Prevention of Surgical Site Infections
Surgical Wound InfectionThe primary research question is whether interventions to prevent caregiver and system errors will increase the proportion of laparotomy patients who receive recommended measures to prevent surgical site infections.
The Effects of Hypercapnia, Supplemental Oxygen, and Dexamethasone on Surgical Wound Infection
Surgical Wound InfectionSurgery1 moreThe investigators will test the hypotheses that mild hypercapnia and supplemental oxygen reduce wound infection risk in patients undergoing colon resection. The investigators will simultaneously test the hypothesis that low-dose dexamethasone (a common treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting) does not increase infection risk.
Short Term Status of Free Dermal Fat Autografts for Complex Craniofacial Wounds
Wound; HeadMultiple21 moreThis study will evaluate the use of free autologous dermal fat grafting (also called free dermal fat autografting) to treat complex craniofacial wounds that have failed standard treatment and to understand how well these grafts work to repair wounds long term. Patients who have undergone free autologous dermal fat grafting to treat complex craniofacial wounds less than 1 week ago will have photographs and small biopsies taken of the area that was grafted. Patients will be followed for 2 years to monitor the area that was grafted.
Activated Carbon Interphase Effect on Surgical Incisions vs.Two Common Wound Dressings
Surgical WoundHealedThis randomized, prospective study evaluates incision closure, post-surgical wound complications, dressing changes, incision/scar appearance, pain associated with dressing changes, and patient satisfaction rates of an activated carbon dressing versus two commercially available wound dressings.
Vacuum Assisted Closure for Cesarean Section
Surgical Wound InfectionTo study if incisional vacuum-assisted closure can decrease the risk of infection in cesarean section incisions in the obese compared with standard sterile dressing.
Vaginal Cleansing at Cesarean Delivery to Reduce Infection: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Cesarean SectionEndometritis1 moreThe objective of the project is to find out whether cleansing the vagina before a cesarean delivery decreases the risk of complications and infections after having the baby. If this is the case, cleansing the vagina before cesarean delivery can help improve outcomes for many women and make their early postpartum recovery much more pleasant, giving a healthier start for the family.
Prevention of Wound Complications After Cesarean Delivery in Obese Women Utilizing Negative Pressure...
Surgical Wound DehiscenceWound InfectionWound complications after Cesarean section (C-section) are common in obese women. Approximately 25% of obese women having a C-section will have a wound complication. This research study is designed to assess whether applying a source of vacuum (suction) to the wound can reduce the risk of wound complications. The investigators plan to enroll 220 women into the study. Women will be randomly selected to receive standard stitching and stapling of the incision (cut on the abdomen) or closure with stitches, staples and wound suction. Subjects will be seen for follow-up visits in 7-14 days and again at 4-6 weeks after surgery. The number of wound complications in each group will be compared. If the wound suction technique is successful in preventing wound complications, this may substantially reduce pain and suffering in a large number of women undergoing C-section for delivery.
Ultrasound to Prevent Leg Wound Complications in Heart Bypass.
Surgical Wound InfectionCoronary Artery BypassThe long saphenous vein is traditionally harvested for use as a conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Currently, the long saphenous vein is not imaged prior to surgery. This study aims to evaluate preoperative ultrasound mapping of the long saphenous vein to to improve patient and clinical outcomes.
Safe Hands at the Sharp End- Implementing Aseptic Technique in the Operating Room
Surgical Wound InfectionThe aim of this integrated Knowledge Translation (iKT) study is to develop and test a multifaceted implementation intervention for feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness. The intervention will be tailored to fit the context of the operating room (OR), to promote OR team members' use of aseptic techniques during the care of frail persons undergoing acute fracture surgery of the hip. Through the use of an iKT approach, the investigators hypothesise that building on leadership support, partnership between researchers, managers/clinical leaders and healthcare professionals, a solid foundation for the sustained implementation of patient safety innovations can be created.
6-0 Fast Absorbing Gut Versus 5-0 Fast Absorbing Gut for Linear Wound Closure
Surgical Wound CosmesisTraditionally, dermatologic surgeons close wounds with stitches. Fast absorbing gut is a dissolvable stitch that is very commonly used. Some surgeons believe that using a thinner size of this stitch causes less skin reaction and improves the cosmetic outcome of the scar. Other surgeons believe that using a thicker size of this stitch reduces the tension on the scar and improves the cosmetic outcome of the scar in that manner. The investigator wishes to determine whether the thickness of the fast absorbing gut suture that is used makes a difference in the cosmetic outcome of the scar.