Efficacy and safety of negative pressure wound therapy in treating hidradenitis suppurativa and reducing its relapses: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic, debilitating disease with high psychosocial impact. It is neglected by physicians despite affecting 1% of the population because of its difficult treatment and low healing rate. The physiopathology is not currently clear. Nodules, sinus-tracts and/or scarring predominate in the folds of the body, mostly in axilla, submammary groin and buttocks. Medical treatment can be effective in first stages of the decease, but surgical procedures are needed for treating severe cases. Wide local excision offers the best chance for cure, although all surgical techniques have a high relapse rate. Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to show a decrease in the number of recurrences in HS patients operated using a technique that combines radical wide excision with the use of NPWT followed by skin grafting or flapping in a second surgical intervention. Design: Randomized, controlled unicentric clinical trial design will be carried out in a tertiary referral hospital in Girona within a Plastic Surgery department. Participants: Patients suffering from Hidradenitis Suppurativa stage III of Hurley, or stage II where conservative treatment has failed, been seen at Hospital Universitari Dr. Josep Trueta, Hospital Sta Caterina, Fundació Hospital d’Olot and Hospital de Palamós