Negative pressure wound therapy: Where are we in 2022?

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Wound Management
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is increasingly adopted in surgical practice.
• Indications for NPWT have expanded beyond initial applications.
• Adjuvants like fluid instillation enhance NPWT efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent literature on NPWT mechanisms and applications.
• To discuss evidence supporting NPWT in trauma, infection, and wound care.
• To explore future innovations in NPWT.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on NPWT.
• Analysis of proposed mechanisms of action.
• Evaluation of supporting evidence for NPWT applications.

Main Results:

• NPWT is effective for soft tissue defects in trauma, infection, and surgical wounds.
• Adjuvants optimize wound healing and infection eradication.
• NPWT has a low complication rate but requires surgeon awareness of risks.

Conclusions:

• NPWT is a valuable tool with expanding indications.
• Adjuvants and newer devices enhance NPWT capabilities.
• Further research and innovation are needed for NPWT advancement.