Researchers studied 76 patients undergoing open appendectomy, 38 of whom were in a control group and 38 of whom were assigned to a wound-probing protocol group. Patients in the control group received a loose wound closure with staples every 2 cm, while patients in the wound-probing group received loosely stapled closure with daily probing between staples with a cotton-tipped applicator.
Patients in the probing group demonstrated a significantly lower rate of surgical site infections and shorter hospital stays with no increased pain.
Read the study about wound-probing for surgical site infections.
Read other coverage about surgical site infections:
– Pediatric Patients Need Different Quality Measures for Infection Prevention, Treatment Than Adults
– HHS to Invest Up to $1B for New Patient Safety Initiative
– Despite Low Patient Compliance, CHG Bath Kits Beneficial in Fighting SSI
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