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82 Posts
Negative pressure wound therapy for management of the surgical incision in orthopaedic surgery
A review of evidence and mechanisms for an emerging indication
AbstractObjectives
The period of post-operative treatment before surgical wounds are completely closed remains a key window, during which one can apply new technologies that can minimise complications. One such technology is the use of negative pressure wound therapy to manage and accelerate healing of the closed incisional wound (incisional NPWT).
Methods
We undertook a literature review of this emerging indication to identify evidence within orthopaedic surgery and other surgical disciplines. Literature that supports our current understanding of the mechanisms of action was also reviewed in detail.
Results
A total of 33 publications were identified, including nine clinical study reports from orthopaedic surgery; four from cardiothoracic surgery and 12 from studies in abdominal, plastic and vascular disciplines. Most papers (26 of 33) had been published within the past three years. Thus far two randomised controlled trials – one in orthopaedic and one in cardiothoracic surgery – show evidence of reduced incidence of wound healing complications after between three and five days of post-operative NPWT of two- and four-fold, respectively. Investigations show that reduction in haematoma and seroma, accelerated wound healing and increased clearance of oedema are significant mechanisms of action.
Conclusions
There is a rapidly emerging literature on the effect of NPWT on the closed incision. Initiated and confirmed first with a randomised controlled trial in orthopaedic trauma surgery, studies in abdominal, plastic and vascular surgery with high rates of complications have been reported recently. The evidence from single-use NPWT devices is accumulating. There are no large randomised studies yet in reconstructive joint replacement.
Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:276–84.
292 Posts
We have an orthopod in our group who uses a wound vac on closed incisions if he feels like it is indicated. He is pleased with the results so far.
don't feel alone not being used to it OP. He gets calls on it from home health nurses at least weekly.
I am going to get him a copy of the article from NRSKarenRN so he can attach it with the order to cut down on calls. Thanks for the great info.
3,726 Posts
We have an orthopod in our group who uses a wound vac on closed incisions if he feels like it is indicated. He is pleased with the results so far.don't feel alone not being used to it OP. He gets calls on it from home health nurses at least weekly.
I am going to get him a copy of the article from NRSKarenRN so he can attach it with the order to cut down on calls. Thanks for the great info.
I remember my first one, I had to call, I had no idea if I was supposed to do anything with it. Instructions would have been helpful.
Further articles:
Incisional Negative Pressure Therapy to High-Risk Wounds
Use of Negative Pressure Therapy on Closed Surgical Wounds
Smith and Nephew PICO pump
NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN
10 Articles; 18,347 Posts
I've just come off wound vac due dehiscence. :)
Plastic surgeon + WOCN discussed this was being used by some docs post op for patients at high risk for dehiscence + ongoing incision drainage --it is different vac from one to close wound, used for up to first 7 days.
Info:
KCI Prevena, the first powered negative pressure wound therapy product, is designed for management of closed surgical incisions.
Clinician instructions