A simple wound-probing protocol could help significantly reduce the risk of surgical site infections in contaminated abdominal wounds, according to research published in the Archives of Surgery.
Researchers studied 76 patients undergoing open appendectomy, 38 of whom were in a control group and 38 of whom were assigned to a wound-probing protocol group. Patients in the control group received a loose wound closure with staples every 2 cm, while patients in the wound-probing group received loosely stapled closure with daily probing between staples with a cotton-tipped applicator.
Patients in the probing group demonstrated a significantly lower rate of surgical site infections and shorter hospital stays with no increased pain.
Read the study about wound-probing for surgical site infections.
Read other coverage about patient safety:
- Hand-Washing Rule Removed from Nevada Patient Safety Bill
- Influenza, Hep B Vaccination Among Healthcare Personnel Remains Low
- Study: One-Third of Patients Experience Adverse Events During Hospital Stay
Researchers studied 76 patients undergoing open appendectomy, 38 of whom were in a control group and 38 of whom were assigned to a wound-probing protocol group. Patients in the control group received a loose wound closure with staples every 2 cm, while patients in the wound-probing group received loosely stapled closure with daily probing between staples with a cotton-tipped applicator.
Patients in the probing group demonstrated a significantly lower rate of surgical site infections and shorter hospital stays with no increased pain.
Read the study about wound-probing for surgical site infections.
Read other coverage about patient safety:
- Hand-Washing Rule Removed from Nevada Patient Safety Bill
- Influenza, Hep B Vaccination Among Healthcare Personnel Remains Low
- Study: One-Third of Patients Experience Adverse Events During Hospital Stay