Notice
Road and parking lot construction in Madison, Wis. may result in travel delays and route changes to UW Health clinic and hospital locations. Please plan accordingly.Read more
Road and parking lot construction in Madison, Wis. may result in travel delays and route changes to UW Health clinic and hospital locations. Please plan accordingly.Read more
Negative pressure wound therapy uses negative pressure (or suction), to help wounds heal.
Benefits
Increases blood flow to wound.
Provides moist wound healing.
Draws wound edges together.
Removes extra fluid and germs.
Reduces wound odor.
Reduces need for dressing changes.
Promotes wound healing.
How It Works
A foam dressing is placed in the wound. A clear dressing seals in the foam dressing to create an airtight seal. Tubing connects to the dressing and to the NPWT machine. Therapy is started to preset negative pressure (suction) settings. The wound drainage collects in a canister.
The machine can be unplugged for short amounts of time (like a short walk). Keep the machine plugged in as often as you can to keep the battery charged.
Dressing Changes
Dressings are changed about 3 times per week. Yours will be done _____________.
This will be done by a trained doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or nurse.
Slight pain is common. Take pain medicine 30-60 minutes before dressing changes. Ask your doctor or nurse about showering or bathing.
Length of Time to Heal Wound
The length of time to heal a wound varies. Factors that can affect wound healing are:
Condition, size and location of the wound
Nutrition
Elevated blood sugars
Infection
Tobacco use
Pressure or friction to the wound
When to Call
Blood in your canister. Report this right away.
Increased odor from your dressing. Slight odor is normal.
Increased pain.
Increased redness around the dressing.
Increased warmth around dressing.
Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or muscle aches.
Seal/loss of suction of the dressing for 2 hours or longer.
If you are a patient receiving care at UnityPoint – Meriter, Swedish American or a health system outside of UW Health, please use the phone numbers provided in your discharge instructions for any questions or concerns.