Negative Pressure Wound Treatment Causes Faster Epithelialisation Compared to Tulle in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Denpasar Hospital
Ida Bagus Wisnu Parbawa Kusuma1*, Ida Bagus Budiarta2, Made Agus Dwianthara Sueta3, IGAB Krisna Wibawa2, I Wayan Niryana4, I Gede Suwedagatha5
Abstract
Background: Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus and is associated with prolonged wound healing, infection, gangrene, amputation, and increased healthcare burden. Conventional wound care, such as tulle dressing, is still commonly used; however, its effectiveness may be limited in chronic wounds. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) has been proposed as an alternative modality that may accelerate wound healing by removing excess exudate, reducing oedema, improving local perfusion, and promoting granulation tissue formation. Objective: To compare epithelialisation in diabetic foot ulcers treated with NPWT versus tulle dressing. Methods: This was an observational analytic study with a prospective comparative design. A total of 24 patients with diabetic foot ulcers were enrolled and divided into two groups: NPWT (n=12) and tulle dressing (n=12). Wound dimensions were measured before treatment and on day 14. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. The statistical tests included Chi-square, independent t-test, paired t-test, Shapiro–Wilk test, Levene’s test, and Mann–Whitney test where appropriate. Results: Baseline wound dimensions were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). In the NPWT group, the mean wound area decreased from 55.67 ± 17.17 cm² to 21.75 ± 7.08 cm², whereas in the tulle group it decreased from 48.67 ± 8.99 cm² to 36.58 ± 9.21 cm². The mean reduction in wound area was significantly greater in the NPWT group, with a mean difference of 21.83 cm² (95% CI 10.50–33.62; p=0.001). Conclusion: NPWT resulted in significantly faster epithelialisation than tulle dressing in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Keywords
diabetic foot; negative pressure wound therapy; tulle; ulcer epithelialization; wound healing
Cite This Article
Kusuma, I. B. W. P., Budiarta, I. B., Sueta, M. A. D., Wibawa, IGAB. K., Niryana, I. W., Suwedagatha, I. G. (2026). Negative Pressure Wound Treatment Causes Faster Epithelialisation Compared to Tulle in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers at Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Denpasar Hospital. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 7| Issue 2: Mar – Apr 2026, Pages 279-286 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Volume7-Issue2-Mar-Apr-No.1042-279-286.pdf
Volume 7 | Issue 2: Mar – Apr 2026
