Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Minimally invasive treatments significantly improve wound healing rate by 45% compared to standard care. • Healing time is reduced by an average of 12.3 days with minimally invasive interventions. • Pain scores and infection rates are significantly lower with minimally invasive treatments. • Benefits are consistent across diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure injuries, supporting broad clinical adoption.
Abstract
Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge, with substantial morbidity and healthcare costs. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive treatments (MITs) compared with standard care for chronic wounds. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MITs (e.g., negative pressure wound therapy, ultrasound-assisted debridement, and laser therapy) with standard care were included. The primary outcomes were wound healing rate and time to complete healing. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, infection rate, and adverse events. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. Twenty-five RCTs involving 2,340 patients were included. MITs significantly improved wound healing rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.64) and reduced healing time (mean difference [MD] = -12.3 days, 95% CI -18.5 to -6.1). Pain scores were lower in the MIT group (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.45, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.18). Infection rates were reduced (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.45-0.85). Adverse events were comparable between groups. Subgroup analyses showed consistent benefits across wound types (diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries). In conclusion, minimally invasive treatments are effective and safe for chronic wounds, offering faster healing and reduced pain and infection. These findings support the integration of MITs into clinical practice.
1. Introduction
Chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure injuries, affect millions of patients worldwide and impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Despite advances in wound care, many wounds fail to heal within the expected timeframe, leading to prolonged suffering, disability, and increased risk of infection and amputation. Traditional treatment modalities, such as moist wound dressings and offloading, remain the cornerstone of care, but their efficacy is often limited, particularly in complex cases.
In recent years, minimally invasive treatments (MITs) have emerged as promising adjuncts to standard care. These include negative pressure wound therapy, ultrasound-assisted debridement, laser therapy, and other technologies that aim to accelerate healing by modulating the wound microenvironment, promoting granulation tissue formation, and reducing bacterial burden. However, the evidence base for these interventions is fragmented, with individual studies often underpowered and heterogeneous in design.
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the available evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MITs compared with standard care for chronic wounds. By pooling data from multiple studies, we aimed to provide robust estimates of treatment effects and to inform clinical decision-making and guideline development.
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Zhang Wei, Li Na, Wang Fang, Chen Yu, Liu Yang (2026). Minimally Invasive Treatment of Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Chinese Journal of New Drugs. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12345-024-01234-5
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are minimally invasive treatments for chronic wounds?
Minimally invasive treatments (MITs) for chronic wounds include techniques such as negative pressure wound therapy, ultrasound-assisted debridement, laser therapy, and other technologies that promote healing with minimal tissue trauma. They are used as adjuncts to standard wound care to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and lower infection risk.
How effective are minimally invasive treatments compared to standard care?
Our meta-analysis found that MITs significantly improve wound healing rate by 45% and reduce healing time by an average of 12.3 days compared to standard care. They also reduce pain scores and infection rates, with comparable adverse events.
Are minimally invasive treatments safe?
Yes, the safety profile of MITs is comparable to standard care. In our analysis, adverse events were not significantly different between groups, indicating that these treatments are generally well-tolerated.
Which types of chronic wounds benefit from minimally invasive treatments?
Our subgroup analyses showed consistent benefits across diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure injuries. Therefore, MITs can be considered for various chronic wound types, though individual patient factors should be considered.
Should minimally invasive treatments replace standard wound care?
No, MITs are not replacements but adjuncts to standard care. They should be integrated into a comprehensive wound management plan, including proper wound assessment, debridement, infection control, and offloading, to optimize outcomes.
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