Postoperative Impact of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Following Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

The application of closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) systems over closed surgical incisions purportedly lowers postoperative complications; however, there is little evidence to support its use in oncoplastic breast surgery. The primary objective of this study was to compare major and minor wound complication rates in patients with breast cancer undergoing oncoplastic procedures, with and without the use of the ciNPT.

A prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing breast conserving oncoplastic procedures with placement of ciNPT system at a single institution was queried. This cohort was compared with a retrospective contemporaneous control group receiving primary two-layered suture and skin adhesive closure only. Major complications included abscess/hematoma/seroma needing drainage, and wound breakdown or asymmetry requiring return to the OR. Minor complications included breast lymphedema/erythema, minor nipple necrosis, and wound breakdown or mild asymmetry not requiring return to OR. Analyses were performed using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, where applicable, and univariate logistic regression models, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Of 186 patients, there were 93 in the ciNPT and 93 in the control group. There were significantly fewer major complications in the ciNPT group (1.1% ciNPT versus 10.8% control, p = 0.010). There was no significant difference in the rates of minor complications, and no difference in complication rates based on comorbidities or tumor characteristics.

ciNPT decreases major postoperative wound complications in patients with breast cancer undergoing oncoplastic procedures. Minimization of major postoperative complications can help ensure the timely initiation of adjuvant therapy following breast conserving oncoplastic procedures.