Abstract
Introduction: Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) has been applied to bilateral breast reduction patients and shown a reduction in surgical complications. However, its effects on opioid use and hospitalisation length in this patient group has not been investigated.Methods: In this single surgeon retrospective cohort study, 52 patients who underwent bilateral breast reduction were analysed, with 23 patients in the iNPWT cohort and 29 in the standard-of-care (SOC) wound dressing cohort. Hospitalisation length, postoperative opioid use and surgical site complications were compared between cohorts. Mean (range) follow-up time was 369.15 (77-1329) days.Results: Hospitalisation length in days was significantly less in the iNPWT cohort (1.35) than the SOC cohort (2.03). Total ward opioid use was significantly reduced in the iNPWT cohort (45.50mg) compared to the SOC cohort (62.50mg). Discharge opioid prescription was significantly reduced in the iNPWT cohort (125.50mg) compared to the SOC cohort (230.00mg). The number of surgical site complications was significantly different between the groups (p=0.014).Discussion: This study suggests the use of iNPWT in bilateral breast reduction provides significant benefit through the reduction of hospitalisation, complications and opioid use. Conclusion: This is the first study to provide evidence for iNPWT in bilateral breast reduction in reducing postoperative opioid use and hospitalisation. It supports current literature showing a reduction in surgical site complications using iNPWT in bilateral breast reduction.
Highlights
Incisional negative pressure wound therapy has been applied to bilateral breast reduction patients and shown a reduction in surgical complications
This is the first study to provide evidence for Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) in bilateral breast reduction in reducing postoperative opioid use and hospitalisation. It supports current literature showing a reduction in surgical site complications using iNPWT in bilateral breast reduction
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of iNPWT in patients undergoing bilateral breast reduction with respect to opioid use, surgical site complications and hospitalisation length
Summary
Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) has been applied to bilateral breast reduction patients and shown a reduction in surgical complications. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) works through both micro- and macroscopic mechanisms to increase oxygen saturation and blood flow in the skin under the dressing, increase local tissue perfusion and decrease lateral tissue tension while increasing incisional apposition.[2,3,4]. Complications can be minimised through patient selection and procedural technique, complication rates have been reported to be as high as 53 per cent.[5,6,7] Wound healing issues, including dehiscence and superficial infection, make up a majority of complications.[8] other complications include hematoma, fat necrosis, nipple necrosis, pain, breast cellulitis and fungal dermatitis.[7, 9, 10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
