Effect of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are a dreadful complication of micro- and macroangiopathies. Patients with diabetes and foot ulcers require long-term hospitalisation and carry the risk of limb amputation. There are different modalities of treatment advocated for diabetic foot ulcers. Recently, negative pressure wound therapy has gained popularity because of its higher rate of limb salvage, cost-effectiveness and reduced duration of hospital stay. Objective: To determine the effects of negative pressure wound therapy on diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Surgery (Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit) of the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, over a period of 12 months. A total of 50 patients were enrolled using purposive sampling. They were finalised in accordance with the eligibility criteria. Data were recorded using a structured, preformed questionnaire as a research instrument and analysed in SPSS v19. Patients were followed up until their discharge. Results: Of the 50 patients, 22(44%) were aged 51-60 years, which was subsequently followed by 14(28%) aged >60 years The mean age of the patients was 56.32+13.79 years with male predominance (76%, 38). The male-to-female ratio was 3.16:1. A higher BMI was found in 26(52%) and normal in 14(28%) of the affected patients. Among the 50 patients, 34(68%) were smokers and the remaining 16(32%) were non-smokers. Diabetes mellitus for more than 10 years was found in 21(42%) cases Ulcers on the sole and dorsum of the foot were found in 29(58%) and 21(42%) patients, respectively. A maximum of 28(56 %) patients were noticed to have ulcers for <1 month, followed by 11(22%) having ulcers for 1-3 months. Among them, 46(92%) had ulcers on one foot (right/left) while 4(8%) had ulcers on both feet. Regarding ulcer size, 29(58%) patients had ulcer sizes of 10-15 cm? whereas 15(30%) had ulcer sizes of 15-20 cm? Only 2(4%) patients had controlled blood sugar levels on admission and the remaining 48(96%) had uncontrolled DM Before and after the application of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), follow-up at 5 and 10 days showed statistically significant improvements in ulcer size, exudation, surrounding tissue inflammation and surrounding skin edema. Out of the 50 patients, 54% and 28% required hospital stay of 6-10 weeks and >10 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: NPWT may be a safe option when used appropriately. It helps by reducing the frequency of dressing, stimulating the formation of granulation tissue quickly, being cost-effective due to its longer application on wounds and less time required for skin wound healing and reducing the hospital stay of the patient. JAFMC Bangladesh, Vol-22, No-1, June 2026: 33-37