PURPOSE: This study reviewed all cases of Negative Pressure Therapy (NPT) at our institution during the previous year. We report on current patterns of usage, successful techniques for application, problems encountered and techniques for addressing them.

METHODS: Retrospective review of all cases of NPT during the preceding year was conducted. The indications, treatment course and outcome were determined for each case. Also reviewed were techniques of application, timing of dressing changes, methods for pain modulation, concurrent infusion of topical antibiotics and cost considerations.

RESULTS: 309 consecutive cases in which NPT was used were identified. Non-plastic surgery services used NPT for wound closure essentially 100% of the time. Plastic surgery NPT use was evenly divided between wound closure, temporizing measures prior to surgical closure, and as a dressing following wound coverage with skin graft or other dermal template.

CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of NPT for chronic wound closure has lead to its increasing use in other areas, a pattern which will likely continue. NPT application can be problematic in areas of complex curves, such as the perineum, axilla and neck. Patient pain during dressing changes can also limit use. Techniques for overcoming these difficulties are a useful addition to any surgeon's armamentarium.