The Impact of Subcutaneous Vacuum Suction Drains on Abdominal Wound Complications in Rural Indian Patients Undergoing Emergency Laparotomy

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Surgical Site Infection and wound healing are reported more commonly in abdominal surgeries. Wound dehiscence following SSI is a significant concern. Subcutaneous negative suction drainage will reduce the incidence of SSI and wound dehiscence by draining seroma, promoting wound healing. Objective: This study's objective is to assess and evaluate the impact of subcutaneous drains on the incidence of surgical site infections following an emergency laparotomy procedure. Methodology: A total sample size of 50 patients within the inclusion criteria for 12 months was taken. Patients are followed for 15 days after surgery and are divided into 2 groups as Group A (study group): Emergency surgeries were done with subcutaneous drains. Group B (control group): Emergency surgeries were done without subcutaneous drains. Central randomization was performed. Results: 50 patients were included in the study, with 25 in each group. Hematoma formation was significantly higher among group B (24.0%) than among group A (4.0%). Seroma formation (p-value =0.03917), SSI rate (p-value =0.039), and wound dehiscence/burst abdomen (p-value =0.0415) were more in group B than in group A. The mean wound healing time (days) and mean hospital stay (days) were significantly more in group B. Conclusion: Surgical site infection is commonly due to abdominal cavity infection rather than nosocomial infection. The subcutaneous suction drainage tube is an effective method of abdominal wall closure in cases of peritonitis compared to conventional primary skin closure without drain as it significantly reduces the incidence of wound infection, dehiscence, wound secondary suturing and duration of hospital stay in SSI.