Research advances on the application of negative pressure wound therapy in free flap transplantation surgery
Negative pressure wound therapy(NPWT)is a therapy that utilizes continuous vacuum negative pressure to manage wounds,and it is commonly employed in treating various wounds.The local application of NPWT technology is helpful in removing wound exudate,decreasing bacterial infection,and stimulating the formation of blood vessels and granulation tissue,thus providing a good base for free flap transplantation.However,there is controversy over whether NPWT should be performed after free flap transplantation.Researches showed that NPWT combined with free flap transplantation could promote wound healing and reduce complications.Additionally,applying NPWT in the wounds of flap donor areas can decrease wound tension,promote wound healing,and improve pigmentation.This paper aims to review literature related to the clinical use of NPWT in free flap transplantation,providing a theoretical basis for their combined application.