Topical Negative Pressure Wound Therapy to Prevent Wound Complications Following Cesarean Delivery in High-Risk Obstetric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

(Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2023;63:516–520) The prevalence of cesarean deliveries (CD) has surged in recent decades, paralleling an uptick in medical complications during pregnancy linked to delayed childbearing and rising obesity rates. Consequently, post-CD wound complications have become a significant health concern. Mitigating these complications is a priority, with various wound vacuum systems available. While concerns persist about their effectiveness compared to standard treatments, some evidence suggests modest benefits, particularly in nonobstetric settings. The PICO wound vacuum system has shown promise for clean, noninfected surgical wounds, including cesarean incisions, though data is mainly from small trials or retrospective cohorts. Our study explores the use of PICO in preventing wound infections and breakdown in women with risk factors for complications postcesarean delivery.