The Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) as a Dressing for Split Thickness Skin Graft for Bilateral Chronic Venous Leg Ulcer

Abstract

Background: Chronic ulcer is a type of wound, which persists for at least 3 months. One of the causes of chronic ulcer is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Chronic ulcers require very high maintenance costs and can negatively impact the patient’s quality of life and mental health. Case Illustration: A 40-year-old man came to the hospital with a history of chronic ulcer on both legs, which first appeared 3 years ago. The Patient had undergone treatment at a public outpatient clinic and hospital, unfortunately the wound did not heal. The patient continued to change the bandage independently and did not go to the doctor for wound control. Upon doppler ultrasound, a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was observed. Negative Pressure Wound therapy (NPWT) was used for wound bed preparation, Split Thickness Skin Graft (STSG) on the left foot was used as a dressing, while conventional dressing was chosen for the right foot. The graft take on the left foot with NPWT was 95%, while the one on the right foot with conventional dressing was 90%. Discussion: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a closed system that applies negative pressure through continuous or intermittent suction. NPWT can be used in wound bed preparation to reduce biofilm. NNPWT helps in the removal of exudates from the wound, thus preventing the build-up of serous fluids and blood, reducing the growth of bacteria at the base of the wound, which helps tissue growth after split thickness skin graft (STSG). Conclusion: NPWT stimulates better healing after surgery. The left leg, which used NPWT after STSG had faster healing time and better aesthetic result by promoting graft take. The graft take on the left leg (with NPWT) was higher compared to the right leg.