A randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the outcomes of circumferential subcuticular wound approximation...

The creation of a stoma is commonplace in colorectal surgery. Circumferential subcuticular wound approximation (CSWA) is a method of wound closure following stoma reversal that has been reported to result in decreased wound infection rates and more desirable aesthetic outcomes. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the CSWA method, in terms of wound infection and cosmesis by comparing the technique to the conventional method of wound closure.

All adult patients who presented for stoma reversal at the outpatient clinic of the Division of Colorectal Surgery at the Philippine General Hospital were randomized into two groups, CSWA and conventional. Patients were followed up for up to 30 days postoperatively, photographic documentation of wound appearance was obtained, and wound infections and complications were documented. Patients were asked to complete a satisfaction survey at the end of the follow-up period.

A total of 121 patients were included in the study. One (1.6%) patient in the CSWA group developed wound infection, while six (10%) patients in the conventional group had a wound infection (p = 0.061). The CSWA group had a higher total satisfaction score than the conventional group (25 and 24, respectively, p = 0.012).

With regard to wound infection rates, the CSWA method was better than the conventional method, although this was found to be borderline significant. With regard to patient satisfaction, the CSWA method proved to be superior to the conventional method, and this was found to be statistically significant. In addition, the technique is applicable to all forms of stoma regardless of the bowel segment involved, trephine size, and indication for diversion.