Randomized controlled trial: comparison of two surgical techniques for closing the wound following ileostomy closure:
N Dusch1, D Goranova, F Herrle
1Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
Aim:
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following ileostomy closure with a frequency of up to 40%. This prospective randomized controlled trial was initiated to compare two surgical techniques - direct suture (DS) and purse-string suture (PSS) - used to close the wound following ileostomy closure. The primary end-point was the SSI rate. Secondary end-points were cosmetic outcome [using two validated scales: the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ)] and the influence of other factors on the SSI rate.
Method:
Of a total of 99 patients screened, 84 were included in this study. Forty-three patients were randomized into the PSS group and 41 were randomized into the DS group. Follow up was performed within 3 days after surgery, at discharge, and 30 days and 6 months after the operation.
Results:
In the PSS group there were no cases of SSI compared with 10 (24%) cases in the DS group (P = 0.0004). There were no statistically significant differences in cosmetic outcome between the two groups. No other statistically significant factors influencing the incidence of SSI could be identified.
Conclusion:
The rate of SSI is significantly lower following PSS than following DS, and both techniques have a similar cosmetic outcome. PSS closure should be considered as standard of care for wound closure after ileostomy reversal.
