Meta-analysis, Meta-regression, and GRADE Assessment of Randomized and Nonrandomized Studies of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Versus Control Dressings for the Prevention of Postoperative Wound Complications.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of iNPWT for the prevention of postoperative wound complications such as SSI.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The 2016 WHO recommendation on the use of iNPWT for the prevention of SSI is based on low-level evidence, and many trials have been published since. Preclinical evidence suggests that iNPWT may also prevent wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, seroma, and hematoma.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL were searched for randomized and nonrandomized studies that compared iNPWT with control dressings. The evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and GRADE. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models.

RESULTS

High level evidence indicated that iNPWT reduced SSI [28 RCTs, n = 4398, relative risk (RR) 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49-0.76, P < 0.0001, I = 27%] with a number needed to treat of 19. Low level evidence indicated that iNPWT reduced wound dehiscence (16 RCTs, n = 3058, RR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.64-0.94). Very low-level evidence indicated that iNPWT also reduced skin necrosis (RR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.33-0.74), seroma (RR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32-0.59), and length of stay (pooled mean difference -2.01, 95% CI: -2.99 to 1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

High-level evidence indicates that incisional iNPWT reduces the risk of SSI with limited heterogeneity. Low to very low-level evidence indicates that iNPWT also reduces the risk of wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, and seroma.