Role of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Case Report

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a leading cause of hospitalization among diabetic patients and represent a significant global complication of diabetes mellitus. Annually, approximately 18.6 million individuals develop DFUs, which are a precursor to 80% of lower extremity amputations in diabetic patients and are associated with higher mortality rates. Effective management of DFUs requires a multidiscipli-nary approach involving podiatrists, infectious disease specialists, and vascular surgeons, which has been shown to reduce major amputation rates compared to standard care. Among current treatment modalities, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a widely recommended and non-invasive technique that applies controlled negative pressure to accelerate the healing of complex diabetic foot wounds. NPWT has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective in promoting faster wound closure and granulation tissue formation. This report discusses the case of a 49-year-old female with a chronic DFU on the plantar surface of her left foot, which was successfully managed with NPWT. Following its application, significant wound size reduction and the early formation of healthy granulation tissue were observed. The case underscores the vital role of NPWT in enhancing the healing process of DFUs, offering a valuable treatment option for reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.