Background: Closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) is effective in reducing postoperative complications, yet its use in free flap breast reconstruction mastectomy wound remains controversial due to concerns that external pressure may compromise the microvascular pedicle. Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted on 253 patients (283 flaps) undergoing immediate DIEP flap reconstruction between 2012 and 2025. Patients were stratified into a ciNPWT group and a conventional dressing group. Outcomes included flap survival, wound complications, healing time, and length of stay (LOS). Multivariable regression models adjusted for confounders, including BMI and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
253
Application of a negative pressure wound therapy system over primarily closed surgical incisions to reduce surgical site complications, including infection, seroma formation, wound dehiscence, and delayed wound healing.
Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital
Chiayi City, Taiwan
Incidence of surgical site complications
Flap survival rate(%), wound complications rate(%), healing time (minute), and length of stay (LOS)(days). Multivariable regression models adjusted for confounders, including BMI 【Body Mass Index ,body weight(kg)/height(m)/height(m)】and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Time frame: Within 30 days following surgery
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