J Wound Manag Res.  2022 Feb;18(1):17-22. 10.22467/jwmr.2021.01802.

Effects of Preoperative Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Complications after Musculocutaneous Flap Reconstruction of Sacral Pressure Injuries

• Kim MW
• Oh WS
• Lee NR
• Lee JW
• Jeong DK
• Nam SB

• KMID: 2527214
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22467/jwmr.2021.01802

Abstract

Background
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) facilitates recovery of pressure injuries. This study aimed to investigate whether preoperative NPWT affected complications after musculocutaneous flap reconstruction of pressure injury wounds that required surgical treatment.
Methods
Of 71 patients with sacral pressure injury wounds, 28 did not undergo preoperative NPWT (no-NPWT group), while 43 received preoperative NPWT. Both groups received flap coverage for pressure injury wounds. Differences in complications such as wound dehiscence, hematoma, and seroma were compared between the two groups.
Results
In the no-NPWT group, seven postoperative complications occurred, of which five were wound dehiscence and two were seroma. There were no hematomas. In the NPWT group, a total of nine postoperative complications occurred, including two cases of wound dehiscence, six hematomas, and one seroma (P=0.029).
Conclusion
The overall incidence of complications was higher in the no-NPWT group. The incidence of hematoma was significantly higher in patients with preoperative NPWT. NPWT before reconstruction of pressure injury wounds may assist wound healing after the surgical treatment. However, care must be taken because NPWT may increase the risk of hematoma after surgical treatment.

Keyword

Pressure sore; Negative pressure wound therapy; Hematoma