A Study to Evaluate a Quality Improvement Intervention to Reduce Wound Separation Rates in Obese Gynecologic Oncology Service Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery
Wound Complications, Wound Infection, Wound Separation
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Wound Complications focused on measuring Wound complications, Wound infection, Wound separation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Women were eligible if they were between the ages of 18-89, with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 undergoing a gynecologic procedure via a vertical abdominal incision. -
Exclusion Criteria:
Planned laparoscopic surgery, planned panniculectomy or other plastic surgery procedure at the time of laparotomy, prior history of hernia repair with mesh or planned mesh hernia repair at the current procedure, enterotomy or intestinal surgery, a history of prior radiation to the abdomen or pelvis, concurrent pregnancy, current incarceration, or inability to provide informed consent, including inability to understand spoken English.
Sites / Locations
- Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes Jewish Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Experimental
Prospective intervention
The skin and subcutaneous tissues were incised using a scalpel or cutting electrocautery. Use of coagulation current on the skin or subcutaneous tissues was not allowed, except focally to attain hemostasis. At the conclusion of surgery, a 7mm Jackson-Pratt drain was placed below Camper's fascia, which in turn was closed with 3-0 plain catgut suture. The skin was closed with staples. Dressings were retained for at least twenty-four hours. Staples were to be retained for at least two weeks.