Topical negative pressure wound therapy to prevent wound complications following caesarean delivery in high-risk obstetric patients: A randomised controlled trial

Background and aims: We investigated whether the use of a prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system in women undergoing caesarean would decrease wound complications in a high-risk population.

Materials and methods: A randomised controlled trial was performed. Women with risk factors for wound complications undergoing caesarean delivery were randomised to a standard dressing or NPWT placed over their caesarean wound. We standardised the closure of the subcutaneous fat and skin layers, both with Vicryl. Patients were followed for wound complications for up to 6 weeks after their caesareans. The incidence of wound complications was the primary outcome. The single-use NPWT system, PICO, was provided by Smith and Nephew for use in this trial. The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov, # NCT03082664.

Results: We report here on 154 women randomised to either a standard dressing or to the NPWT. Wound complication rates were equivalent between groups, with 19.4 and 19.7% (P = 0.43) of women with follow-up information available experiencing wound complications.

Conclusion: We found no difference in wound complications in women with risk factors treated with a prophylactic NPWT system or standard wound dressing at the time of caesarean birth.