DOI: 10.36347/sasjs.2024.v10i07.010

Pages: 787-790

Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant postoperative wound complication associated with open abdominal surgery. It is linked to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The use of a subcutaneous suction drain helps reduce dead space in the subcutaneous tissue plane, thereby preventing the accumulation of fluid and the formation of seroma. Objective: This prospective study aims to observe the efficacy of subcutaneous drains in preventing Surgical Site Infections in emergency laparotomy in patients. Methodology: A prospective randomised comparative study was conducted with 216 patients who met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. 108 patients were classified as cases and had subcutaneous suction drains placed, while 108 patients were classified as controls and did not have drains placed. All patients received antibiotic prophylaxis. Surgical site infections (SSIs) were diagnosed and graded using the Southampton wound grading system. Results: Among 108 patients in each group, the mean age was 48.22±9.09 in the control group and 46.36±9.12 in the subcutaneous group. 24% in the subcutaneous group and 46% in the control group developed SSI. 33% of patients in the control group and 9% of patients in the subcutaneous group developed wound dehiscence and the mean duration of hospital stay was 6 days in cases and 10 days in controls. All the above parameters were statistically significant with p<0.05. Conclusion: Subcutaneous suction drainage is effective in reducing surgical site infections (SSI), wound dehiscence, and the mean duration of hospital stay in emergency laparotomies.