 139 patients received CINPWT, and 170 patients received stump bandage. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the need for revision surgery (P = .45). Fourteen stump bandage patients and 15 CINPWT patients died in hospital (P = .57). One year after amputation, 55 CINPWT patients and 66 stump bandage patients had died (P = .82). Survival probabilities adjusted for age and gender 2 years after amputation were .52 (.43-.61) and .49 (.42-.58), respectively, and 3 years after amputation were .36 (.25-.50) and .39 (.32-.47), respectively. We also found no significant difference in the need for revision surgery in survival probabilities up till 3 years after amputation between patients treated with CINPWT and patients treated with gauze bandage postoperatively.

Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: An Effective Tool for Major Limb Amputation and Amputation Revision Site Closure

Objective: To evaluate our institutional experience of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) applied immediately after major limb amputation closure or amputation revision closure. Approach: A retrospective review was performed on 25 patients who underwent major limb amputation or amputation revision and had iNPWT placed intraoperatively upon incision closure. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent lower extremity amputation and four underwent upper extremity amputation. Seventeen were primary amputations and eight were amputation revisions. No patients developed dehiscence, seroma, or hematoma. One patient developed a surgical site infection (4%) that was treated with oral antibiotics. The average time to eligibility for prosthetic fitting for lower extremity amputations was 6.3 weeks. Innovation: Amputee patients have increased wound healing demands that can impact prosthetic wear and ambulation status. Stump incisions are located at the distal end of their extremities and often are in areas that have had prior surgical procedures performed. Thus, blood supply to the incision site may not be optimal. iNPWT is an effective incision management technique to promote healing and decrease postoperative complications in this patient population, which can lead to increased mortality. Conclusion: iNPWT is an effective technique of minimizing wound complications in the amputee and should be considered in this high-risk patient population.

Challenges and Management of Surgical Site Occurrences

Postoperative complications such as surgical site infections, dehiscence, seromas, and hematomas prolong wound care and impose significant cost increases to patients and healthcare providers. Clinicians aiming to reduce the incidence of these complications should be aware of risk factors associated with surgical type, procedures used, patient characteristics, and postoperative care. Today, improved guidelines and general practices for managing surgical incisions have reduced the incidence of complications to historic lows. In addition to these standard care options, advanced wound care approaches have been extensively studied and exist as options for clinicians to provide adjunctive postoperative support and facilitate wound healing. These systems include advanced wound dressings and closed-incision negative-pressure therapy. Advanced wound care is not appropriate in all settings, and healthcare providers must assess each case for specific needs to be addressed by the available incision management plans. Emerging therapies that are intended to improve the continuum of postoperative care should continue to be evaluated in controlled clinical trials to determine their effectiveness under different circumstances and to support the creation of more robust guidelines for their use.