Topical negative pressure wound therapy (TNPWT): current practice in New Zealand

To survey current opinion, regarding TNPWT, from New Zealand vascular surgeons.

Registered vascular surgeons currently practicing in New Zealand were identified from the Vascular Society of New Zealand (VSNZ) database. A questionnaire was emailed asking if they used TNP in their vascular surgical practice and whether or not they considered themselves 'up to date' regarding published evidence for TNP. Surgeons were also asked how often and how successful they felt that TNP was in different clinical situations (arterial ulcers [after revascularisation]; venous ulcers; mixed arterial/venous ulcers; following debridement of the 'diabetic (Db) foot'; lower limb (LL) surgical wound infections/dehiscences; and lymphocoeles/seromas/lymph fistulas not treated successfully with conservative management). One email reminder, followed by a hard copy reminder was sent to those who failed to respond to the first email.

Of 38 vascular surgeons 34 responded (89.5%). Median response time was 3.38 days (range 12 min-11.8 days). 28 (82%) vascular surgeons used TNP in their NZ clinical practice. 17 (50%) considered themselves up to date regarding published evidence, 8 (23.5%) admitted to not being up to date with the evidence and 9 (26%) did not know. TNP appears to be used most frequently and with most success following debridement of diabetic foot wounds and in the management of infected/dehisced surgical wounds.

TNPWT is widely used by NZ vascular surgeons, despite many not considering themselves up to date regarding published evidence. It is most favoured for treating diabetic feet post debridement and for lower limb surgical wounds.