Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) promotes wound healing primarily by which mechanism?

• A Increasing local tissue oxygen tension by direct delivery
• B Mechanical deformation of cells promoting proliferation, removal of exudate, and reducing oedema ✓
• C Bactericidal effect of negative pressure on wound flora
• D Stimulating collagen cross-linking through pressure-induced oxidative stress

Explanation

NPWT works through multiple mechanisms: mechanical strain on wound cells stimulates proliferation (mechanotransduction), continuous exudate removal reduces bacterial load and inflammatory mediators, reduction of interstitial oedema improves local perfusion, and macro-deformation draws wound edges together. It does not directly deliver oxygen or have direct bactericidal effects. NPWT is particularly valuable for large, contaminated wounds, open abdomens, and skin graft fixation.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.