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A Novel Wound Retractor Combining Continuous Irrigation and Barrier Protection Reduces Incisional Contamination in
Harry T Papaconstantinou1, Rocco Ricciardi2,3, David A Margolin4
1Department of Surgery, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX, USA. Harry.Papaconstantinou@bswhealth.org.
Background:
Surgical site infection (SSI) remains a persistent and morbid problem in colorectal surgery. Key to its pathogenesis is the degree of intraoperative bacterial contamination at the surgical site. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel wound retractor at reducing bacterial contamination.
Methods:
A prospective multicenter pilot study utilizing a novel wound retractor combining continuous irrigation and barrier protection was conducted in patients undergoing elective colorectal resections. Culture swabs were collected from the incision edge prior to device placement and from the exposed and protected incision edge prior to device removal. The primary and secondary endpoints were the rate of enteric and overall bacterial contamination on the exposed incision edge as compared to the protected incision edge, respectively. The safety endpoint was the absence of serious device-related adverse events.
Results:
A total of 86 patients were eligible for analysis. The novel wound retractor was associated with a 66% reduction in overall bacterial contamination at the protected incision edge compared to the exposed incision edge (11.9 vs. 34.5%, P < 0.001), and 71% reduction in enteric bacterial contamination (9.5% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.001). The incisional SSI rate was 2.3% in the primary analysis and 1.2% in those that completed the protocol. There were no adverse events attributed to device use.
Conclusions:
A novel wound retractor combining continuous irrigation and barrier protection was associated with a significant reduction in bacterial contamination. Improved methods to counteract wound contamination represent a promising strategy for SSI prevention (NCT 02413879).
Insights
A novel wound retractor significantly reduced bacterial contamination during colorectal surgery, lowering infection rates. This device offers a promising strategy for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs).
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Infection Control
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant complication in colorectal surgery.
- Intraoperative bacterial contamination is a key factor in SSI pathogenesis.
- Effective strategies to reduce contamination are crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel wound retractor designed to minimize bacterial contamination.
- To assess the efficacy of continuous irrigation and barrier protection in reducing microbial load at the surgical site.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, multicenter pilot study involving patients undergoing elective colorectal resections.
- Collection of culture swabs from incision edges before and after device use.
- Comparison of bacterial contamination rates between exposed and protected incision edges.
Main Results:
- The novel retractor demonstrated a 66% reduction in overall bacterial contamination and a 71% reduction in enteric bacterial contamination.
- The incisional SSI rate was low, with 2.3% in the primary analysis and 1.2% in protocol completers.
- No serious adverse events were attributed to the device, indicating good safety.
Conclusions:
- The novel wound retractor effectively reduces bacterial contamination during colorectal surgery.
- This device represents a promising advancement in surgical site infection prevention strategies.
- Further investigation into improved wound contamination countermeasures is warranted.
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