Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Dwell Time for Wound Treatment - Results of an Expert Consensus Conference

Abstract

Rinsing wounds with wound cleansing solutions has long been a recognised cornerstone in wound management as a means of removing cell debris and surface pathogens in wound exudates. In combination with surgical debridement and topical negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), this can facilitate the intended progression from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase of wound healing. Procedures of topical negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and a defined exposure/dwell-time of topical solutions under cyclic compression and decompression with foam dressings (NPWTi-d) can remove cellular remnants and debris that may inhibit the healing process. At the same time, it can aid in reducing the bacterial load in contaminated or infected wounds. Since this newer technique is now commercially available and increasingly widespread, recommendations for the proper use and clinical indications were developed by a panel of interdisciplinary experts in the course of a consensus meeting. Although the level of evidence from expert opinions is low, general guidelines for a safe and effective use of NPWTi-d can be worked out that can be of assistance to the clinician. The consensus recommendations derived from this meeting include the objectives of the treatment, the administration modalities of NPWTi-d, the indications for various wounds, including their contraindications, therapy settings, as well as the use of topical instillation solutions, volume and duration (dwell time) based on current scientific data, optimal treatment duration and future developments of the NPWTi-d.