![]() Morykwas and Argenta were the first to investigate efficacy of NPWT in 1997. It was first described by Fleischmann et al. NPWT has many names: sub-atmospheric pressure device (SPD), topical negative pressure (TNP), vacuum-assisted closure (VAC), vacuum sealing technique (VST) and sealed surface wound suction (SSS). Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) remains a useful adjunct in wound temporization. We conclude from this study that NPWT dressing can be easily applied to any region of the body and it can be customized to the needs of patients from different socio-economic status. The mean cost of an NPWT dressing apparatus was 90 dollars. The mean pain score on the verbal analogue scale was 3 out of 10. Sinus formation was seen in 6% (n = 23) patients who were treated with curettage and conventional dressings. In 0.5% (n = 2) patients, NPWT dressing was discontinued due to persistent leakage near a natural orifice. Minor complications occurred in 0.7% (n = 3) patients due to occult osteomyelitis. 78% (n = 297) patients had reduced levels of C-reactive protein levels and wound cultures were negative in 54% (n = 208) patients after application of NPWT dressing. A single session of NPWT dressing was applied in 84% (n = 320) patients, 8% (n = 31) patients needed two sessions of NPWT dressing, 6% (n = 24) patients had three sessions of NPWT dressing and only 1% (n = 5) patients did not respond to NPWT dressing. Number of NPWT sessions was decided on the basis of wound status (adequate healthy granulation tissue, clinically improved circulation). Of the 520 patients derided, 380 patients were treated with NPWT, and included in study. We reviewed hospital data of 520 patients in which debridement was performed. All patients received systemic antibiotics during the treatment. ![]() Frequency of dressing change, C-reactive protein levels, bacterial cultures, complication rate and cost of apparatus in each case were noted. We receive hundreds of infected wounds of limbs each year which are either post-traumatic or post-debridement. This is a retrospective study of 380 patients who were treated with NPWT in the last 10 years at a single center. We present our experience with NPWT in this study. Despite the advent of numerous new techniques and technologies, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) remains a cornerstone to the management of complex wounds. Management of these patients typically requires a multi-disciplinary approach by a plastic surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon and infectious disease control team. These patients present with acute, sub-acute and chronic wounds which can be difficult to manage. ![]() Worldwide numbers of patients suffering from complex wounds appear to increase annually. ![]()
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