Anghel EL, Kim PJ, et al.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Date of publication 2016 Sep 1;volume 138(3 Suppl):129S-37S.
1. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Sep;138(3 Suppl):129S-37S. doi:
10.1097/PRS.0000000000002645.
Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of the Evidence.
Anghel EL(1), Kim PJ.
Author information:
(1)Washington, D.C. From the Division of Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine,
Department of Plastic Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University of Hospital; and
Division of Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery,
Georgetown University School of Medicine.
BACKGROUND: Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and its variations are an
established adjunctive modality for the treatment of wounds. Since its
introduction, there have been an increasing number of publications with periods
of rapid increases in the number of publications after innovations to the
technology. Its application in different wound types and varying clinical
scenarios has also contributed to the growing number of publications.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature review (1998-2016) was performed using key
words most relevant to NPWT using PubMed/Medline and OVID. Eligibility criteria
included higher level evidence studies.
RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and forty-seven publications were identified.
A total of 26 publications are included in this review: 16 comparing NPWT with
standard wound dressing, 6 comparing variations of NPWT, and 4 for NPWT with
instillation. The level of evidence, wound type studied, reported outcomes and
impact, and key findings are tabulated and discussed.
CONCLUSIONS: The number of publications has grown significantly since the
inception of NPWT. In part, this reflects the variations of NPWT that have
developed. However, a greater number of robust, randomized, prospective studies
are needed to support its wide spread use.
DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002645
PMID: 27556753 [Indexed for MEDLINE]