Wound protector use linked to statistically significant reduction in SSI, study shows

Mar 30 2018

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common occurrence among patients who have had gastrointestinal surgery, with reported infection rates varying from 4 to 25 percent. A meta-analysis study published this month in Surgical Endoscopy shows that wound protector use is associated with a statistically significant reduction in SSI in patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal surgery (OR 0.64, P<0.01). The study further shows that there is a 63 percent decrease in SSI risk when using dual-ring wound protectors compared to using single-ring wound protectors. This is the only published meta-analysis that focuses primarily on wound protectors in lower GI surgery.

Study Design

The study consisted of 12 randomized controlled trials with 3,029 participants. EMBASE (1947-2016) and MEDLINE (1946-2016) databases were searched on August 4, 2016. References cited in related reviews and included trials were examined for additional studies that fit the inclusion criteria.

About SSI

As referenced in the study, SSIs account for 20 percent of hospital-acquired infections, resulting in approximately $3.5 billion to $10 billion annually in healthcare expenditures. The study's data analysis suggests that the use of dual-ring wound protectors should be considered in open lower gastrointestinal surgery.

About the Alexis^® Wound Protector/Retractor

Developed and manufactured by Applied Medical, the Alexis wound protector/retractor features a dual-ring design in a wide range of sizes for use within multiple specialties. The Alexis wound protector/retractor features 360-degree protection to help reduce surgical site infection, shield incision sites from bacterial invasion and maintain moisture to promote healing.

"At Applied Medical, it's our mission to enhance clinical care and improve patient outcomes. We work in partnership with our customers to help reduce surgical site infections through our products and programs," said Serene Wachli, president of Horizon II Division at Applied Medical. "We're proud to provide our dual-ring Alexis wound protector/retractor to hospitals worldwide to help meet clinical needs."