RANDOMIZED STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY (NPWT) IN THE PREVENTION OF SURGICAL SITE COMPLICATIONS

Abstract Introduction The secondary consequences of SSC worsen patient's quality of life, while increasing healthcare costs considerably. Applying preventive measures to reduce this complication rate should be one of the priorities of improving healthcare. Methods We conducted a prospective randomized study between March 2019 and March 2021 in a General Surgery Department of a tertiary hospital. Operated patients with risk factors for developing (SSC) were included according to the established protocol, and were randomized to the use of NPWT or conventional dressing (CD). The aim of our study was to compare SSC (skin dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, edge necrosis, and wound infection) in both groups, and to assess the benefit of NPWT. Results We studied 267 patients, 124 (46.4%) in the NPWT group and 143 (53.6%) in the CD group, with a mean age of 68 (±12.9) years. 96.2% of the patients corresponded to the ASA II or III classification. A total of 72 (27%) SSC were observed, being significantly lower in the NPWT group (odds ratio [OR] 0.49; confidence interval [CI] 0.28–0.85; p <0.05). The median hospital stay was 10 (7–20) days. Relative risk reduction (RRR) was 41.5% and absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 14%, with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 6.9. Conclusion NPWT decreases the risk of SSC, so its use should be considered in patients with risk factors.