Negative-pressure wound therapy for high-risk surgical incision wounds using an ultra-portable device: 11 cases
Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) involves the application of subatmospheric pressure to a wound to help in the healing process. The objective of this case series was to evaluate the clinical experience using ultra-portable NPWT devices on high-risk closed incisions after surgical management of complex non-healing wounds. Data were available for eight dogs and three cats. Wound aetiologies varied from traumatic, neoplastic and foreign body. Application and maintenance of the portable device were technically easy in most cases, finding some difficulties when applied to curved body surfaces. All patients’ outcome was highly rewarding. This case series suggests that portable NPWT helps in achieving full recovery, increases comfort allowing early ambulation and feeding, and reduces hospitalisation time. Their reduced size is suitable for smaller animals, enhancing their therapeutic use in veterinary medicine.