Role of Subcutaneous Suction Drain of Midline Incision on Wound Healing in Obese Women Undergoing Laparotomy for Ovarian Cancer: RCT

Abstract

Optimal management of postoperative wounds in the community is important to prevent potential complications such as surgical site infections and wound dehiscence from developing. As such, it is advisable to appreciate the physiology of wound healing and the principles of postoperative wound care. Two common complications of surgical wounds are infections and wound disruption. As such, the following signs should be looked out for in the post-operative wound review: fever, haematoma, seroma, separation of wound edges and purulent discharge from the wound. It is important to bear in mind that inflammation of a surgical wound is part of the physiological process of healing and, in the absence of other clinical features, does not equate to a wound complication. Certain patient factors may increase the risk of post-operative wound complications. These include the type of surgery and the body part involved, certain medications, immunosuppressive disorders, poorly controlled diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, tobacco smoking and malnutrition. Surgical drains of various types have been used, with the best intentions, in different operations for many years.