Surgery·Surgery
Negative pressure wound therapy
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Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a treatment that uses a sealed dressing connected to a vacuum pump to gently pull fluid and infection out of a wound. This helps the wound heal faster by reducing swelling, keeping it clean, and encouraging new tissue growth.
Key facts
Negative pressure wound therapy is a standard treatment used in many hospitals worldwide. It is not unusual for people with complex or slow-healing wounds.
NPWT is used for people of any age who have a wound that is not healing well. It is especially common in people with diabetes, poor circulation, or after certain surgeries.
There is no single test for NPWT. Your doctor or wound care nurse will examine your wound, review your medical history, and decide if NPWT is suitable. They may check your blood flow or take a swab to look for infection.
If NPWT is recommended, a nurse or doctor will clean the wound, place a foam or gauze dressing over it, seal it with a clear film, and attach a tube to a small pump that creates suction. The dressing is usually changed every 2-3 days. The pump may run continuously or intermittently. You will be shown how to care for it at home if needed.
Negative pressure wound therapy is one part of wound care. It is often combined with cleaning, infection control, and good nutrition. The goal is to keep the wound moist, reduce fluid, and stimulate growth of new tissue.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection. They may also use special wound dressings or gels under the NPWT dressing. Pain medication can be given to keep you comfortable during dressing changes. If the wound is very deep or has dead tissue, surgery may be needed to remove it before starting NPWT.
You may need to carry the portable NPWT pump with you. It is small and can be worn on a belt or shoulder strap. You can do most daily activities, but avoid getting the dressing wet. Check with your team before showering or bathing.
Eat plenty of protein (like lean meat, beans, eggs) and vitamin C (found in fruits and vegetables) to help tissue repair. Gentle movement, as advised by your doctor, can improve blood flow, but avoid putting pressure on the wound.
Living with a chronic wound and using NPWT can feel frustrating or isolating. It is normal to feel anxious or low. Talk to your healthcare team or a counsellor if you need emotional support. You are not alone.
You may not be able to prevent the need for NPWT, but you can reduce your risk of slow-healing wounds by managing underlying conditions like diabetes, eating well, staying active, and not smoking. If you have a wound, getting early treatment can sometimes prevent the need for more advanced therapies.
With proper use, negative pressure wound therapy greatly improves healing for many people. Most wounds get smaller and close faster. Although it can take weeks or months, the outlook is positive, especially when combined with good overall care.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
In some cases, surgery is needed to clean the wound (debridement) before NPWT can be most effective. NPWT itself is not a surgery, but it may be used before or after a surgical wound closure.