This randomized clinical trial was designed to assess the influence of time of dressing after breast reconstruction procedures on surgical site infections rates and skin colonization.
The rates of surgical site infections (SSI) after clean operations range from 1 to 2%. However, infection rates in the breast surgical literature tend to be higher, with reported rates ranging from 2 to 30%. In plastic surgery operations, to minimize the risk of SSI is imperative, since even minor infections are able to complicate the healing process and harm the cosmetic result. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established guidelines for postoperative incision care. However, there is no recommendation to cover an incision closed primarily beyond 48 hours, nor on the appropriate time to shower or bathe with an uncovered incision. This remains an unresolved issue.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
200
Dressing was removed on the first postoperative day.
Dressing was removed on the 6th postoperative day.
Hospital das Clinicas Samuel Libânio, Universidade do Vale do Sapucaí
Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Surgical site infection (SSI)
Patients are followed weekly by a masked surgeon in regard to SSI, until the 30th postoperative day.CDC's criteria and classification was adopted.Patients are reevaluated at the end of the first year after operation.
Time frame: 30th postoperative day and one year after operation
Skin colonization
Samples are collected to cultures before dressing (control) and at the 6th postoperative day
Time frame: 6 days postoperatively
Patients self assessments
Patients scored dressing wear time with regard to safety, comfort and convenience.
Time frame: 2 weeks postoperatively
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