Standard Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Research Articles

Healing Peristomal Wounds Around Retracted Stomas with Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy: A Case Series.

One method for treating a retracted stoma is a vacuum dressing that cleans the wound and protects against intestinal leakage. This case series describes the use of an integrated, single-use negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressing to treat retracted stomas as an alternative to other noninvasive remedies. The report includes seven patients who were hospitalized in the authors' surgical department from 2019 to 2020. All patients developed severe peristomal infection that failed to respond to local treatment with proper ostomy appliances or specialist dressings. After cleaning each wound and removing necrotic lesions, the authors applied a single-use hydrofiber NPWT dressing to each patient. The dressing was changed every 2 to 5 days, depending on the effects of the therapy. The stoma orifice was covered with a bag with two-piece ostomy systems. The peristomal wound healed in all cases, and leakage was eliminated. The mean time of treatment was 14 days (range, 10-21 days), and the vacuum dressings were changed an average of four times (range, 3-7 times). None of the patients required a stoma translocation or other additional surgery. Three patients received systemic IV antibiotic therapy to treat general infection. Single-use NPWT dressings protect peristomal wounds from bowel leakage and do not hinder the application of stoma bags. This system, similar to standard NPWT devices, effectively protects infected stomas from retraction.

The feasibility of negative pressure wound therapy versus standard dressings in paediatric hand and foot burns protocol: a pilot, single-centre, randomised control trial

IntroductionThe goal of paediatric hand and foot burn management is hypertrophic scar and/or contracture prevention. The risk of scar formation may be minimised by integrating negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) as an acute care adjunct as it decreases the time to re-epithelialisation. NPWT has known associated therapeutic burden; however, this burden is hypothesised to be outweighed by an increased likelihood of hypertrophic scar prevention. This study will assess the feasibility, acceptability and safety of NPWT in paediatric hand and foot burns with secondary outcomes of time to re-epithelialisation, pain, itch, cost and scar formation.Methods and analysisThis is a single-site, pilot randomised control trial. Participants must be aged ≤ 16 years, otherwise well and managed within 24 h of sustaining either a hand or foot burn. Thirty participants will be randomised to either standard care (Mepitel®—a silicone wound interface contact dressing—and ACTICOAT™—a nanocrystalline silver-impregnated dressing) or standard care plus NPWT. Patients will be reviewed until 3 months post-burn wound re-epithelialisation, with measurements taken at dressing changes to assess primary and secondary outcomes. Surveys, randomisation and data storage will be done via online platforms and physical data storage collated at the Centre for Children’s Health Research, Brisbane, Australia. Analysis will be performed using the Stata statistical software.Ethics and disseminationQueensland Health and Griffith University Human Research ethics approval including a site-specific assessment was obtained. The findings of this study will be disseminated through clinical meetings, conference presentations and peer reviewed journals.Trial registrationRegistered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000044729, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=381890&isReview=true, registered 17/01/2022).

Comparison of the effects of negative pressure wound therapy and negative pressure wound therapy with instillation on wound healing in a porcine model.

Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi) is a novel method based on standard negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). This study aimed to compare the effects of standard NPWT and NPWTi on bioburden and wound healing in a Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) infected porcine model. Green fluorescent protein-labeled S.aureus infected wounds were created on the back of porcine. Wounds were treated with NPWT or NPWT with instillation (saline). The tissue specimens were harvested on days 0 (12 h after bacterial inoculation), 2, 4, 6, and 8 at the center of wound beds. Viable bacterial counts, laser scanning confocal microscopy, PCR, western blot, and histological analysis were performed to assess virulence and wound healing. The bacterial count in the NPWTi group was lower than that of the NPWT group and the difference was statistically significant on day 2, day 4, day 6, and day 8 (P < 0.05). The expression levels of agrA, Eap, Spa, and Hla genes of the NPWTi group were significantly lower than that of the NPWT group on day 8 (P < 0.05). The bacterial invasion depth of the NPWTi group was significantly lower than that of the NPWT group on day 2, day 4, day 6, and day 8 (P < 0.05). Though the NPWTi group showed a significantly increased expression of bFGF and VEGF than that of the NPWT group in the early time (P < 0.05), NPWTi cannot lead to better histologic parameters than the NPWT group (P > 0.05). Our results demonstrated that NPWTi induced a better decrease in bacterial burden and virulence compared with standard NPWT. These advantages did not result in better histologic parameters on the porcine wound model.

Clinical outcomes of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation vs standard negative pressure wound therapy for wounds: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with or without instillation has been extensively applied for patients with multiple wound types. Whether NPWT with instillation is superior to NPWT alone is not known. This study aims to compare the efficacy between negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi) and standard negative pressure wound therapy for wounds. The authors searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials investigating clinical outcomes of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation vs standard negative pressure wound therapy for wounds. The registration number (protocol) on PROSPERO is CRD42022287178. Eight RCTs involved 564 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included finally. NPWTi showed a significant fewer surgeries and dressing changes (RR and 95% CI, -9.31 [-17.54, -1.08], P < 0.05), and smaller wound area after treatment (RR and 95% CI, -9.31 [-17.54, -1.08], P < 0.05) compared with NPWT. No significant difference was observed on healing rate, time to heal, length of stay, dehiscence, reinfection, reoperation and readmission between NPWTi and NPWT. The addition of instillation to NPWT could improve clinical outcomes regarding the number of surgeries and dressing changes, and wound area after treatment in patients with multiple wound types. However, because of the heterogeneity these conclusions still need to be further validated by more well-designed RCTs with large sample sizes.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Instillation: An Adjunctive Therapy for Infection Management in Orthopaedic Trauma.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation is a device that provides the benefits of standard negative pressure wound therapy and instillation of a topical wound solution. This combination can benefit acute and chronic wounds by continuously cleansing the wound and providing soft tissue stability between staged operations or in preparation for a single procedure. Although skeletal stability is important in orthopaedic trauma, the overlying soft tissue envelop may also be compromised, which can lead to contamination and infection. This review will discuss the growing body of evidence for the use of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation with a focus on infection and recommendations for its proper use.

Evolution of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Orthopaedic Trauma.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has evolved from open wound management to now include closed incision management. It has been a major advance in the management of open wounds and closed incisional wounds especially in orthopaedic trauma surgery. Because of the success of NPWT in the late 1990s and early 2000s, surgeons began using NPWT with adjuncts on closed incisions as a way to help prevent surgical wound dehiscence especially in at-risk patients for wound problems. It has been well established that obesity, diabetes, and smoking in addition to other comorbidities increase the risk of wound dehiscence and surgical site infections in orthopaedic patients. It is widely used for open wound management, often associated with open fractures, and in the mitigation of risk of surgical site infections over closed incisions (incisional negative pressure wound therapy). Newer systems allow the use of various topical wound solutions to be instilled in conjunction with NPWT, termed NPWTi-d. This has shown promising results in difficult wounds that may be resistant to standard NPWT. This article reviews the evolution and use of NPWT in orthopaedic trauma.

Negative pressure wound therapy with intermittent irrigation for treatment of post-traumatic giant abscess: A case report.

IntroductionNegative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), also called vacuum-assisted closure, is an adjunctive therapy used to manage open wounds that apply subatmospheric pressure to the wound surface. The therapeutic effects of NPWT are exerted by stabilizing the wound environment, increasing blood flow, and macro-deformation of wounds that initiate granulation tissue formation.Case presentationWe present a case of a 28-year-old Caucasian male who developed a giant non-resolving hepatic abscess secondary to a gunshot wound (GSW) to the upper right abdomen. The abscess was successfully treated with open debridement followed by NWPT with instillation therapy. Significant reduction in abscess diameter and cessation of trauma-induced bile leak was observed following 15 days of wound vac treatment.DiscussionWound vac treatment was essential in this patient due to the inherent erosive properties of bile that damage surrounding tissue and perpetuate opportunistic growth of pathogenic microbes. Prior to standard NPWT treatment, debridement of devitalized tissues and infection should be managed; however, instillation therapy has permitted NPWT to be used in the presence of infection or as an adjuvant to surgical infection management.ConclusionNPWT is indicated for a wide range of acute and chronic wounds; however, the utilization of NPWT to treat abscesses remains unclear.

121 A Novel Technique for Infected Metalwork Salvage: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Copious Saline Irrigation and Direct Wound Closure Over Dressing

Abstract Aim Metalwork infection is a challenging complication, often requiring surgical removal. The senior author devised a novel technique consisting of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with high-flow rate saline irrigation and direct skin closure over the standard NPWT dressing. This study aims to evaluate the utility of this modified technique in resolving metalwork infection to allow fracture union without metalwork removal. Method This is a retrospective chart review of 24 patients (3 upper and 21 lower limb cases) with infected orthopaedic metalwork from a single centre over a seven-year period, who were all managed with this modified technique as an adjunct to standard antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement. Demographic data, surgical data and infectious disease data were collected. Patients were followed up for signs of infection recurrence. Results 23 of 24 (96%) patient had successful metalwork retention with infection resolution to achieve fracture union. No metalwork was removed due to infection. Original metalwork was maintained in 16 of 24 (67%) patients. The average duration of NPWT was 19 days and the average number of visits to the theatre for NPWT change or removal was 2.5 (mode: 2). Conclusions This series demonstrates that the modified NPWT technique is an effective adjunct therapy for infected metalwork salvage. This novel technique is safe and reliable with timely resolution of infection to allow fracture union.

Modified negative pressure wound therapy as an adjunct to antibiotics in the treatment of orthopaedic infected metalwork

PurposeInfected orthopaedic metalwork is challenging to treat. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with irrigation is an emerging therapy for infected wounds as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy. The senior author had devised a modified technique to augment its efficacy, utilising high-flow rate irrigation and skin closure over the standard NPWT dressing. This novel technique was originally evaluated in a different centre and produced 100% success in metalwork retention. The present study is a reproducibility test of the same technique.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on 24 patients with infected orthopaedic metalwork, including 3 upper limb and 21 lower limb cases, for outcomes relating to implant retention and infection resolution. Patients underwent a modified NPWT technique as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement. Detailed medical and microbiology information were obtained from the patient records.Results23 of 24 (96%) patients had successful metalwork retainment with healed wounds and resolution of infection, allowing fracture union. 27 infective organisms were identified in this cohort, and the antibiotic regimens for each patient are provided. The average follow-up was 663 days. No adverse effects were observed.ConclusionThis series supports the modified NPWT technique as a safe, reliable and effective adjunct therapy to resolve metalwork infection. The same results have been reproduced as the previous cohort in a different centre.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy to Reduce Colorectal Surgical Site Infection

Background: The rate of surgical site infection (SSI) in clean-contaminated wounds resulting from elective colorectal procedures ranges from 15 to 30%. Within the region considered in the study, the SSI rate is 20% despite the adoption of preventative measures. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in reducing superficial SSIs in clean-contaminated wounds resulting from elective colorectal surgery to below 10%. Design: An unblinded randomized controlled trial was conducted. Settings: The study was conducted at two Canadian tertiary academic hospitals. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing elective, non-emergent, clean-contaminated colorectal resection by both laparoscopic and open procedures were included. Participants were randomized to either standard surgical dressing (SSD) or NPWT over a closed incision. Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of superficial SSI on postoperative day 30. Results: The study closed early due to lack of accrual. From the planned group of 398 patients, 126 were randomly assigned to SSD (n = 61) or NPWT (n = 61). The analysis included 55 patients from the SSD group and 47 from the NPWT group. The mean age for the groups was 64.9 years (SSD) and 65.1 years (NPWT) with males comprising 52.7% (n = 29) and 44.7% (n = 21) of the populations, respectively. The results showed a clinically important but statistically non-significant difference between the two groups. The overall rate of SSI in the as-treated analysis was 14.7%, while it was slightly lower at 13.5% in the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis. In both cases, there was a trend toward higher rates of SSI in the SSD, with the ITT analysis showing somewhat larger differences; however, in both the logistic regression models, the trends were non-significant. Conclusion: We present a randomized controlled trial of prophylactic NPWT following elective colorectal resection. The results indicated a clinically important reduction in the superficial SSI rate compared with standard surgical dressing. A more extensive randomized study is needed to clarify the effectiveness of NPWT to reduce wound infections in this patient population. Limitations: Neither patients nor clinicians were blinded to the treatment. The lack of recruitment introduced a type two statistical error, which led to a non-significant difference between the cases and controls. Conflict of Interest: None.

Comparison of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With and Without Instillation of Saline in the Management of Infected Wounds.

Background Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) includes periodic instillation of topical solution into the wound followed by a negative pressure. Our objective was to evaluate potential differences in wound outcomes in patients receiving NPWT and those receiving NPWTi-d using saline.MethodsAn analysis was performed using two previously published independent studies from a single investigator and hospital to compare patient characteristics and clinical outcomes of infected wounds from 74 NPWT-treated patients with 42 NPWTi-d-treated patients.Results Patient demographics and comorbidities, wound etiologies, and anatomical locations of wounds were similar between groups, although a significantly higher percentage of NPWT-treated patients had end-stage renal disease (P = 0.0119). Compared with patients treated with standard NPWT, NPWTi-d-treated patients had a significantly lower number of operations (P = 0.0048), shorter length of hospital stay (P = 0.0443), shorter time to final surgical procedure (P = 0.0001), higher percentage of closed wounds (P = 0.0004), and a higher percentage of wounds that remained closed at one month (P = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe results of this analysis suggest that management of infected wounds with NPWTi-d using saline leads to favorable wound outcomes when compared to those managed with NPWT.

The impact of negative‐pressure wound therapy with instillation on wounds requiring operative debridement: Pilot randomised, controlled trial

Presence of bacteria in wounds can delay healing. Addition of a regularly instilled topical solution over the wound during negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may reduce bioburden levels compared with standard NPWT alone. We performed a prospective, randomised, multi‐centre, post‐market trial to compare effects of NPWT with instillation and dwell of polyhexamethylene biguanide solution vs NPWT without instillation therapy in wounds requiring operative debridement. Results showed a significantly greater mean decrease in total bacterial counts from time of initial surgical debridement to first dressing change in NPWT plus instillation (n = 69) subjects compared with standard NPWT (n = 63) subjects (−0.18 vs 0.6 log10 CFU/g, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in the primary endpoint of required inpatient operating room debridements after initial debridement. Time to readiness for wound closure/coverage, proportion of wounds closed, and incidence of wound complications were similar. NPWT subjects had 3.1 times the risk of re‐hospitalisation compared with NPWT plus instillation subjects. This study provides a basis for exploring research options to understand the impact of NPWT with instillation on wound healing.

Pressure distribution and flow characteristics during negative pressure wound therapy

Aim of the studyNegative pressure wound therapy is thought to improve wound healing by altering capillary perfusion. However, despite many theories, the underlying mechanism of action remains controversial. Recent evidence suggests an increased tissue pressure and a temporary decreased microvascular blood flow as the main reasons for the good clinical results [1]. In an attempt to further explain the mechanism of action, we investigated the pressure distribution on the foam interface, and the influence on perfusion in a pre-experimental design. Materials and methodsPressure distribution was measured using a sensor based on a capacitive dielectric elastomer with flexible electrodes. In vitro flow measurements were done with vessel imitations in a block of 300 bloom ballistic gel to simulate soft tissue. ResultsA peak pressure of up to 187 mmHg (255 g/cm2) within the foam interface, as well as decreased perfusion, were found using a standard negative pressure wound therapy setup. In conclusion, negative pressure wound therapy applies positive pressure to adjacent tissue and decreases local flow. The amount of suction applied is proportional to the pressure on the foam interface and reduction in flow. ConclusionIn line with previous studies investigating the underlying mechanism of action, these findings may contribute to possible alterations in the use of negative pressure wound therapy, e.g. lowering suction pressure in patients with diminished peripheral blood flow.

Home based negative pressure wound therapy and moist dressing in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

Background: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a non-invasive wound closure system that uses controlled, localized negative pressure to help heal chronic and acute wounds. The objective of the present study was to compare home based NPWT and moist wound dressing in home care setting with respect to wound healing and time taken for healing among diabetic ulcer patients and the comparison of cost involved for the treatment.Methods: A hospital based prospective observational study where all patients were presented to the Department of Surgery at MES Medical College with diabetic ulcer between 1st January 2016 and 30th March 2017 were included in the study; ulcer size and surface area were measured using vernier calipers and Wagner’s grade between the two groups were evaluated at the time of enrollment.Results: Complete ulcer healing by primary intention was achieved in 86.8% in home based NPWT group vs. 44.3% in conventional moist dressing group. Average duration taken for healing in home based NPWT patient was 3.03 months and in moist dressing group was 4.58 months. Split skin grafting was needed in 2 patients in HB-NPWT group vs. 7 in moist dressing group. 9.3 hospital visits in HB-NPWT group vs 136.8 sessions in moist dressing group.Conclusions: The present study states that NPWT is superior to conventional moist dressing for the management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers. Cost is approximately 1/10th of standard NPWT.

Negative pressure wound therapy in the management of complex lower limb wounds: a case series highlighting outpatient care with small single-use devices

Background: Traditionally, the treatment of exposed tendon has required vascularised tissue coverage, usually with complex surgical intervention. The introduction of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has challenged this traditional reconstructive concept. Unfortunately, standard NPWT units are usually bulky, noisy and curtail the mobility and lifestyle of patients. The introduction of small, modern, lightweight, portable, single-use NPWT units have therefore revitalised the use of NPWT and provided a solution to the many problems encountered with the larger devices. Case series: This study highlights three cases of patients with complex lower limb wounds with tendon exposure who were successfully treated with single-use NPWT in an outpatient setting. The median time for complete wound granulation was 5–10 weeks. Minor sharp debridement of wounds was required to encourage granulation tissue formation and this was well tolerated in the outpatient setting. Conclusion: Portable NPWT units provide an alternative to surgical reconstruction in patients with lower limb wounds with exposed tendon. These devices can be utilised in a purely outpatient setting, thus avoid long-term hospitalisation. Older patients with high anaesthesia risk or who lack alternative reconstructive options due to vascular co-morbidities are the most appropriate candidates for this treatment option.

Negative pressure wound therapy for surgical wounds healing by primary closure.

Negative pressure wound therapy for surgical wounds healing by primary closure.

Negative pressure wound therapy for open traumatic wounds.

Negative pressure wound therapy for open traumatic wounds.

Miniaturized Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy for Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites

Background Multiple therapeutic options exist for the treatment of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor sites, but there is no clear consensus among surgeons about the best option. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has rapidly gained in popularity since its invention. Recently, several miniaturized, single-patient NPWT (SP-NPWT) devices have become available. Compared with traditional NPWT devices, SP-NPWT devices are associated with equal wound healing capability and reliability, but offer several advantages. We present a series of 10 consecutive patients whose STSG donor sites were treated with a commercially available SP-NPWT device. Methods We performed a retrospective review for 10 consecutive patients who underwent STSG procedures and were treated with SP-NPWT devices. Results From 2015 to 2017, 10 consecutive patients underwent oncologic reconstruction using STSG and had their donor sites treated with SP-NPWT devices. The SP-NPWT dressing had been left in place for 2 weeks after surgery. The average donor site area measured 80 cm 2 (range: 76–106 cm 2 ). In all 10 patients, the donor sites healed uneventfully and with no complications. Conclusion Off-the-shelf, miniaturized, SP-NPWT systems appear to be at least as effective as traditional dressings for STSG donor sites and require no maintenance (skilled nursing or dressing changes). Compared with larger and less portable standard NPWT devices, SP-NPWT dressing systems provide a potential cost benefit as well as enhanced convenience and portability.

The effect of negative pressure wound therapy with antibacterial dressings or antiseptics on an in vitro wound model

The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial bioburden in experimental in vitro wounds during the application of conventional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), with and without antimicrobial dressings (polyhexanide, silver), against NPWT instillation of octenidine. Experimental wounds produced in an in vitro porcine wound model were homogenously contaminated with bacterial suspension and treated with NPWT and different options. Group A: non-antimicrobial polyurethane foam dressing; group B: antimicrobial polyurethane foam dressing containing silver; group C: antimicrobial gauze dressing containing polyhexanide; group D: non-antimicrobial polyurethane foam dressing intermittently irrigated with octenidine; group E: negative control (non-antimicrobial polyurethane foam dressing without NPWT). Standard biopsies were harvested after 24 and 28 hours. This study demonstrated that the use of NPWT with intermitted instillation of octenidine (group D) or application of silver-based polyurethane foam dressings (group B) is significantly superior against Staphylococcus aureus colonisation in experimental wounds compared with non-antimicrobial polyurethane foam dressing (group A) after 48 hours. Surprisingly, the polyhexanide-based dressing (group C) used in this model showed no statistical significant effect compared with the control group (group E) after 24 or 48 hours of treatment. Both intermitted instillation of octenidine and silver-based dressings in standard NPWT were significantly superior compared with non-antimicrobial polyurethane foam dressings or PHMB coated gauze dressing after 48 hours.

A solution for complex wounds: the evidence for negative pressure wound therapy with instillation.

Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) is an adjunctive therapy that can be used in the management of complex wounds with infection. NPWTi-d incorporates the intermittent instillation of a topical solution to the wound in a programmed manner. Unlike standard negative pressure wound therapy, NPWTi-d delivers topical wound solutions directly to the wound, allows the solution to dwell over the wound bed, and removes the solution during the negative pressure phase. The authors review the evidence for using NPWTi-d and the role it may potentially play in helping to reduce hospital stay, number of debridement operations and cost.