Publication:

Prospective study of surgical site infection in laparotomy wounds with antibiotic lavage

Background Surgical site infection after operation is a burning issue increasing morbidity of the patient and increasing health care cost. Various strategies are there to reduce surgical infection one of which is lavage with antibiotic solution. Objective of the study was 1) to compare the incidence of post-operative wound infection in Laparotomy patients with contaminated and dirty wounds between patients who had per operative antibiotic lavage and patients who did not have per operative antibiotic lavage. 2) To compare the outcome of Superficial Surgical Site Infection (SSSI) between the two study groups.

Methods This prospective randomized study carried out in emergency surgery department after institutional ethics committee clearance. 100 consenting patient divided into two groups either to receive peritoneal toileting with antibiotic (group A) or toileting with normal saline only (group) B. Post operatively the patients were closely monitored for signs of wound infection. In patients with infected wounds the discharge was sent for culture sensitivity and the findings are noted. Standard practice of wound care was done (with regular dressings) in infected wounds and outcome of wound was recorded.

Results This prospective randomized study carried out in emergency surgery department after institutional ethics committee clearance. 100 consenting patient divided into two groups either to receive peritoneal toileting with antibiotic (group A) or toileting with normal saline only (group) B. Post operatively the patients were closely monitored for signs of wound infection. In patients with infected wounds the discharge was sent for culture sensitivity and the findings are noted. Standard practice of wound care was done (with regular dressings) in infected wounds, and outcome of wound was recorded.

Conclusions In Group A, incidence of superficial infection was lower. In both the cases the most common organism responsible was E. coli.