Preventing Wound Dehiscence and Surgical Site Infections Using Single Use Negative Pressure Therapy System in Post Op C-Section Patients with BMI >35

Purpose:   1) To prevent wound dehiscence and surgical site infections post operatively in C-Section Maternity patients with a BMI >35 by applying Single Use Negative Pressure Therapy to the incision in the Caseroom.  2) To prevent hospital readmission for these patients.

Methods: Patients had planned C Sections with a BMI >35.  Single Use Negative Pressure Therapy was applied in the caseroom immediately after delivery and remained in situ for 7 days.  The dressings were removed by the Enterostomal Therapist in Outpatient Department on Day 7.  The Enterostomal Therapist assessed and photographed the wounds. The case studies include information on the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative experience through pictures, testimonies and feedback from the surgeons, staff, patients and ET nurses involved in the trial.

Results:

Patient #1— 42 years old. Previous post op infection with C Section. BMI 50. Planned C section June 2013

Patient #2— 36 years old. Previous post op infection with C Section requiring readmission to hospital. BMI 46 Planned C section Aug 2013 (Vertical incision *3^rdC Section site)

Patient #3— 29 year old. Previous wound dehiscence with C Section. BMI 53. Planned C section Oct 2013

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that utilizing the Single Use Negative Pressure Therapy helped to prevent wound dehiscence on all three patients and to prevent surgical site infections in two of the three patients. Staff reported that the dressing was easily applied and maintained. Single Use Negative Pressure Therapy decreased the number of dressing changes required and decreased the need for followup and intervention in the community by Healthy Beginnings and Home Care Surveillance.