Obese patients undergoing cesarean section are at high risk for wound complications, which occur in approximately 20% of patients. This is a randomized controlled trial designed to determine whether the risk for wound-related complications can be reduced by covering the incision with a silver-impregnated dressing in the postoperative period.
This study's purpose was to evaluate the effect of a FDA approved silver-impregnated dressing on cesarean wound complications in obese women. It was initiated and 37 women were randomized, but because of logistical barriers, we were unable to gather outcome data either by the intended survey or by chart review. When it became clear that we would be unable to complete the study, recruitment was terminated and further attempts at data gathering were stopped. While a small number of photographs were taken as intended, they were lost due to a technological failure prior to any analysis. Therefore no outcome data could be analyzed. Nonetheless, as patients of the University of Michigan Health System, all research subjects received health care treatment appropriate to their medical condition and circumstances.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
37
Patients will be randomized to either receive a silver dressing. Patients who receive a silver dressing will have that dressing replaced on postoperative day number 2. This will be left in place until the patient is seen for follow up by the visiting nurse. All patient will be evaluated by the visiting nurse on postoperative day 4 or 5 and have their wounds photographed. All patients will be contacted for a brief survey 6 weeks postpartum.
Standard island dressing. Patients who receive a standard dressing will have that dressing removed on postoperative day 2. This will be left in place until the patient is seen for follow up by the visiting nurse.
University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Womens' Hospital
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Number of Patients Who Experience One or More Wound Complications
A composite of cellulitis, wound dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, abscess, and fascial dehiscence from wound evaluation at any point within six weeks, as pulled from the medical record or based on patient report.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Febrile Morbidity
Febrile morbidity would be measured by number of participants who experienced fever as a sign of infection at 2 days, and overall within 6 weeks of delivery.
Time frame: 2 days, 6 weeks
Patient Report of Pain Severity and Control
Self Reported pain, on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is little pain and 10 is extreme pain
Time frame: 6 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.