A case series describing combined negative pressure wound therapy and split-thickness skin graft as a method of sterilizing and closing midline laparotomy wounds near ostomies.

BACKGROUND

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) promotes wound sterilization, improves tissue granulation, and ensures appropriate wound healing. Its potential in contaminated abdominal procedures is still under study, but the results are promising.

PURPOSE: This research provides insight into the use of NPWT for the effective preparation of laparotomy wounds in close proximity to ostomies. It also demonstrates the application of NPWT systems for successful skin graft take under these conditions.

METHODS

The authors describe 3 cases in the burn unit of an academic hospital in the northeastern United States treated successfully with a combination of NPWT and skin grafting to manage open abdominal laparotomy wounds in close proximity to ostomies.

RESULTS

NPWT improved skin graft survival by promoting the creation of a clean base, which is important for ensuring appropriate skin graft take, and strengthening the bond between the graft and the recipient wound bed.

CONCLUSION

Despite these successful results, evidence in this area is still mixed and would benefit from further studies in the field.