Negative pressure wound therapy in gynecologic oncology – current knowledge and clinical applications

Abstract

Negative pressure wound therapy is a modern and effective method for the prevention and treatment of postoperative wound healing complications, with growing applications in gynecology and especially in gynecologic oncology. Its mechanism of action includes enhanced drainage, reduction of edema, promotion of angiogenesis, and stimulation of granulation tissue formation, ultimately contributing to faster healing and a lower risk of infection, seroma, and wound dehiscence. Negative pressure wound therapy has been shown to be effective in the therapeutic management of complex, infected, or dehiscent wounds following gynecologic‑oncologic surgery. Recent studies also suggest that its prophylactic application to primarily closed incisions after laparotomy or vulvectomy may significantly reduce surgical complications, shorten hospitalization, and accelerate recovery, which is particularly important in patients scheduled for adjuvant therapy. However, because most available evidence is based on retrospective studies, further prospective randomized trials are needed to confirm the role of this method in both therapeutic and prophylactic use and to guide its integration into standard perioperative care in gynecologic oncology.