| Abstrakt: |
Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant risk to patients undergoing invasive surgical procedures, particularly in the case of class IV laparotomy wounds. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and medical care, SSIs remain a significant concern due to their association with delayed wound healing, increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and heightened treatment costs. Subcutaneous drains have been proposed as a potential intervention to mitigate SSIs by removing collections and eliminating dead space, although their efficacy and impact on patient outcomes remain debated. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Institute of Gastroenterology Sciences & Organ Transplant, Bengaluru & Rajarajeshwari Medical college & Hospital, Bengaluru over a one-year period from December 1, 2022, to November 31, 2023. The study enrolled 110 patients, with 55 patients allocated to each group: one with subcutaneous drains and the other without. Randomization was performed using computer-generated random numbers. Data collection involved detailed history-taking, physical examinations, and prospective audits in the post-operative period. Patients were followed up for the development of SSIs, and other nosocomial infections were also monitored. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Demographic analysis revealed no significant difference in age or gender distribution between the two groups. Clinical findings indicated that abdominal pain was the most common complaint in both groups, with significant associations observed for nausea. Intraoperative findings showed Peptic Perforation and Perforated Appendix as the most common, while post-operative complications were prevalent, with fever and local site pain being predominant. Hospital stay was longer in the group without drains, and a higher incidence of surgical site infection was observed in this group. Discussion: Our study findings align with previous research, indicating the predominance of males in both groups and the association of abdominal pain with nausea. Notably, the use of subcutaneous drains was associated with reduced wound discharge and a lower incidence of SSIs, highlighting their significant role in mitigating post-operative complications. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study suggests that subcutaneous drains play a significant role in reducing SSIs in class IV laparotomy wounds, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital stays. However, further large-scale clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings and establish the optimal use of subcutaneous drains in surgical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
