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Clinical Research
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Negative pressure wound therapy: effectiveness in treating draining wounds Linda McIntire The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the treatment of draining wounds, thereby decreasing healing time. By decreasing copious drainage in a wound bed, blood flow would be optimized and the formation of granulation tissue wound be enhanced. The study consisted of a retrospective chart review of patients receiving NPWT over a one-year period. The review consistent of 62 patients with a variety of wounds, including abdominal dehiscence, open amputations, and pressure wounds. Records were evaluated for healing time, quantity of exudate removal, length of dressing wear, and patient comfort. Patients were asked their overall satisfaction once healing occurred and NPWT was discontinued. Overall, healing time for wounds decreased. Wound sizes decreased at weekly measurements. Drainage decreased over time after the initial dressing application. Patients did not need dressings as long with NPWT as compared to traditional methods. Once the drainage had decreased, the wounds rapidly began to develop granulation tissue to complete wound healing. Patients preferred the three times a week dressing change over the traditional daily changes. Pain was reported as being decreased because of less manipulation of the wound bed. Patients also liked that the drainage was going to a collection devise versus having the dressing become saturated. Overall, patient satisfaction was high. NPWT has many beneficial effects and can be an important adjunct in the care of a wide variety of wounds. The analysis demonstrates that NPWT appears to promote faster healing rates by the removal of exudate from the wound bed and increases the formation of granulation tissue. Further clinical evaluations and controlled clinical trials are needed to substantiate this information as well as find more optimal use of this treatment to promote and improve healing in complicated wounds. . Fife CE, Otto G, Walker D, Turner T, Smith L. Healing dehisced surgical wounds with negative ptressure wound therapy. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2004;50(4A):28Ð31 Mendez-Eastman S. Guidelines for using negative pressure wound therapy. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2001;14(6):314Ð324 Molnar JA. The science behind negative pressure wound tehrapy. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2004;50(4A):2Ð5 Sibbard RG, Mahoney JA. Consensus report on the use of vacuum-assisted closure in chronic, difficult-to-heal wounds. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2003;49(11):52Ð66. |
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