Comparative study on the outcome of negative pressure wound therapy and conventional dressing in chronic non healing ulcer

Abstract

Background:Wound therapy using Negative-pressure is a therapeutic technique, where vacuum dressing is used to promote wound healing in managing acute and chronic wounds. Fluid is continuously drawn out from the wound and as a result blood flow to the wound is increased, felicitating early wound healing. NPWT is cost effective, accessible, easy to administer, and may compared with other conventional dressing especially in poor rural population. The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of negative pressure therapy in management of non healing wounds.Material and method: 60 patients admitted in surgical wards with non healing ulcers, were managed with Negative –pressure system over a period of six months from March 2018 to August 2018. Free end of closed type drain is connected to a specialised device to provide adequate negative pressure (150-250mmhg). In our study Intermittent negative pressure with 30 minutes negative pressure and 30 minutes rest cycle for 3 days followed by repeat saline dressing or skin grafting in the healthy wound to promote healing.Results: Negative-pressure system accelerated wound healing, with development of healthy granulation tissue formation improved vascularity to the wound area. Most of the cases present to our institution with Healthy Non healing ulcer duration 12 days 21 cases (42%); least cases were present to us more than 24 days.Conclusions: Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy found to a very effective affordable treatment for chronic non healing ulcers.