Does negative pressure wound therapy applied to closed incisions following ventral hernia repair prevent wound complications and hernia recurrence? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Edward W. Swanson, Hsu Tang Cheng, Srinivas M. Susarla, Denver M. Lough, Anand R. Kumar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical technique, ventral hernia repair (VHR) remains associated with significant postoperative wound complications. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to identify whether the application of negative pressure wound therapy to closed incisions (iNPWT) following VHR reduces the risk of postoperative wound complications and hernia recurrence. METHODS: The PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies published through October 2015. Publications that met the following criteria were included: adult patients undergoing VHR; comparison of iNPWT with conventional dressings; and documentation of wound complications and/or hernia recurrence. The methodological quality of included studies was independently assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies guidelines. Outcomes assessed included surgical site infection (SSI), wound dehiscence, seroma, and hernia recurrence. Meta-analysis was performed to obtain pooled ORs. RESULTS: Five retrospective cohort studies including 477 patients undergoing VHR were included in the final analysis. The use of iNPWT decreased SSI (OR 0.33 [95% CI 0.20 to 0.55]; P<0.0001), wound dehiscence (OR 0.21 [95% CI 0.08 to 0.55]; P=0.001) and ventral hernia recurrence (OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.08 to 0.75]; P=0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of seroma formation (OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.27 to 1.27]; P=0.18). CONCLUSION: For patients undergoing VHR, current evidence suggests a decreased incidence in wound complications using incisional NPWT compared with conventional dressings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)113-118
Number of pages6
JournalCanadian Journal of Plastic Surgery
Volume24
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2016

Keywords

  • Abdominal wall reconstruction
  • Closed incision
  • Hernia recurrence
  • Negative pressure wound therapy
  • Seroma
  • Surgical site infection
  • Vacuum-assisted closure
  • Ventral hernia repair
  • Wound complications
  • Wound dehiscence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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