TP6.2.1 Does the use of Negative Pressure Wound Dressings decrease superficial Surgical Site Infections in the Emergency Laparotomy?

Abstract

Abstract Aims Surgical site infection (SSI) can be a significant cause of morbidity in the emergency laparotomy patient. Previous research into the role of negative pressure wound dressings to improve the rate of SSI culminated with NICE guidelines in 2019 recommending the use of negative pressure wound dressings in people who would be considered high risk for developing an SSI. Based on this guideline, we changed our policy to recommend the use of PICO dressings for all emergency laparotomies in order to decrease our rate of SSI. Our aim of this study was to assess the success of this policy change. Methods In this closed-loop audit we analysed data from all laparotomy patients at Frimley Park Hospital over 12 months. We retrospectively analysed the data of the pre-intervention group between January – June 2019, and prospectively audited all laparotomy patients between July – December 2019. Results We found that there was no significant decrease in the rate of superficial SSI, from a pre intervention rate of 22.2% to a post intervention 24.1%. Similarly, we found no significant decrease in the rate of wound dehiscence, which increased from 13.8% to 17.7%. In further assessment we saw no significant difference in the rates of contamination, ASA grades, or closure techniques to account for these increased rates. Conclusion While other studies have demonstrated a decrease in SSIs following the use of PICO dressings, we did not show such a result, leading us to question the cost-effectiveness of negative pressure wound dressings in the emergency laparotomy patient.