[NPWT]: Evolution of Indications for its Use

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy [NPWT], or Vacuum-assisted closure therapy [VAC therapy], is a therapeutic method using a special sponge or gauze dressing with a vacuum device to promote wound healing. Aim of the study was to assess changes in indications for use of NPWT as well as evaluation of results of its use during the last ten years by comparing the literature published in the years 2002 and 2012. An analysis made of peer-reviewed publications [Pubmed] chosen on the basis of inclusion of the term negative pressure wound therapy [NPWT]. We compared numbers and issues of papers published in the years 2002 and 2012. Number of papers concerning NPWT increased from 16 in 2002 to 249 in 2012. Indications for its use were also evaluated from healing wounds after sternotomy, diabetic foot, pressure ulcers to laparostomy wounds, infected by-pass, infected mesh after hernioplasty and many others. NPWT, when used on for right indication and especially by experienced healthcare professionals [e.g. surgeons], is an excellent tool to support wound healing, but further prospective studies are needed to understand the exact mechanism of its action.