Negative pressure wound therapy for inguinal lymphatic complications in critically ill patients

Abstract

PurposeIn this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of regulated negative pressure vacuum-assisted wound therapy for inguinal lymphatic complications in critically ill, liver transplant recipients.MethodsThe great saphenous vein was harvested for hepatic vein reconstruction during liver transplantation in 599 living-donor liver transplant recipients. Fourteen of the recipients (2.3%) developed postoperative inguinal lymphatic complications and were treated with negative pressure wound therapy, and they were included in this study.ResultsThe average total duration of negative pressure wound therapy was 23 days (range, 11 to 42 days). Complete resolution of the lymphatic complications and wound healing were achieved in all 14 patients, 5 of whom were treated in hospital and 9 as outpatients. There was no clinically detectable infection, bleeding or recurrence after an average follow-up of 27 months (range, 7 to 36 months).ConclusionNegative pressure wound therapy is an effective, readily-available treatment option that is less invasive than exploration and ligation of leaking lymphatics and provides good control of drainage and rapid wound closure in critically ill patients.

Treatment of lymphocele with negative pressure wound therapy post inguinal mass excision: A case-report

“…The effluent of the wound is collected in a canister attached to the vacuum pump with adjustable negative pressure. The soiled dressing is replaced with fresh dressing, and the healing progress is assessed [17,18].…”