With the purpose of evaluating the ease of use and aesthetic result of the NPseal negative pressure wound therapy device, the NPseal negative pressure wound therapy device was placed over a midline colorectal umbilical extraction site.

A 60-year-old male presenting with painless rectal bleeding to his primary care doctor was evaluated in our study. After colonoscopic evaluation, a 2cm ulcerated cecal mass was found 2cm from ileocecal valve. Staging CT scan was negative for metastatic disease and the patient was scheduled for a laparoscopic right colectomy. Patient was taken to the operating room and a laparoscopic right colectomy was performed. The colon was mobilized and extracted through a midline umbilical incision with a wound protector. An extra-corporeal anastomosis was performed, and the anastomosis was placed back into the abdomen. The fascia at the umbilicus was closed with 1.0 PDS suture and the umbilical incision was closed loosely with 4.0 Monocryl without tension. The NPseal was removed from its packing and the plastic protectors over the adhesive ends were removed. The NPseal was placed directly on top of the incision. The edges were smoothed out so there were no wrinkles allowing for air to escape. The NPseal was pumped 12 times until the center tubing remained collapsed signifying a pressure of -125mmHg and the patient was taken to the PACU for recovery

Throughout the patient’s hospital course, the NPseal negative pressure wound therapy device held suction and did not require additional pumping of the center chamber. The patient did not complain of any discomfort from the device and the device did not become overly saturated with exudate necessitating removal and replacement. On postoperative day 3 the patient was cleared for discharge and the patient was discharged home with the device in place. The patient was given instructions on how to care for the device at home. At the patient’s home the NPseal remained in place, holding suction until postoperative day 6 when the patient was told to remove the device. On return to clinic on postoperative day 30, the umbilical extraction site was clean with no wound infection and the noticeable scar was minimal. The patient was pleased with the appearance of the scar. 

The patient found the NPseal negative pressure wound therapy device to be comfortable and easy to manage. The NPseal negative pressure wound therapy device produced an aesthetically pleasing wound to the patient. The small self-contained unit of the NPseal dressing allowed the patient to remain mobile, shower and dress as normal and was easy to remove at home without the supervision of a healthcare provider.

• NPseal negative pressure wound therapy device was easy to maintain
• The wound dressed with the NPseal negative pressure wound therapy device was aesthetically pleasing on POD30 after use. 
• NPseal negative pressure wound therapy device was easy to manage and remove at home without the supervision of a healthcare provider.
• Patient was able to mobilize, shower and dress with the NPseal negative pressure wound therapy device in place.

Umbilical extraction site with NPseal

Post-operative day 30 picture of umbilical extraction site closure