NPWT Evidence Library

NPWT Evidence Library

Critically appraised evidence on negative pressure wound therapy, organised by wound type: what it does, how certain that is, and when not to use it.

669 appraised sources101 randomised trials132 systematic reviewsUpdated 4 October 2026 · How we appraise

What do you need?

Wound typesEvidence for each wound, in one minuteSafety and harmsBleeding, retained foam, device problemsLiving with NPWTPain, sleep, noise, mobilityProtocolsTwo-page settings sheets (PDF)All evidenceSearch and filter 669 sourcesHow we appraiseWhat the ratings meanCoding and fundingICD-10 and PMB, South Africa

Wound types

Each wound type carries an evidence position: this library's reading of the current international evidence, irrespective of the position of any guideline, society or country. It is not a guideline and not a GRADE rating. What Moderate, Guarded and Not supported mean.

Surgical wounds

High-risk closed incisions (ciNPT)Moderate174 sourcesContaminated or dehisced surgical woundsNot supported161 sourcesGroin wound complicationsModerate70 sourcesSternal woundsGuarded42 sourcesOpen abdomenGuarded54 sourcesSkin grafts and graft-bed preparationModerate85 sources

Chronic and lower-limb wounds

Diabetic foot woundsModerate170 sourcesWounds in peripheral arterial diseaseNot supported53 sourcesIschaemic or borderline-perfusion woundsGuarded45 sourcesAmputation stump woundsModerate48 sourcesVenous leg ulcersGuarded24 sourcesPressure injuriesGuarded9 sources

Infection, trauma and burns

Necrotising infection and Fournier's gangreneGuarded30 sourcesInfected wounds needing instillation (NPWTi-d)Moderate67 sourcesInfected or exposed vascular graftsGuarded43 sourcesOpen fracturesNot supported28 sourcesBurnsModerate9 sources

Other topics

Safety and harms80 sourcesLiving with NPWT23 sourcesWall-suction and improvised NPWT73 sourcesHealth technology assessment and reimbursement41 sourcesGeneral reviews, mechanism and devices306 sources