Incisional negative pressure wound therapy in bilateral breast reductions patients

Abstract

**Introduction**: Incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) has been applied to bilateral breast reduction patients and shown a reduction in surgical complications. However, its effects on opioid use and hospitalisation length in this patient group has not been investigated. **Methods**: In this single surgeon retrospective cohort study, 52 patients who underwent bilateral breast reduction were analysed, with 23 patients in the iNPWT cohort and 29 in the standard-of-care (SOC) wound dressing cohort. Hospitalisation length, postoperative opioid use and surgical site complications were compared between cohorts. Mean (range) follow-up time was 369.15 (77–1329) days. **Results**: Hospitalisation length in days was significantly less in the iNPWT cohort (1.35) than the SOC cohort (2.03). Total ward opioid use was significantly reduced in the iNPWT cohort (45.50mg) compared to the SOC cohort (62.50mg). Discharge opioid prescription was significantly reduced in the iNPWT cohort (125.50mg) compared to the SOC cohort (230.00mg). The number of surgical site complications was significantly different between the groups (p=0.014). **Discussion**: This study suggests the use of iNPWT in bilateral breast reduction provides significant benefit through the reduction of hospitalisation, complications and opioid use. **Conclusion**: This is the first study to provide evidence for iNPWT in bilateral breast reduction in reducing postoperative opioid use and hospitalisation. It supports current literature showing a reduction in surgical site complications using iNPWT in bilateral breast reduction.