Impact of closed-incision negative pressure therapy in donor-site complications in DIEP flap breast reconstruction: Analysis of 705 patients and 1125 flaps.

BACKGROUND: Closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) has been shown to reduce complication rates in breast reconstruction (BR). This study aimed to evaluate postoperative outcomes in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) donor-site incisions managed with ciNPT compared to standard dressings. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients ≥18 years who underwent DIEP flap BR from 2015 to 2023. Patients who underwent reconstruction with alternative flaps or converted to transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous were excluded. Patients were categorized according to the use of ciNPT vs. standard dressings. The unpaired t- and Fisher's Exact tests were used to assess the differences between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 705 patients were included, with 68 (9.6%) managed with ciNPT. Patients treated with ciNPT had significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) (34.0 vs. 28.5 kg/m2; p<0.001) compared to the control group. Higher rates of alcohol use (59.2% vs. 41.2%; p=0.006) and hormonal therapy use (41.3% vs. 17.9%; p<0.001) were found in the standard dressing group. Univariate analyses showed no significant differences in donor-site postoperative outcomes across the groups. However, multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated a reduced likelihood of surgical site infection (OR 0.187; 95% CI 0.045-0.768); p=0.020), and wound dehiscence (OR 0.338; 95% CI 0.155-0.738); p=0.006) among the ciNPT users. Particularly, in patients with BMI >30 kg/m2, ciNPT use (OR 0.282; 95% CI 0.098-0.812; p=0.019) was found to be a significant protective factor against wound complications compared to the standard of care. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ciNPT may improve wound complication rates in DIEP flap donor sites, especially in patients with high BMI. Further research is necessary to elucidate the cost-effectiveness of ciNPT based on the patient risk profiles.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) has been shown to reduce complication rates in breast reconstruction (BR). This study aimed to evaluate postoperative outcomes in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) donor-site incisions managed with ciNPT compared to standard dressings.

Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist

More peer-reviewed studies in Klinische Studien.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Efficacy of Medicinal Leech Therapy in Diverse Clinical Applications: A Comprehensive Study from Azerbaijan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review — Foppiani J et al. (2024)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →