Application of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Neonatal Bone-Exposed Wounds: Nursing Interventions and Clinical...

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is the most common extragonadal germ cell tumor in neonates, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 35,000-40,000 live births. Postoperative management of SCT poses significant challenges due to the extensive surgical field and the anatomical proximity of the lesion to the perianal region. Altman type IV SCT, characterized by its entirely intrapelvic location and higher risk of malignancy, often requires radical resection in conjunction with coccygectomy. This procedure frequently results in deep tissue defects and exposes the sacral bone, increasing the risk of secondary infection. Conventional flap reconstruction is often impractical in neonates due to limited donor tissue availability, tissue fragility, and a high risk of complications. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has demonstrated efficacy in promoting wound healing through multiple mechanisms, yet its application in neonatal wounds with exposed bone has not been previously reported. The aim of this case study is to summarise the experience of successfully treating postoperative SCT wounds complicated by sacral bone exposure using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in combination with a sodium carboxymethylcellulose silver dressing (CMC-Ag). NPWT in combination with a sodium CMC-Ag. After 43 days of intensive treatment and care, the child recovered and was discharged. The insights gained from this case can provide valuable references for nursing practice in pediatric intensive care units. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Offering a novel treatment strategy for this challenging clinical scenario.