Shared mission inspires landmark post-op incision care consensus recommendations

After the final stitch is placed, Dr. Devinder Singh*, chief of plastic surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, knows there’s still work to do.  With every closed incision, his focus shifts to risks like infection, swelling and tissue breakdown, which can disrupt recovery or delay essential treatments.

“The days that follow even the most flawlessly executed procedure are a critical period where the body’s ability to heal is put to the test,” he says.

These challenges have inspired a breakthrough international consensus  which Dr. Singh co-moderated with Dr. H. John Cooper, professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University, to standardize post-operative incision care practices. Published in the International Wound Journal, these multidisciplinary recommendations aim to improve outcomes for those facing complex surgeries and higher risks of complications.

When healing hangs in the balance

The days right after surgery — what Dr. Singh calls “the recovery crucible” — are a critical time. For many patients, especially those with complicated procedures or underlying health challenges, the risk of surgical site complications (SSCs) is high. Incisions closed under tension or revision surgeries where scar tissue is present can compromise healing.

“Every patient brings a unique medical history to the operating room,” says Dr. Ryan Egeland, chief medical officer and senior vice president of medical affairs at Solventum. “Underlying conditions, past procedures or limited access to newer technology can increase the risk of what might otherwise be a routine surgery. Even healthy patients may need complex techniques due to anatomy or injury. Providing clinicians with evidence-based tools that consider both the patient and the procedure is how we deliver care tailored to their specific needs.”

Complicated surgeries are on the rise, with more than 80 million additional procedures projected annually by 2030.¹ Oncologic breast surgeries, the second most common major cancer surgery worldwide, are a prime example.² In the U.S., immediate reconstruction after mastectomy rose to 69% in 2020³ — but carries a nearly five-fold increase in surgical site infections (SSIs), according to a 2022 British Journal of Surgery study.⁴

The impact is serious: SSIs account for up to 36% of all healthcare-associated infections, extend hospital stays by nearly 10 days and add an average cost of $38,000 per patient.⁵

“The profound systemic and personal impact of these complications makes robust, validated clinical recommendations not just helpful, but essential,” says Dr. Singh, lead author of the May 2025 consensus. “This is about elevating the standard of care globally.”

Proactive risk management strategies backed by evidence

The consensus emphasizes personalized, proactive risk management, including adopting advanced systems like Solventum™ Prevena™ Therapy. This closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) with reticulated open cell foam (ROCF) dressings protects recovery by stabilizing incisions, minimizing swelling and reducing surgical site infections.

A 2023 meta-analysis of 84 studies highlighted ciNPT's proven benefits, including lower complication rates in high-risk surgeries like vascular procedures and sternal reconstruction.⁶ With options like area-based dressings for complex incisions or linear dressings for less severe cases, Prevena Therapy adapts to diverse surgical challenges.

Pivotal studies are essential, but for surgeons and medtech innovators, generating data is just the beginning. “The mission is to work with top experts to translate complex evidence into clear clinical action. That’s how we help deliver the better, smarter, safer care that improves lives,” says Ryan.

By synthesizing insights from more than 60 studies and real-world practice, these recommendations guide surgeons in identifying vulnerable patients and effectively mitigating risks.

Shaping a safer future

Using robust research and advanced technology, Solventum solves big healthcare challenges impacting millions of patients worldwide. From pioneering innovations like V.A.C.® Therapy to modern breakthroughs in ciNPT, Solventum collaborates with clinicians, transforming insights into solutions to drive better patient outcomes.

Read the summary and access the full ciNPT consensus here. ciNPT Consensus | Solventum

Important Safety Information Note: Specific indications, limitations, contraindications, warnings, precautions and safety information exist for these products and therapies. Please consult a clinician and product instructions for use prior to application. Rx only. The use of Prevena Therapy for the reduction in the incidence of deep SSI, dehiscence, and necrosis has not been reviewed by the U.S. FDA.

Indication(s) For Use / Intended Use: US FDA Cleared: Only for Use in the United States: Prevena Dressing used with Prevena Therapy Units: PREVENA™ 125 and PREVENA PLUS™ 125 Therapy Units manage the environment of closed surgical incisions and remove fluid away from the surgical incision via the application of -125mmHg continuous negative pressure. When used with legally marketed compatible PREVENA™ dressings for up to seven days, PREVENA™ 125 and PREVENA PLUS™ 125 Therapy Units are intended to aid in reducing the incidence of seroma, and in patients at high risk for postoperative infections, aid in reducing the incidence of superficial surgical site infection in Class I and Class II wounds.

*Dr. Devinder Singh is a paid consultant for Solventum.

¹Surgical Procedures Volume and Forecast Analysis by Segments, Region and Countries, 2015-2030. GlobalData. Published November 2023.
²Sung H, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2021;71(3):209-249.
³Lieder, J. S., et al. (2022). The Rise of Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction: A National Analysis of 695,855 Patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 149(5), 1035-1045.
⁴Matar, D. Y., et al. (2022). Surgical complications in immediate and delayed breast reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 75(12), 4085–4095.
⁵Yuefeng Hou et al., “Incidence and Impact of Surgical Site Infections on Length of Stay and Cost of Care for Patients Undergoing Open Procedures,” Surgery Open Science 11 (November 8, 2022): 1–18, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sopen.2022.10.004.
⁶Cooper HJ, Singh DP, Gabriel A, Mantyh C, Silverman R, Griffin L. Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Versus Standard of Care Over Closed Surgical Incisions in the Reduction of Surgical Site Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2023 Mar 16;11(3):e4722.