Journal of reconstructive microsurgery
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J Reconstr Microsurg · Mar 2018
Use of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Skin-Containing Free Tissue Transfer.
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was initially introduced for wound management, but its benefits have stimulated the investigation of its use in new clinical scenarios. Most recently, incisional NPWT has been shown to be a benefit. Incisional NPWT applied to skin-containing free tissue transfer has not been well defined. This may originate from concerns of dressing material obscuring frequent examination of the newly transferred tissue or risk of pedicle compression and potential for increased risk of tissue loss. We aim to describe incisional NPWT in cutaneous free tissue transfer. ⋯ NPWT may be employed in a fashion similar to the standard incisional application. With this technique, serial flap examination remains possible and is not associated with pedicle compression or increased rates of flap loss. Interestingly, no splints were utilized with the VAC device which itself may serve as a relative immobilizer of an extremity.