Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Complex Surgical Wounds in 59 Patients Across Secondary and Tertiary Care Centers in Turkey.

BACKGROUND

Complex wounds are associated with a challenging healing process, prolonged hospitalization, increased treatment cost, and workforce loss. In this case series, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with and without instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d), closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT), and open abdomen negative pressure therapy (OA-NPT) use in the management of complex wounds were examined.

METHODS

Fifty-nine patients (mean age, 55.0 ± 14.8 years) across secondary and tertiary care centers in Turkey were treated. Patients were examined, and a NPWT system was selected based on wound care needs. Dressing changes occurred every 2 to 7 days, depending on therapy type. Wound closure occurred through surgical closure or secondary intention.

RESULTS

Patient wound types consisted of acute wounds (n = 10), chronic wounds (n = 34), postoperative wound dehiscence (n = 9), and tumor resection/flap necrosis (n = 6). Thirty-six patients (61.0%) received NPWT, 16 (27.1%) received NPWTi-d, 5 (8.5%) received ciNPT, and 2 (3.4%) received OA-NPT. Average treatment duration was 19.7 ± 13.7 days. Surgical closure occurred in 45 patients, and secondary closure was observed in 13 patients; the remaining patient showed wound improvement. Wound healing complications were observed in 2 patients (scar formation and partial flap necrosis).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate an association of negative pressure therapy with favorable wound healing outcome in complex wounds. Negative pressure therapy seems to be a useful treatment option to bridge wound care between initial debridement and final reconstruction.