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Dressing wear time after reduction mammaplasty: a randomized controlled trial
Joel Veiga-Filho1, Daniela F Veiga, Miguel Sabino-Neto
1São Paulo and Pouso Alegre, Brazil From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, and the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, and Department of Biostatistics, Universidade do Vale do Sapucaí.
Shorter dressing wear time did not increase surgical-site infection rates but led to higher skin colonization. Patients preferred longer dressing duration, perceiving it as safer.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Control
- Wound Management
Background:
- Surgical dressing wear time is a factor in surgical-site infection (SSI) and skin colonization.
- Patient perception of dressing wear is important for adherence and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of surgical dressing wear time on SSI rates and skin colonization.
- To analyze patient perceptions regarding dressing safety, comfort, and convenience.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 70 patients undergoing reduction mammaplasty.
- Two groups: Group I (dressing removed on postoperative day 1) and Group II (dressing removed on postoperative day 6).
- SSI assessed by CDC criteria; skin colonization by culture; patient-reported outcomes collected.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in SSI rates between groups (p = 0.09).
- Higher coagulase-negative staphylococci colonization in Group I on postoperative day 6 (p = 0.000).
- 83% of Group II patients preferred 6-day dressing wear, deeming it safer, versus 66% of Group I preferring 1-day wear (p = 0.000).
Conclusions:
- Surgical dressing wear time of 1 day versus 6 days did not significantly alter SSI rates.
- Prolonged dressing wear (6 days) was associated with lower skin colonization on postoperative day 6.
- Patients preferred and perceived longer dressing wear as safer, indicating potential benefits for adherence and perceived safety.