Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy in patients with closed surgical wound: an integrative review

Surgical site infection is the leading healthcare-associated infection and a major contributor to rising healthcare costs. Implementation of measures to reduce this problem, particularly the prophylactic use of negative pressure wound therapy, may be an effective and promising method to reduce the risk of surgical site infection in patients with closed surgical wounds. The aim of the study was to identify the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy as a prophylactic measure in reducing the risk of surgical site infection in patients with a closed surgical wound. Whittemore and Knafl’s five-step integrative review framework was carried out using three electronic databases. MEDLINE with Full-text, CINAHL with Full-text and Academic Search Complete were searched through the EBSCOhost Web platform. Articles search publication date was between 2018 and 2022. Nine studies were identified that addressed the effectiveness of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy in reducing the risk of surgical site infection in the patient with a closed surgical wound. There was also evidence of effectiveness in reducing surgical wound dehiscence, drainage output and drainage time, as well as reducing the incidence of hospital readmissions and the need for wound debridement. Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy can be an effective treatment option, among others, in reducing the risk of surgical site infection in patients with a closed surgical wound. This evidence promotes improved clinical practice regarding the management of the closed surgical wound, promoting health gains for patients.