Wound protectors mitigate superficial surgical site infections after pancreatoduodenectomy

Whether the choice of antibiotic prophylaxis, the type of incision, or the use of wound protectors decreases surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) remains unknown.

Patients undergoing open, elective PD between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 were identified from the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine the association of antibiotic prophylaxis type, incision type, and wound protector use on the incidence of any, superficial, and organ/space SSIs, and to profile hospitals.

Overall, 5969 patients were included from 140 hospitals. The overall rate of SSI was 20.3% (n = 1213). Superficial SSIs occurred in 432 (7.2%) patients and organ/space SSIs in 841 (14.1%). Wound protector use was associated with 23% lower odds of experiencing any SSIs (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60-0.98), reflective of the decreased odds associated with superficial SSIs (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.97), but not organ/space SSIs (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.68-1.17). Highest-performing hospitals frequently utilized broad-spectrum antibiotics, midline incisions, and wound protectors.

Wound protectors reduced superficial, but not organ/space, infections in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. Routine use of wound protectors in patients undergoing proximal pancreatectomy is recommended.