Indigenous negative pressure wound treatment: Easy, effective and affordable

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of negative pressure wound therapy in traumatic injuries, post operative wound dehiscence and pressure sores. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is believed to accelerate wound healing by increasing blood flow, promoting angiogenesis, suction removal of matrix metalloproteinases. In our study we have used cost effective material as an alternative to the more expensive commercial NPWT in the management of complex wounds. Material and Methods: This study is a prospective evaluation of NPWT in 70 patients with traumatic injuries, post operative wound dehiscence and pressure sores. In our study we have used low cost indigenous NPWT set for wound therapy. Dressing was changed for every 4 days till the desired granulations tissue is formed for skin cover.Results: Of the 70 patients treated with indigenous NPWT, 42 (60 %) patients achieved direct closure and 28 patients (40%) required split thickness skin grafting. Conclusion: Our study showed low cost indigenous NPWT system producing comparable results at meagre cost to commercially available NPWT. NPWT has now become an established method of wound management. Low cost Indigenous NPWT can be revolutionary in wound management urban as well as in rural areas of our country.