Using negative pressure therapy for delayed closure of infected abdominal wounds

Delayed Primary Closure Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

NA · Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT04042259

This study is testing whether a special wound treatment can help adults with infected abdominal wounds heal better than traditional methods after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical College of Wisconsin (other)
Locations1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT04042259 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of delayed primary closure (DPC) using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for patients with contaminated or dirty abdominal wounds following midline laparotomy. The study aims to reduce the high rates of surgical site infections associated with primary closure by comparing outcomes between DPC and traditional primary closure methods. Eligible participants are adults who have undergone an open abdomen procedure for at least one day. The trial is conducted at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have undergone midline laparotomy with a contaminated or dirty wound classification.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years old, pregnant, prisoners, or non-surgical candidates will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce infection rates and complications for patients with contaminated abdominal wounds.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for delayed primary closure techniques in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older
* undergone midline laparotomy and managed with an open abdomen for at least one day
* contaminated or dirty wound classification

Exclusion Criteria:

* Less than 18 years of age
* Prisoners
* Pregnant females
* Non-surgical patients

Where this trial is running

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Infection Abdominal

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.