Impact of gauze-based NPWT on the patient and nursing experience in the treatment of challenging wounds

Abstract

Negative pressure wound therapy is widely used in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds; however, pain during dressing changes, which is often associated with pain on the commencement and cessation of pressure application and because of in-growth of new granulation tissue into interstices of foam dressings, is often experienced. Anecdotal reports have suggested that choice of gauze as the negative pressure wound therapy dressing may reduce the pain associated with dressing changes. A prospective, multi-center, non-comparative clinical investigation was carried out using gauze-based negative pressure wound therapy in chronic and acute wounds. Over 152 patients were evaluated. Median duration of therapy was 18 days with 91% of patients progressing towards healing at the end of therapy. Wound pain and odour were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) over the course of therapy. Wound pain during dressing changes was reported to be absent in 80% of dressing removals. No damage to the wound bed following dressing removal was observed in 96% of dressing changes. Dressing applications were considered easy in 79% of assessments and took a median of 20 min to complete. In patients susceptible to pain, gauze-based negative pressure therapy may be a viable option to maximise patient comfort.