Publication:

Plastic wound protectors in laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Plastic wound protectors are used in colorectal surgery to reduce incidence of post-operative wound infection and port site metastasis. The aim of this study is to determine if this practice has research currency based on the available literature. A systematic literature search enabled critical appraisal of retrieved studies. Six studies focusing on the topic of interest were retrieved and rigorously analysed. Analysis of these studies revealed adequate support for this practice especially in reducing incidence of post-operative wound infections. Plastic wound protectors serve as a useful tool in preventing post-operative wound infections, but there is paucity of evidence to support its role in preventing port site metastasis.