Preventing wound dehiscence and surgical site infections using single use negative pressure therapy system in post-op C-section patients with BMI >35

Purpose: A clinical trial using the suNPWT* device and Nano-Ag** was performed on elective C-section patients with BMI of >35 and/or a previous history of surgical site infection/wound dehiscence/post-operative complications.

Method: Seven patients with planned C-sections and a BMI >35 were chosen for the trial. The suNPWT* device was applied in the case room immediately after delivery and remained in situ for 7 days. Different incisional closure techniques were used by the physician in each case. All patients received antibiotics prophylactically pre-operatively (2 grams of Cefazolin). Patients did not receive antibiotics post-operatively.

Outcomes – nursing

•             On site education was provided to staff – staff felt that they only needed to attend one session to become comfortable with the suNPWT* device.

•             Initially, staff were concerned about not being able to assess the wound daily.

Outcomes – patients

•             Patients reported that they had easier movement and mobility immediately post-operatively.

•             There were no dressing changes required which allowed them to focus on their baby rather than worry about their wound

day.

•             They were able to shower with the dressing in situ.

•             The pump was easy to operate and needed minimal help for wound care at home.

Conclusion: Utilizing the single use negative pressure therapy system helped to prevent wound dehiscence on all of the patients, staff reported that the product was easy to apply and to maintain. Our findings suggest, that with the single use negative pressure therapy, there is a decrease in the amount of post-operative wound care; increase in the ease of dressing application and care for patient; decrease in the amount of dressing changes and monitoring of the wound for staff and patient; and decrease in the need for Healthy Beginnings and Home Care Surveillance in healthy, post-op C-section patients with > 35 BMI.