Comparison of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy v/s Conventional Dressing on Chronic Ulcers at Tertiary Health Centre

Abstract

Introduction: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) provides a novel option for wound treatment. Negative pressure wound therapy is a wound treatment method that subjects the wound bed to negative pressure by means of a closed system. Negative pressure wound therapy gives a moist wound healing environment that is essential for wound healing. Materials and Methods: The study was held in the surgery department of a tertiary care centre with total 50 numbers of patients of age 18 years and above. Patients were examined clinically, and necessary investigations done. Results: The difference in the rate of wound contraction was apparent since 5th day and by the time of discharge/intervention, means percentage of wound contraction was 90.9% in Negative pressure wound therapy as compared to 74.54% in conventional group patients. Mean hospital stay was significantly more in similar cases managed by conventional dressing as compared to Negative pressure wound therapy (17.23 vs 11.13 days). Conclusion: Present study showed that Negative pressure wound treatment appears to be a better option to conventional chronic wound dressings with early development of granulation tissue, rapid wound contraction and reduced hospital stay.