Novel, self-made and cost-ective technique for closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy

Abstract

Background: It has been suggested that applying the negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to a closedsurgical incision may hasten the healing of the incision and decrease the incidence of wound healing complications. The goal of this study is to present the new idea of a simple, self-made, low-cost wound vacuum dressing for closed-incision NPWT that may become an alternative to currently manufactured medicalindustry products.Method: We designed a simple dressing for closed-incision NPWT from gauze pads, polyurethane adhesive film, stoma paste, and a drain tube. Negative pressure was created using a standard 50 ml syringe connected to the drain. First, the dressing was applied to the wound model and on the healthy volunteer. Finally, the dressing was applied to 10 patients after low anterior rectal resection. The vacuum dressing was left in place for 3 days, then changed and placed once more for the next 3 days.Results: We did not observe any adverse effects associatedwith the dressing. All postoperative wounds healed properly. 18 out of 20 dressings were still air-tight 72h post-placement.Conclusions: This simple, self-made dressing for NPWT is safe and effective and may decrease the wound infection rate. However future studies are needed to confirm that hypothesis.

Prevention and therapy of acute and chronic wounds using NPWT devices during the COVID-19 pandemic, recommendation from The NPWT Working Group

“…4) Telemedical support 23 25 ), and ciNPWT in highrisk patients for SSI, complex wounds and those associated with a prosthesis are recommended (if available and possible also in other patients); In order to minimize the costs of the ciNPWT -alternative low-cost methods can be advised. 26 2), 3) NPWT therapy should be introduced as soon as possible in SSI (according to CDC classification: 27 superficial incisional SSI -single-use NPWT, stationary NPWT; deep incisional SSI -stationary NPWT (consider instillation -iNPWT); organ or space SSI -stationary NPWT (consider instillation -iNPWT) 4) optimal wound healing should be provided to patients with a higher risk of developing SSI (obesity or cachexia, ASA 3 and 4, immunosupression, steroids, cigarette smoking, comorbidities) by using an effective wound dressing suitable for discharge -single-use NPWT combined with patient education on wound dressing self-removal and, in selected cases, in wound dressing changes. Telemedical support for theses patients is essential to minimize in-person visits.…”