A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of negative-pressure wound therapy to standard therapy in the prevention of complications after vascular surgery.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings reduce wound complications in a variety of settings but it is unclear whether they reduce groin wound complications in closed incisions after vascular surgery. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Randomised controlled trials on the use of negative pressure wound dressings on closed groin incisions following vascular surgery were identified from an electronic search of abstract databases, conference proceedings and article reference lists. The primary outcome was surgical site infection (SSI) and secondary outcomes were seromas, readmissions within 30 days postoperatively, reoperations and length of stay. RESULTS: 7 exploratory trials involving 935 incisions and an unclear number of patients were identified. 4 trials yielded primary outcome results that favoured NPWT. Meta-analysis found that NPWT dressings reduced SSIs (RR 0.47; 95%CI 0.31-0.70; 3 studies, 422 patients). No other meta-analyses could be performed. CONCLUSION: NPWT dressings are a promising intervention that may reduce the incidence of groin wound complications following vascular surgery. However, further large-scale well-designed studies are needed before NPWT dressings can become the standard of care.