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Collodion as a safe, cost-effective dressing for central venous catheters
C R Babycos1, A Barrocas, J Mancuso
1Department of General Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
Southern Medical Journal
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Collodion dressing effectively prevented central venous catheter insertion site infections in a retrospective study. This approach resulted in a low incidence of catheter-related sepsis, suggesting its potential as a reliable dressing method.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Catheter-related sepsis poses a significant risk with central venous catheter use.
- Optimal dressing materials and change frequency for central venous catheters remain debated.
- Collodion, a pyroxylin-based solution with camphor and castor oil, offers a flexible, non-contracting skin dressing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of collodion as a central venous catheter dressing in preventing infections.
- To assess the incidence of catheter-related sepsis when using collodion dressings without routine changes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 34 patients requiring central venous catheters (1986-1988).
- All catheters were inserted via the subclavian approach.
- Collodion was applied as the sole dressing; routine changes were not performed.
Main Results:
- Catheters remained in place for an average of 16.5 days.
- No catheter insertion sites developed infection.
- One episode of catheter-related sepsis occurred (2.9% incidence).
- Two catheters were inadvertently dislodged.
Conclusions:
- Collodion dressing appears to be an effective method for preventing central venous catheter insertion site infections.
- The low incidence of sepsis suggests collodion may be a viable alternative dressing strategy.
- Further prospective studies could validate these findings and optimize dressing protocols.