Evaluating the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in optimizing chronic lower limb wounds.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in optimizing chronic lower limb wounds of various etiologies. Study Design: Descriptive, Prospective. Setting: Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. Period: December 2024 to November 2025. Methods: A total of 100 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. NPWT was applied after proper debridement, using intermittent negative pressure ranging from -90 to -120 mmHg. Wounds were assessed for granulation tissue, infection status, and size reduction. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean age of patients was 50.27 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Trauma (42%) was the most common etiology. NPWT resulted in a significant wound size reduction from 18.2 cm² to 12.0 cm² (p = 0.002), with 100% of patients developing granulation tissue. Healing occurred by secondary intention in 38% and primary closure in 27% of cases. Overall efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy was 81%. The therapy was well-tolerated with minimal complications. Conclusion: negative pressure wound therapy proved effective in promoting granulation tissue formation, reducing wound size, and preparing chronic lower limb wounds for closure, supporting its role as a valuable tool in managing chronic wounds.