Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in 18-Days Old Neonate: A Case Report

Abstract

The most common challenge in neonatal meningomyelocele repair is wound dehiscence due to fragile skin, elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, and limited soft-tissue reserves. While flap-based reconstruction provides durable coverage, maintaining suture-line integrity remains a significant challenge. This case report describes the successful use of closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) as an adjunct following flap reconstruction in an 18-day-old neonate with a ruptured lumbosacral meningomyelocele. ciNPWT was applied with the specific aim of preventing recurrent wound dehiscence by providing mechanical stabilization of the incision. To our knowledge, this represents one of the youngest reported applications of ciNPWT in this clinical setting.