Prevention of Skin Damage Using Disposable Retractors in Open Hepatobiliary Surgery: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial...

Aim This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of film drapes and sewn gauze in preventing skin injuries caused by the use of disposable retractors during open hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery under general anesthesia. Design This was a single-center, nonrandomized, controlled trial. Methods This study was conducted at a medical center between August 2021 and May 2022. All participants were aged 20 years or older and underwent open abdominal hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery under general anesthesia using disposable retractors. Results During the study period, 57 patients were enrolled: 29 in the film drape group and 28 in the sewn gauze group. Notably, the film drape group experienced 12 incidents of skin injury, whereas the sewn gauze group experienced statistically significantly fewer, at only four incidents. Conclusions In open abdominal hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery under general anesthesia, the use of sutured gauze to provide moisture and pressure relief during the use of disposable retractors significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative skin injuries.