Cost-effectiveness of closed-incision negative pressure therapy in primary total joint arthroplasty: a break-even analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical site complications (SSCs) are the leading cause of unplanned emergency department visits and readmissions following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The use of closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) has shown promise in reducing SSC occurrence. However, no study has evaluated the cost-effectiveness of ciNPT in primary TJA. The purpose of this study was to calculate the break-even absolute risk reduction (ARR) of SSCs, the break-even treatment cost of SSCs, and the break-even cost-of-use for ciNPT, based on existing literature to assess the cost-effectiveness of ciNPT in primary TJA. METHOD: Relevant values for ARR, infection treatment cost and intervention cost were obtained via literature review. A break-even analysis was conducted to investigate the cost-effectiveness of ciNPT use in primary TJA, as well as to derive the ARR, infection treatment cost (Ct) and intervention protocol cost (Cp) values at which ciNPT use becomes cost-effective. RESULTS: The values derived from the literature review were as follows: Cp=$160.76 USD; Ct=$5348.78 USD; ARR=0.0375. The break-even ARR was calculated to be 3.0%, the break-even Cp was calculated to be $200.58 USD, and the break-even Ct was calculated to be $4286.93 USD. The ARR of ciNPT use was greater than the calculated break-even ARR. CONCLUSION: This analysis demonstrated that ciNPT use in primary TJA was cost-effective. By examining the difference between the calculated break-even Cp and the Cp reported in the literature, the cost saved per patient treated with ciNPT can be calculated to be $39.82 USD.

Cost-Effectiveness of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy for Surgical Site Management After Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The PROMISES (Post-market, Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter, Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Versus Standard of Care Dressings in Reducing Surgical Site Complications in Subjects With Revision of a Failed Total Knee Arthroplasty) randomized controlled trial compared closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) to standard of care (SOC) after revision total knee arthroplasty in high-risk patients. We assessed the costs associated with 90-day surgical site complications (SSCs) to determine the cost-benefit of ciNPT. METHODS: A health economic model was used to determine mean per-patient costs to manage the surgical site, including the costs of postoperative dressings, surgical and non-surgical interventions, and readmission. A subanalysis was performed to examine cost-benefit in "lower risk" (Charlson Comorbidity Index < 2) and "higher risk" (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 2) patients. RESULTS: Patients with ciNPT experienced fewer SSCs (3.4% vs 14.3%; P = .0013) and required fewer surgical (0.7% vs 4.8%; P = .0666) and non-surgical (2.7% vs 12.9%; P = .0017) interventions compared to those with SOC. Readmission rates were significantly higher when patients experienced SSC (31% vs 4%; P = .0001). Using the economic model, respective per-patient costs for the ciNPT and SOC groups were $666 and $52 for postoperative dressings, $135 and $994 for surgical interventions, $231 and $970 for readmissions, and $15 and $70 for non-surgical interventions. Total per-patient costs for surgical site management were $1,047 for ciNPT and $2,036 for SOC. Among the lower risk population, mean per-patient cost was $1,066 for ciNPT and $1,474 for SOC. Among the higher risk population, mean per-patient cost was $676 for ciNPT and $3,212 for SOC. CONCLUSION: Despite higher upfront costs for postoperative dressings, ciNPT was cost-effective in this health economic model, decreasing the costs of surgical site management after revision total knee arthroplasty by 49% in this study population and 79% in higher risk subgroup.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Incisional Negative Pressure Following High-Risk Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior (DA) approach to total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with higher rates of surgical site complications (SSCs) compared to other approaches, particularly among high-risk patients. Closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) is effective in reducing SSCs and surgical site infections (SSIs) in other populations. We asked whether ciNPT could decrease SSCs in high-risk patients undergoing DA THA. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolled high-risk DA THA patients at 3 centers. Patients were offered enrollment if they had previously identified risk factors for SSC: Body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2, diabetes, active smoking, or before hip surgery. Patients were randomized after closure to either an occlusive (control) dressing or ciNPT dressing for 7 days. All 90-day SSCs were recorded. A priori power analysis demonstrated 116 patients were required to identify a 4.5x relative reduction in SSCs. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate probability of complications. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty two patients enrolled; 120 completed data collection. SSCs occurred in 18.3% (11/60) of control patients compared to 8.3% (5/60) of ciNPT patients (χ2 = 2.60, P = .107). SSCs included dehiscence to the subcutaneous level (13) and prolonged drainage (3). Nine control (15.0%) and 2 ciNPT (3.3%) patients met CDC criteria for superficial SSI (χ2 = 4.90, P = .027). Fifteen of 16 SSCs resolved with local wound care. One in the ciNPT group required reoperation for acute PJI. CONCLUSION: Among patients at risk of surgical site complications undergoing DA THA, we identified a significant reduction in superficial SSIs and a trend toward lower overall SSCs with ciNPT.

Large abdominal hernia repair with closed incision negative pressure therapy: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: A major challenge of large abdominal incisional hernia repair is the high rates of wound complications. Closed incision negative pressure therapy (CINPT) can offer many treatment advantages in the management of these wounds and has been shown to reduce complications for other postoperative incisions. This study assesses the wound outcomes for hernia repair patients receiving CINPT. METHOD: A six-year retrospective case series of patients who had undergone large abdominal incisional hernia repair wounds treated with CINPT was conducted. Outcomes for patients treated with CINPT were compared with patients who had not received CINPT acting as a control. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were treated with CINPT after hernia repair and compared with 12 patients in the control group. A statistically significant decreased rate of return to theatre (odds ratio: 0.12) was found in this study. Non-significant reductions in wound infection, seroma and wound dehiscence were also seen. No adverse events with CINPT therapy were reported. CONCLUSIONS: CINPT, when used after large abdominal incisional hernia repair, may help in the prevention of wound complications.

Use of prophylactic closed incision negative pressure therapy is associated with reduced surgical site infections in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection after surgery for gynecologic cancer increases morbidity. Prophylactic closed incision negative pressure therapy has shown promise in reducing infectious wound complications across many surgical disciplines. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether closed incision negative pressure therapy is associated with reduced surgical site infections in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy compared with standard dressings. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective case-control study of patients undergoing laparotomy for known or suspected gynecologic cancer from Jan. 1, 2017, to Feb. 1, 2020. Patients were matched in a 1:3 ratio (closed incision negative pressure therapy to standard dressing) by body mass index, age, diabetes, bowel surgery, smoking, and steroid use. Surgical site infection was defined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multivariable logistic regression using backward selection was performed. RESULTS: Of the 1223 eligible patients undergoing laparotomy, 64 (5.2%) received closed incision negative pressure therapy dressings and were matched to 192 (15.7%) controls. There were no differences in medical comorbidities (P>.05), site or stage of malignancy (P>.05), duration of surgery (P=.82), or surgical procedures (P>.05). Use of closed incision negative pressure therapy was associated with reduction in all adverse wound outcomes (20.3% vs 40.1%; P<.001). In particular, closed incision negative pressure therapy was associated with a significant reduction in both superficial incisional surgical site infections (9.4% vs 29.7%; P<.001) and deep incisional surgical site infections (0.0% vs 6.8%; P=.04). In multivariable analysis, use of closed incision negative pressure therapy was associated with significant reduction in the incidence of superficial incisional infections alone (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.73; P=.008) and both superficial and deep incisional infections (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.71; P=.007). CONCLUSION: Use of prophylactic closed incision negative pressure therapy after laparotomy in gynecologic oncology patients was found to be associated with reduced superficial incisional and deep incisional infections compared with standard dressings. Furthermore, closed incision negative pressure therapy was associated with reduction in all other adverse wound outcomes. Closed incision negative pressure therapy may be considered for surgical site infection prevention in high-risk gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy.

Deep Learning-Based Risk Model for Best Management of Closed Groin Incisions After Vascular Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Reduced surgical site infection (SSI) rates have been reported with use of closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) in high-risk patients. METHODS: A deep learning-based, risk-based prediction model was developed from a large national database of 72,435 patients who received infrainguinal vascular surgeries involving upper thigh/groin incisions. Patient demographics, histories, laboratory values, and other variables were inputs to the multilayered, adaptive model. The model was then retrospectively applied to a prospectively tracked single hospital data set of 370 similar patients undergoing vascular surgery, with ciNPT or control dressings applied over the closed incision at the surgeon's discretion. Objective predictive risk scores were generated for each patient and used to categorize patients as "high" or "low" predicted risk for SSI. RESULTS: Actual institutional cohort SSI rates were 10/148 (6.8%) and 28/134 (20.9%) for high-risk ciNPT versus control, respectively (P < 0.001), and 3/31 (9.7%) and 5/57 (8.8%) for low-risk ciNPT versus control, respectively (P = 0.99). Application of the model to the institutional cohort suggested that 205/370 (55.4%) patients were matched with their appropriate intervention over closed surgical incision (high risk with ciNPT or low risk with control), and 165/370 (44.6%) were inappropriately matched. With the model applied to the cohort, the predicted SSI rate with perfect utilization would be 27/370 (7.3%), versus 12.4% actual rate, with estimated cost savings of $231-$458 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with a subjective practice strategy, an objective risk-based strategy using prediction software may be associated with superior results in optimizing SSI rates and costs after vascular surgery.

Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy Efficacy in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in High-Risk Patients: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a known risk factor for surgical complications. Closed-incision negative-pressure therapy (ciNPT) has been used anecdotally in high-risk patients to prevent wound complications and infection. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of ciNPT in reducing the incidence of wound complications and infection in abdominal wall reconstruction. METHODS: A literature search using the PubMed/MEDLINE databases (2006-2016) was conducted to identify publications comparing ciNPT to standard incisional care for abdominal wall reconstruction. Outcomes of interest included surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, reoperation, and readmission. Overall rates and associations were pooled. A fixed and random effects model was used upon meta-analysis. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies met inclusion criteria. There were 1723 patients included, 681 in the ciNPT group, and 1042 in the standard incisional care group. The majority of patients were obese, diabetic, and had a recent history of smoking. On meta-analysis, the risk of surgical site infection decreased by 51% (relative risk: 0.51, 95% confidence interval [0.41-0.63]). The risk of wound dehiscence decreased by 51% (relative risk: 0.51, 95% confidence interval [0.34-0.76]). There was no significant decreased risk observed with ciNPT use for the outcomes of seroma, hematoma, reoperation, and readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ciNPT reduced the incidence of infection and wound dehiscence in patients with varying risk factors undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction. Future prospective randomized clinical trials are still needed to determine the efficacy of ciNPT in plastic surgery.

Prophylactic closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy is associated with decreased surgical site infection in high-risk colorectal surgery laparotomy wounds.

AIM: Surgical site infection in colorectal surgery is associated with significant healthcare costs, which may be reduced by using a closed-incision negative-pressure therapy device. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of closed-incision negative-pressure therapy on the incidence of surgical site infection. METHOD: In this retrospective cohort study we evaluated all patients who had undergone high-risk open colorectal surgery at a single tertiary care centre from 2012 to 2016. We compared the incidence of surgical site infection between those receiving standard postoperative wound care between 2012 and 2014 and those receiving closed-incision negative-pressure therapy via a customizable device (Prevena Incision Management System, KCI, an Acelity company, San Antonio, Texas, USA) between 2014 and 2016. A validated surgical site infection risk score was used to create a 1:1 matched cohort subset. RESULTS: Negative pressure therapy was used in 77 patients and compared with 238 controls. Negative pressure patients were more likely to have a stoma (92% vs 48%, P < 0.01) and to be smokers (33% vs 15%, P < 0.01). Surgical site infection was higher in control patients (15%, n = 35/238) compared with negative pressure patients (7%, n = 5/77) (P = 0.05). On regression analysis, negative pressure therapy was associated with decreased surgical site infection (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.09-0.78). These differences persisted in the matched analysis. CONCLUSION: Negative pressure therapy was associated with decreased surgical site infection. Negative pressure therapy offers significant potential for quality improvement.

Evaluation of closed incision negative pressure therapy systems on the closure of incisional space model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the ability of foam dressing-based and non-foam-based closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) systems to close isolated incisional deficits in a tissue model. METHODS: Similarly sized foam-based and non-foam-based absorbent ciNPT dressings were applied to ~36cm long, ~3mm and ~6mm wide simulated incisions in gel sheets covered with drape (n=6 dressings/group/experimental condition spread over three respective therapy units). Changes in incision widths were measured directly or with overlying solid gel sheeting (to mimic tissue resistance), at five equally spaced locations before, immediately upon and one hour after initiating negative pressure using associated therapy units. RESULTS: Foam-based ciNPT closed simulated incisions more often than non-foam-based ciNPT in all tested conditions (p<0.05). While foam-based ciNPT almost completely closed the ~3mm wide incisional spaces, unlike non-foam-based ciNPT, the biggest differences between the two groups were observed with the ~6mm incisional width, which allowed maximal inward-stretching of the appositional faces without complete closure. The additional gel layer blunted closure in both groups, but much more with non-foam-based ciNPT. There was minimal impact of negative pressure duration on these results. CONCLUSION: Foam-based ciNPT closed incisional widths in simulated tissue significantly more compared with non-foam-based ciNPT. Different ciNPT systems should not be considered necessarily equivalent in performance.

Closed-incision negative pressure therapy to reduce groin wound infections in vascular surgery: a randomised controlled trial.

Groin wound infections pose a major problem in vascular surgery. Closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) was especially designed for the management of incisions at risk of surgical site infections. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ciNPT is able to reduce the incidence of wound infections after vascular surgery. Data on 132 consecutive patients, scheduled for vascular surgery with a longitudinal femoral cutdown, were collected prospectively. All patients were randomised either to the ciNPT group (n = 64) or the control group (n = 68) with conventional dressing. In the ciNPT group, the foam dressing was applied intraoperatively and removed after 5 days. The control group received an absorbent dressing. All wounds were evaluated after 5 and 42 days. Infections were graded according the Szilagyi classification (I-III°). There were no significant differences between both groups considering patient characteristics. Indications for surgery were peripheral arterial disease in 95% (125/132) and aneurysm in 5% (7/132). The overall infection rates were 14% (9/64) in the ciNPT group and 28% (19/68) in the control group (P = 0·055). Early infections were observed in 6% (4/64) of the ciNPT group and 15% (10/68) of the control group (P = 0·125). ciNPT did not reduce infection rates associated with different risk factors for infection. While the experiences with the ciNPT device were encouraging, the study fails to provide evidence of the efficacy of the device to reduce groin wound infections after vascular surgery. It illustrates far more that larger multicentre studies are required and appear promising to provide further evidence for the use of ciNPT.

Reduction of groin wound complications in vascular surgery patients using closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT): a prospective, randomised, single-institution study.

Groin wound infections in patients undergoing vascular procedures often cause a lengthy process of wound healing. Several clinical studies and case reports show a reduction of surgical site infections (SSIs) in various wound types after using closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT). The aim of this prospective, randomised, single-institution study was to investigate the effectiveness of ciNPT (PREVENA™ Therapy) compared to conventional therapy on groin incisions after vascular surgery. From 1 February to 30 October 2015, 100 patients with 129 groin incisions were analysed. Patients were randomised and treated with either ciNPT (n = 58 groins) or the control dressing (n = 71 groins). ciNPT was applied intraoperatively and removed on days 5-7 postoperatively. The control group received a conventional adhesive plaster. Wound evaluation based on the Szilagyi classification took place postoperatively on days 5-7 and 30. Compared to the control group, the ciNPT group showed a significant reduction in wound complications (P < 0·0005) after both wound evaluation periods and in revision surgeries (P = 0·022) until 30 days postoperatively. Subgroup analysis revealed that ciNPT had a significant effect on almost all examined risk factors for wound healing. ciNPT significantly reduced the incidence of incision complications and revision procedures after vascular surgery.

Experience using closed incision negative pressure wound therapy in sternotomy patients.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative delayed wound healing, surgical site infections (SSIs), and other wound complications are associated with increased morbidity and health-care costs. In cardiothoracic surgery, wound complications can have life-threatening consequences. In recent years, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been applied over closed surgical incisions to help reduce tension and protect from external contamination. We report our initial experiences using a closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) over clean, closed sternotomy incisions at an Irish tertiary referral centre. METHOD: A retrospective record review identified 10 patients (4 females, 6 males) where ciNPT was used following sternotomy for cardiac surgery or other mediastinal surgery between January 2012 and March 2013. RESULTS: The patients had an average age of 71.5±14.18 years (range: 44-89 years). Patient comorbidities included obesity, hypertension, active tobacco use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes mellitus. Patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR and CABG, or removal of a thymic mass or mediastinal cyst. ciNPT was left in place for an average of 6±0.82 days. All incisions healed without complications. CONCLUSION: ciNPT use should be considered for patients at risk for postoperative SSI development or other wound complications.

Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy Versus Antimicrobial Dressings After Revision Hip and Knee Surgery: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the efficacy of closed-incision negative-pressure therapy (ciNPT) in decreasing wound complications and surgical site infections (SSIs) after revision hip and knee surgery. METHODS: A retrospective quality improvement analysis of 138 consecutive revision hip and knee operations performed by a single surgeon over a 34-month period was performed. ciNPT was used selectively in higher-risk patients with multiple risk factors for SSIs over the last 15 months of the study period. Rates of wound complications, SSIs, and reoperation were compared with patients treated with a sterile antimicrobial dressing. RESULTS: Antimicrobial dressings were used in 108 patients, whereas ciNPT was used in 30 patients. Patients treated with ciNPT developed fewer overall wound complications (6.7% vs 26.9%, P = .024) and fewer total SSIs (3.3% vs 18.5%, P = .045) than patients treated with antimicrobial dressings. In addition, there were trends toward a lower rate of superficial wound dehiscence (6.7% vs 19.4%, P = .163), fewer deep periprosthetic joint infections (0.0% vs 9.3%, P = .118), and fewer reoperations (3.3% vs 13.0%, P = .191) among patients treated with ciNPT. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that ciNPT may decrease wound complications and SSIs in patients undergoing revision hip and knee surgery.

Is Staged Surgery Always Necessary for Schatzker Type IV-VI Tibial Plateau Fractures? A Comparison Study.

AIMS: This study aims to compare the outcomes of immediate (followed by closed-incision negative-pressure therapy use) versus delayed ORIF in patients with Schatzker type IV-VI TPFs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of patients undergoing ORIF between January 2018 and December 2019 was performed. The inclusion criteria were patients (>18 years) with a closed fracture sent to the emergency room (ER) within 24 h of injury. All the patients underwent preoperative image evaluation. Two senior orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluated the soft tissue condition in the ER by 5P's of the compartment syndrome, judging the timing of the operation of definitive ORIF. Group 1 (n = 16) received delayed ORIF. Group 2 (n = 16) received immediate ORIF and ciNPT use. Patient follow-up occurred after 2 and 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The assessments included the time to definitive fixation, the length of hospital stay, the time to bone union, surgical site complications, and reoperation within 12 months. A universal goniometer was used to measure the postoperative 3 m, 6 m, and 12 m ROM. RESULTS: The patient demographics were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Group 2 displayed significantly a shorter time to definitive fixation (5.94 ± 2.02 vs. 0.61 ± 0.28, p < 0.0001) and hospital stay (14.90 ± 8/78 vs. 10.30 ± 6.78, p = 0.0016). No significant difference was observed in the time to bone union, surgical site complication incidence, and reoperation rates (p > 0.05). Flexion and flexion-extension knee ROM were demonstrated to be significantly improved in Group 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, early ORIF and ciNPT use resulted in a shorter hospital length of stay, a reduced time to early active motion of the knee, and improved knee ROM. These results suggest that early ORIF with ciNPT for Schatzker type IV-VI TPFs is safe and effective in some patients. However, further research to confirm these findings across larger and more diverse populations is needed.

Closed-incision negative pressure therapy as a strategy to reduce sternal wound infection in identified high-risk patients: a multicentre propensity matched study.

OBJECTIVES: The premise of this retrospective study was to evaluate the intraoperative use of closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) to help reduce the incidence of postoperative sternal wound infections in multimorbid patients with an elevated risk of developing a sternal wound infection post cardiac surgery versus a cohort that received standard-of-care dressings. METHODS: Data for all adult patients were collected from each cardiothoracic surgery unit across 3 hospitals in the United Kingdom. High-risk patients had 2 or more recognized risk factors. Fisher's exact test (two-tailed) and unpaired t-test were used to help analyse categorical and continuous data. Propensity matching was performed to compare the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 5,288 patients who had cardiac surgery were included. Propensity matching led to 766 matched cases. There were significantly fewer sternal wound infections in the ciNPT group [43 (5.6%) vs 119 (15.5%) cases; P = 0.0001], as well as fewer deep sternal wound infections [14 (1.8%) vs 31 (4.0%) cases; P = 0.0149] and superficial sternal wound infections [29 (3.8%) vs 88 (11.4%) cases; P = 0.0001]. A higher mean length of stay in the ciNPT group was statistically significant (11.23 ± 13 vs 9.66 ± 10 days; P = 0.0083) as was a significantly higher mean logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) (11.143 ± 13 vs 8.094 ± 11; P = 0.0001). A statistically significant higher readmission to the intensive care unit due to sternal wound infection was noted for the controls [16 (2.08%) vs 3 (0.39%) readmissions; P = 0.0042]. CONCLUSIONS: The ciNPT appears to be an effective intervention to help reduce the incidence of sternal wound infection in high-risk individuals undergoing cardiac surgery.

PROphylactic closed incision Negative-PRESSure treatment in open incisional hernia repair: Protocol for a multicenter randomized trial (PROPRESS study).

Background: Negative Pressure Therapy in closed incisions (ciNPT) after surgery has shown positive effects including reduction of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) incidence. In patients undergoing elective open incisional hernia repair, however, ciNPT is not standard care, perhaps due to high-quality evidence still not provided. This study hypothesizes that this patient group would benefit from ciNPT by reducing wound complications and improving postoperative quality of life. Method: This is a multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) including a total of 110 patients allocated in a 1:1 ratio with one intervention arm and one active control arm receiving ciNPT (i.e., Prevena™) and standard wound dressing, respectively. The primary outcome is the incidence of SSI at 30 days postoperatively and secondary outcomes are 1) pooled incidence of Surgical Site Occurrence (SSO), 2) patient-reported pain and satisfaction with the scar, and 3) hernia-related quality of life. Conclusion: Patients undergoing elective open incisional hernia repair are fragile with a high risk of wound complication development. This multicenter RCT seeks to deliver the high-quality evidence needed to establish the role ciNPT must play for exactly this group with the aim of reducing SSI incidence and health economic costs, and finally improving quality of life. There are no theoretical or clinical experience of unwanted consequences of this treatment.

A Cost-Utility Analysis of the Use of Closed-Incision Negative Pressure System in Vascular Surgery Groin Incisions.

OBJECTIVE: Closed-incision negative pressure therapy (CINPT) with the Prevena system has been used and clinically evaluated in high-risk groin incisions to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis evaluating CINPT in femoral-popliteal bypass with prosthetic graft. METHODS: A literature review looking at prospective randomized trials determined the probabilities and outcomes for femoral-popliteal bypass with and without CINPT. Reported utility scores were used to estimate the quality adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with a successful procedure and postoperative complications. Medicare current procedure terminology and diagnosis-related group codes were used to assess the costs for a successful surgery and associated complications. A decision analysis tree was constructed with rollback analysis to highlight the more cost-effective strategy. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) analysis was performed with a willingness to pay at $50,000. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the results, and to accommodate for the uncertainty in the literature. RESULTS: Femoral-popliteal bypass with CINPT is less costly ($40,138 vs $41,774) and more effective (6.14 vs 6.13) compared to without CINPT. This resulted in a negative ICER of -234,764.03, which favored CINPT, indicating a dominant strategy. In one-way sensitivity analysis, surgery without CINPT was more cost-effective if the probability of successful surgery falls below 84.9% or if the cost of CINPT exceeds $3139. Monte Carlo analysis showed a confidence of 99.07% that CINPT is more cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the added device cost of CINPT, it is cost-effective in vascular surgical operations using groin incisions.

Patient experiences of closed-incision negative pressure therapy on groin incisions after discharge following peripheral arterial surgery: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Closed-incision negative pressure therapy may lower the risk of surgical site infections in patients after peripheral arterial surgery. AIM: To explore patient experience of negative pressure therapy applied to groin incisions after discharge following peripheral arterial surgery, and to study their perception and attitudes toward the self-care information sheet they received at the vascular department. METHODS: A qualitative study underpinned by Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics was conducted semi-structured interviews by telephone around day seven after therapy ended with ten participants. All had received self-care information sheet at the discharge and been home with closed-incision negative pressure therapy for 3-6 days. The participants had open peripheral arterial surgery in the groin in form of femoral thromboendarterectomy. Kvale and Brinkmann's research guided the data collection, analysis, and interpretation. FINDINGS: Patients found themselves coping with an unfamiliar situation after peripheral arterial surgery and the need arose to conceal the pump and tubing that were part of their incision treatment to protect their self-image. Their treatment became a constant companion, with some patients viewing the equipment as an extension of their bodies and others feeling its impact on activities of daily living. Patients perceived the treatment as providing reassurance, albeit with constraints, leading to feelings of manageability and an increasing sense of control. They viewed the written information as informative but with room for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Patient experiences of closed-incision negative pressure therapy on groin incisions after discharge following peripheral arterial surgery showed that they perceived it as safe and manageable. Patients need support, however, in learning how to hide the treatment and to expand their own involvement and improve self-care. The study found that patient involvement and individually tailored information is essential to facilitating a healthy transition from hospital to self-care at home and that written information must be improved further.

Treatment of Complex Thoracic and Abdominal Trauma Patients: A Review of Literature and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Treatment Options.

Significance: In trauma care, extensive surgical intervention may be required. Damage control surgery (DCS) is applicable to patients with life or limb-threatening conditions that are incapable of tolerating a traditional surgical approach. Recent Advances: The current resuscitation strategy for complex trauma patients includes limiting crystalloid fluids, balanced mass transfusion protocols, permissive hypotension, and damage control resuscitation. Recent technological advancements in surgical critical care have improved outcomes in these critically ill patients. Critical Issues: DCS, which is often required in patients with trauma injuries, is typically followed by surgical correction of the injury once the immediate patient survival procedures have been completed. However, DCS and the subsequent injury repair procedures have a high risk for postsurgical complication development. Future Directions: Negative pressure therapy modalities can offer clinicians additional adjunctive and cost-effective tools for the management of the trauma care patient, as these systems can be utilized during both the DCS and the postoperative injury management phases of trauma care.

Simple and Efficient Pressure Ulcer Reconstruction via Primary Closure Combined with Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (CiNPWT)-Experience of a Single Surgeon.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy (CiNPWT) when combined with primary closure (PC) in a patient with pressure ulcers, based on one single surgeon's experience at our medical center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with stage III or IV pressure ulcers who underwent reconstruction surgery. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, cause and location of defect, comorbidities, lesion size, wound reconstruction methods, operation time, debridement times, application of CiNPWT to reconstructed wounds, duration of hospital stay, and wound complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Operation time (38.16 ± 14.02 vs. 84.73 ± 48.55 min) and duration of hospitalization (36.78 ± 26.92 vs. 56.70 ± 58.43 days) were shorter in the PC + CiNPWT group than in the traditional group. The frequency of debridement (2.13 ± 0.98 vs. 2.76 ± 2.20 times) was also lower in the PC + CiNPWT group than in the traditional group. The average reconstructed wound size did not significantly differ between the groups (63.47 ± 42.70 vs. 62.85 ± 49.94 cm2), and there were no significant differences in wound healing (81.25% vs. 75.38%), minor complications (18.75% vs. 21.54%), major complications (0% vs. 3.85%), or mortality (6.25% vs. 10.00%) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that PC combined with CiNPWT represents an alternative reconstruction option for patients with pressure ulcers, especially in those for whom prolonged anesthesia is unsuitable.