Federico Facchin1, Andrea Pagani2, Paolo Marchica3, Laura Pandis3, Carlotta Scarpa3, Tito Brambullo3, Franco Bassetto3, Vincenzo Vindigni3. 1. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, University of Padova, Via Nicolò Giustininani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy. federicofacchin@yahoo.it. 2. Clinic and Policlinic of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. 3. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, University of Padova, Via Nicolò Giustininani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Due to the great impact of bariatric surgery on the overweight epidemic, the number of post-bariatric body-contouring procedures is constantly increasing worldwide. The portable incisional negative pressure wound therapy (piNPWT) is a promising medical device for accelerating wounds closure and controlling post-operative complication, which have been shown promising results in post-bariatric population. We aimed to evaluate the role of piNPWT in optimizing wound healing and controlling post-operative complications after a post-bariatric brachioplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 26 post-bariatric female patients who underwent a brachioplasty followed by either a piNPWT (14 cases) or a standard wound treatment (12 controls) were analyzed. The number of post-operative dressing changes, the rate of local post-operative complications (re-operation, hematoma and serosa development, dehiscence and necrosis), the time to dry as well as the scar quality and hospitalization length were evaluated. RESULTS: None of the patients prematurely stopped treatment with piNPWT due to intolerance. The piNPWT patient group showed a significant lower healing time as well as a significant reduction of the number of post-operative dressing changes and hospital stay. Despite the scarring process was excellent from the functional point of view in the long term, we noticed a higher rate of hyperchromic scarring at 90 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: The piNPWT is a cost-effective and user-friendly medical tool that increase and promote wound healing. We suggest the use of this device in post-bariatric patients who undergo a brachioplasty, especially if there is the need to minimize the number of post-operative dressing changes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
BACKGROUND: Due to the great impact of bariatric surgery on the overweight epidemic, the number of post-bariatric body-contouring procedures is constantly increasing worldwide. The portable incisional negative pressure wound therapy (piNPWT) is a promising medical device for accelerating wounds closure and controlling post-operative complication, which have been shown promising results in post-bariatric population. We aimed to evaluate the role of piNPWT in optimizing wound healing and controlling post-operative complications after a post-bariatric brachioplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 26 post-bariatric female patients who underwent a brachioplasty followed by either a piNPWT (14 cases) or a standard wound treatment (12 controls) were analyzed. The number of post-operative dressing changes, the rate of local post-operative complications (re-operation, hematoma and serosa development, dehiscence and necrosis), the time to dry as well as the scar quality and hospitalization length were evaluated. RESULTS: None of the patients prematurely stopped treatment with piNPWT due to intolerance. The piNPWT patient group showed a significant lower healing time as well as a significant reduction of the number of post-operative dressing changes and hospital stay. Despite the scarring process was excellent from the functional point of view in the long term, we noticed a higher rate of hyperchromic scarring at 90 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: The piNPWT is a cost-effective and user-friendly medical tool that increase and promote wound healing. We suggest the use of this device in post-bariatric patients who undergo a brachioplasty, especially if there is the need to minimize the number of post-operative dressing changes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.