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Harpreet Kaur, M.S. Ray, S.S. Malhi, Digpal Thakore and Naresh Modi
S.G.T. University, India
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Surg Case Rep
Statement of the Problem: We are concerned about the wound management and wound healing amongst post-operative patients, as wound complications increase the morbidity of patients post-surgery. Most common wound complications postsurgery are wound seromas, hematomas and Surgical Site Infections (SSI). SSIs lead to increased hospital stay and increased morbidity alongside increasing unnecessary patient suffering and a decreased quality of life. The underlying principle for the use of subcutaneous drains is based on the belief that the removal of serum or debris and eradication of the dead space in subcutaneous plane will bring down the rate of infection and wound complications. Aim of this study is to compare the use of 32-F, multi-perforated tube drainage of subcutaneous plane versus no drainage, in laparotomy, in terms of given parameters of wound complications – Postoperative pain, Seroma formation, Wound infection and Wound dehiscence. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A randomized control study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery at SGT Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, India. In total, 60 patients were selected (after taking informed written consent) among those admitted to Surgery Department for laparotomy procedure. Patients were divided randomly into two groups i.e. Group-A (Study Group) and Group-B (Control Group). In Group-A patients, subcutaneous wounds were closed over a drain (32-F multi-perforated drain), while in Group-B patients no drain was used. Intra-operative and post-operative findings were recorded and analysed to draw study conclusions. Findings: SSIs were observed significantly higher among patients without subcutaneous drain (Group-B). Patients of Group-B had significantly higher incidence of seroma and pus as compared to Group-A patients. Experience of pain was reported higher among the patients without subcutaneous drain (Group-B). Conclusion & Significance: Subcutaneous drains play an important role in reducing the incidence of SSIs, wound complications, wound pain; thereby lead to better healing of surgical wound.
