Role of subcutaneous corrugated drain in class IV surgical wound

Abstract

Background: In class-IV surgical wounds rate of Incisional Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is as high as 30 percent. Subcutaneous drains helps to remove collections and elimination of dead space thus it may result in lowering rate of wound complications. Corrugated drains are inexpensive and readily available as compared to negative suction drains. This study was carried out to assess efficacy of corrugated drains in class-IV (dirty-contaminated) surgical wounds for preventing incisional SSI. Methods: A retrospective comparative study was carried out; total 62 patients were taken up and divided into two groups. Group I includes study group with 31 cases where red rubber corrugated subcutaneous drain was used and kept for 3-5 days post operatively, group II with 31 cases as control group where no subcutaneous drain used with class-IV surgical wounds were studied. High risk cases with simultaneous risk factors were excluded from study. Standard closure technique was applied in all cases, wound irrigated with normal saline after closure of sheath without any antiseptic solution. Results: Incisional SSI in study group I was reported in 2 patients (6.45%) whereas rate of Incisional SSI was very high in control group II, 16 patients (51.61%). P value calculated by Fischer’s exact test is 0.0002 considered extremely significant. Overall rate of Incisional SSI reported in our study was 29.03%. Conclusions: Corrugated drain is inexpensive, easy to use and readily available. It should be used in all cases of class-IV (dirty-contaminated) surgical wounds after closure of sheath. It causes significant reduction of wound complications and increases patient compliance, reduces length of hospital stay without increasing nosocomial infection.