Optimising the use of traditional NPWT in plastic and reconstructive surgery

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been widely adopted for a broad range of wound indications in both the inpatient and outpatient setting since its introduction in clinical practice in the 1990s (Bobkiewicz et al, 2014).

An expert international panel of specialist surgeons with a high level of experience of NPWT in plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) convened to discuss the appropriate use of NPWT in this specialty.

Throughout the course of the panel meeting, they were encouraged to identify the limitations, cautions, contraindications and advantages of NPWT usage in PRS.