Impact of CiNPWT on vascular wound infection and patient outcomes

Investigator: Ian Barry

Rationale:

• Wound infection is a significant burden in Vascular Surgery
• Occurs in approx. 6 – 30% of groin incisions
• CiNPWT applied with success in Orthopaedic and General Surgery

Methodology:

In a population of patients undergoing vascular surgery involving lower limb exposure that included the groin, we assessed the incidence of SSI in a retrospective audit compared to a prospective audit following a change in practice intervention with CiNPWT. 

• Retrospective audit was performed over a 12-month period where non-CiNPWT dressings used. 
• Prospective audit enrolled consecutive patients over 6-months
• 90-day follow-up completed for both groups.
• 110 groin incisions were performed
• 76 (65 patients) retrospective and 34 (29 patients) prospective.
• The primary endpoint of SSI decreased from 21% to 11.7% (p=0.250).
• Initial LOS was similar between both groups but total admission significantly longer in retrospective cohort (p=0.034).
• Need to return to theatre due to SSI only occurred in the retrospective audit (9 patients, p=0.035).

Conclusion:

CiNPWT appears to reduce the rate of SSI. Further investigation is warranted as regards to the impact upon SSI related re-admission, re-intervention and length of stay