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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Surgical Closure of Equine Abdomen, Prevention, and Management of Incisional Complications
Published on: May 10, 2024
Lapprotector use decreases incisional wound infections in cases of perforated appendicitis: a prospective study
Yoshifumi Kato1, Takashi Marusasa, Satoko Ichikawa
1Department of Pediatric General and Urogenital Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Objective:
To examine whether Lapprotector, a protective film and ring device for protecting wounds, can prevent wound infection after open appendectomy.
Methods:
We performed open appendectomy on 64 patients between 2004 and 2006. In September 2005, we started using Lapprotector to protect the site of incision (McBurney's point). Patients were divided into two groups as follows: Lapp(-), n = 32; Lapp(+), n = 32. Patient demographics were not statistically different and antibiotic protocols were identical.
Results:
In the Lapp(-) group, the appendix was perforated in seven patients (21.9%) and not perforated in 25 patients (78.1%). In the Lapp(+) group, the appendix was perforated in nine patients (28.1%) and not perforated in 23 patients (71.9%). For perforated cases, incisional wound infection was seen in three out of seven patients (42.9%) in the Lapp(-) group and in no patient (0%) in the Lapp(+) group, a significant difference (p < 0.05, Chi-squared test). For nonperforated cases, wound infection was seen in only one out of 25 patients (4.0%) in the Lapp(-) group.
Conclusion:
We recommend using Lapprotector to prevent incisional wound infection in patients requiring open appendectomy, especially in cases where the appendix is perforated.
Insights
Lapprotector significantly reduces incisional wound infections after open appendectomy, particularly in perforated appendix cases. This protective device enhances surgical site safety and improves patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Open appendectomy is a common surgical procedure.
- Wound infection is a potential complication following abdominal surgery.
- Existing methods for surgical site protection vary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Lapprotector in preventing incisional wound infections after open appendectomy.
- To compare infection rates between patients who received Lapprotector and those who did not.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 64 patients undergoing open appendectomy.
- Patients were divided into two groups: Lapp(-) (n=32) and Lapp(+) (n=32).
- Lapprotector was applied to the incision site in the Lapp(+) group starting September 2005.
Main Results:
- In cases with perforated appendix, incisional wound infection occurred in 42.9% of the Lapp(-) group versus 0% in the Lapp(+) group (p < 0.05).
- For non-perforated appendix cases, the infection rate in the Lapp(-) group was 4.0%.
- No statistically significant difference in demographics or antibiotic protocols between groups.
Conclusions:
- Lapprotector is effective in preventing incisional wound infections following open appendectomy.
- The use of Lapprotector is especially recommended for patients with perforated appendix.
- This device offers a valuable tool for enhancing surgical site safety.
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