Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Reduces SSIs

In a systematic review of 85 trials, incisional negative pressure wound therapy (INPWT) significantly lowered the risk of overall surgical site infections (SSIs) and related wound complications compared to standard dressings.

• INPWT reduced overall SSI risk by 36% (RR 0.64) and deep SSIs by 34% (RR 0.66).
• Associated lower risks were found for wound dehiscence (RR 0.73) and seromas (RR 0.77), with NNT for SSI at 21.
• However, INPWT increased risks of skin blistering (RR 4.51) and device-related adverse events (RR 11.87), with NNH for blistering at 18.

Consider INPWT for patients at high risk of incisional complications, but balance against increased blistering and adverse events.