21 patients scheduled for bilateral total knee arthroplasty had one knee randomized to postoperative management with negative pressure wound therapy, while the other knee was managed with conventional dry dressings. The purpose of this study was to compare cost, the incidence of complications, and measures of quality of life between dressing strategies within 10-12 day follow-up. Results demonstrated significantly greater costs associated with NPWT compared to conventional dry dressings, while no significant differences in patient satisfaction or preference were observed. The quality of life scoring for areas of "dressing leakage" and "wound protection" did significantly favour NPWT, however.