Subcutaneous Wound Drainage Vs Conventional Closure In Reducing Surgical Site Infection After Laparotomy Following Peritonitis- A Randomised Control Trial

Abstract

Background and objectives Surgical site infection is one of the most common complications of laparotomy for perforation peritonitis with delayed recovery, increased cost of treatment, mental trauma to the patient and the possibility of future complications. The study undertaken aimed to determine which is a better method of closure of the abdomen post laparotomy for perforation peritonitis with regards to seroma formation, wound infection and wound dehiscence. Methodology This one year randomized controlled trial was done with the Department of General Surgery, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belagavi, from January 2017 to December 2017. A total of 100 patients operated for laparotomy for perforation peritonitis were studied. The patients were divided into two groups of 50 each as Group A (Placement of negative suction subcutaneous drain) and Group B (Conventional closure) Results In the present study we noted that the incidence of seroma formation, wound infection(SSI) and wound dehiscence were significantly lower with a P value of <0.0001 measured for all the three parameters in patients in whom negative suction subcutaneous drain was placed as compared to conventional closure of the abdomen post laparotomy for perforation peritonitis. Conclusion and Interpretation Overall, we noted that subcutaneous wound drainage is a better method of abdominal closure as compared to conventional abdominal closure post laparotomy for perforation peritonitis with regards to seroma formation, wound infection and wound dehiscence.