Impact of closed-incision negative pressure wound dressings on surgical site infection following groin incisions in vascular surgery; a single-centre experience.

OBJECTIVES

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication in vascular surgery, and is associated with increased patient morbidity, readmission and reintervention. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of closed-incision negative pressure wound therapy (CiNPWT) upon rate of SSI and length of hospital stay.

METHODS

This study was reported in line with the STROBE guidelines. We assessed the baseline incidence of SSI from a 12-month retrospective cohort and, following a change in practice intervention with CiNPWT, compared to a 6-month prospective cohort. The primary endpoint was incidence of SSI (according to CDC-NHSN guidelines) while secondary endpoints included length of hospital stay, readmission, reintervention and Days Alive and Out of Hospital (DAOH) to 90-days.

RESULTS

A total of 127 groin incisions were performed: 76 (65 patients) within the retrospective analysis and 51 (42 patients) within the prospective analysis (of whom 69% received CiNPWT). The primary endpoint of SSI was seen in 21.1% of the retrospective cohort and 9.8% of the prospective cohort ( = .099). Readmission was found to be significantly associated with the retrospective cohort ( = .016) while total admission (inclusive of re-admission) was significantly longer in those in the retrospective cohort ( = .013). DAOH-90 was 83 days (77-85) following introduction of the CiNPWT protocol as compared to the retrospective cohort (77 days (64-83), = .04).

CONCLUSION

Introduction of CiNPWT was associated with a reduced length of hospital stay and improved DAOH-90. Further trials on CINPWT should include patient-centred outcomes and healthcare cost analysis.