Using negative pressure therapy to improve healing in obese patients after breast reconstruction surgery

A Randomized, Prospective Evaluation of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Abdominal Donor Site in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction in Obese Patients

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04003038

This study is testing if a special type of wound dressing can help obese patients heal better after breast reconstruction surgery compared to standard dressings.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04003038 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in enhancing the healing of abdominal incisions in obese patients undergoing free flap breast reconstruction surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either standard dressing or NPWT for a duration of 7 days post-surgery. The primary objective is to assess the impact of NPWT on wound dehiscence rates, with follow-up evaluations conducted at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months to monitor long-term wound healing complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are obese patients with a body mass index of 30 or greater who are scheduled for free abdominal flap breast reconstruction.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide consent, pregnant, or have known allergies to topical adhesives may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve wound healing outcomes for obese patients undergoing breast reconstruction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with negative pressure wound therapy in various surgical settings, suggesting potential benefits in this context as well.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing a free abdominal flap, including a superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA), deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP), or muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flap for breast reconstruction.
* Patients are willing and able to give consent.
* Body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are unable to provide consent.
* Patients who are suspected or known to be pregnant.
* Known allergy to topical adhesives.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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.
Conditions Body Mass Index Greater Than or Equal to 30Malignant Breast NeoplasmMammoplasty PatientObesity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.