Exploring the Effectiveness of Unpowered Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Exploring the Effectiveness of Unpowered Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Non-powered Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) on the healing of abdominal surgical wounds. It is designed as a randomized controlled trial with an experimental group (using NPWT) and a control group (conventional wound care). The study aims to recruit 160 participants: 80 with acute wounds and 80 with chronic wounds. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group (40 acute wounds, 40 chronic wounds) or the control group (40 acute wounds, 40 chronic wounds). The study will assess wound healing rates and speed, quality of life, self-perceived health status, pain levels, complications, and wound care costs using indicators. Effectiveness will be analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). The study anticipates that results will contribute to evaluating the effects of Non-powered NPWT on wound healing, quality of life, pain, and cost-effectiveness in patients with acute and chronic wounds.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with acute wounds (wound duration <4 weeks) or chronic wounds (wound duration ≥4 weeks).
2. Wound depth <2 cm.
3. Age ≥18 years.
4. Patients who have been evaluated and approved for participation by their attending physician.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with unstable vital signs.
2. Presence of ischemia in the wound or surrounding tissues.
3. Fragile skin around the wound.
4. Severe wound infection or necrotic tissue.
5. Wound size >10 × 20 cm.