Prophylactic negative wound therapy in laparotomy wounds (PROPEL trial): randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Surgical innovation
• Wound management
• Clinical trials

Background:

• Superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) are frequent post-operative complications.
• SSIs incur significant financial costs for healthcare systems.
• Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is proposed to decrease SSIs, but its routine use is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in reducing post-operative wound complications in patients undergoing laparotomy.
• To compare standard surgical dressings with two commercially available NPWT systems (Prevena™ and PICO™).

Main Methods:

• A multi-center, randomized controlled trial design.
• Inclusion of adult patients (over 18 years) undergoing emergency or elective laparotomy.
• Enrollment of 271 patients to compare standard dressings against two NPWT devices.

Main Results:

• Results are pending completion of patient enrollment and follow-up.
• The study aims to provide data on the effectiveness of NPWT in preventing laparotomy wound complications.

Conclusions:

• The PROPEL trial will contribute to establishing consensus on the routine management of laparotomy wounds.
• Findings will guide the adoption of prophylactic NPWT in surgical practice.
• Evidence generated will inform clinical decision-making regarding wound care post-laparotomy.