The objective of this study is to evaluate whether surgical drain securement with a novel sutureless device (K-LOCKTM) will improve patient quality of life and reduce postoperative drain-related complications compared to drain securement with traditional suture-based methods. The K-LOCK™ Device is a novel sutureless drain securement device that may improve patient experiences with surgical drains.
Patients will be identified as potential subjects where the study team will speak with them, determine eligibility, and obtain consent prior to surgery. On the day of surgery, patients will be randomized to either A) drains being secured with the K-Lock device or B) drains being secured with the suture-based technique. All drains will be secured according to randomization. Postoperatively: The study team will follow the subjects weekly via the electronic medical record documenting (in REDCap) calls made to the triage nurse, visits to the emergency department, requests for additional pain medications, unexpected drain removal, need for additional drain placement, etc. Subjects will return to clinic at their regularly scheduled follow-up appointments with no additional study related activities and will be followed by the study team weekly, via chart review for a total of 3 months from their surgery date. When the subjects return to clinic to have their final drain removed they will be asked to complete a survey asking about their experience with their drains and drain securement. We will also have a blinded evaluator complete a short survey evaluating the skin around the drain insertion site. Photos will be taken of the drain site upon drain removal and again at the 3 month follow-up visit.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
140
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
RECRUITINGPatient-Reported Outcome Measure Score
Patient reported outcome measures questionnaire will be completed by participant. Total score ranges from 6-30 with a higher score indicating a higher level of patient satisfaction.
Time frame: Month 3
Number of Complications
Number of complications including calls to triage nurse, visits to Emergency Room, requests for additional pain medication, early loss of drain.
Time frame: Month 3
Rating of Drain Exit Sites
Questionnaire to be completed by a health care team member who is blinded to drain securement method. Drain site will be inspected for erythema, irritation, blistering, maceration, etc. and rated after removal of the drain. Ratings will range from 0-4 with higher rating indicating more severity.
Time frame: Month 3
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.