Negative pressure wound therapy for chronic venous ulcer: a randomized-controlled study

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in promoting wound healing of venous leg ulceration. Patients and methods This study was designed as a single-center randomized-controlled trial. Patients with venous leg ulcer of at least 3 months in duration were enrolled in this study. The first group (NPWT group) was treated by NPWT using standardized method. Intermittent negative pressure at −100 to −150 mmHg was applied, and the dressings were changed every 48–72 h. The second group (control group) was treated by conventional daily dressing using normal saline. Results After 15 days of treatment, significant differences in ulcer size and percent of ulcer healing were detected between the two treatment groups. The wound healing rate was 13.1 and 2.8 mm2/day in NPWT group and control group, respectively. After 30 days of treatment, 17 (68%) ulcers revealed 90% healing in NPWT group, with mean duration of 24 days needed for healing. None of the ulcers in control group completed 90% healing after the 30 days of treatment. Conclusion NPWT improved wound healing and may be considered as treatment for venous leg ulcer.