Negative pressure wound therapy versus conventional debridement in subcutaneous abdominal wound healing in obese patients following obstetric/gynaecologic surgery

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of negative pressure wound therapy plus debridement (NPWT+D) compared to conventional debridement (CD) in cases of subcutaneous abdominal wound healing impairment (SAWHI) following obstetric and gynaecological surgery. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study examined data from patients with obesity (body mass index ≥30kg/m²) who experienced SAWHI after surgical site infections following obstetric and gynaecological procedures. Patients were divided into two groups according to treatment methods: the control group received standard care with debridement alone (CD group), while the remainder received NPWT+D (NPWT+D group). Data were collected from patient medical records, focusing on: demographic factors; comorbidities; wound characteristics; perioperative data; wound healing; hospital stay; intravenous treatment; infection rates; and dressing counts. RESULTS: The data of 103 patients were reviewed. The NPWT+D group (n=50) demonstrated shorter wound healing times than the CD group (n=53) (11.3±4.2 days versus 14.9±6.4 days, respectively; p=0.004) and markedly fewer debridement sessions (3.7±1.5 versus 14.5±5.9, respectively; p<0.001). Additionally, reinfection rates were significantly lower in the NPWT+D group compared with the CD group (4.0% versus 24.5%, respectively; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The findings of this retrospective study showed that NPWT, when integrated with surgical debridement, demonstrated significant efficacy in managing SAWHI following obstetric and gynaecological procedures. Compared to CD, NPWT+D was associated with accelerated wound healing and decreased frequency of dressing changes, thereby minimising patient discomfort and healthcare resource use.