Self-adhesive drape (Opsite) for management of leaking abdominal wounds.
BACKGROUND
Leaking abdominal wounds (LAW) are associated with high patient morbidity.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of a self-adhesive drape (Opsite) with suction drains for the management of LAW.


METHODS
Twenty patients with LAW (14 intestinal fistula, 4 biliary fistula, 2 ascites leak) were subjected to the use of a self-adhesive drape with a Romovac suction drain. Conventional wound management was used for the first 5 days, followed by the application of Opsite drape. The parameters evaluated were quantity of the effluent, skin integrity, ease of application, patient comfort and cost effectiveness. A discomfort score (based on four parameters: mobility, skin excoriation, wetness and unpleasant odor) was recorded on day 1 (pre conventional), day 5 (post conventional-pre Opsite), and day 5 after Opsite application. Opsite drape was changed whenever required.


RESULTS
The discomfort score was not altered with conventional therapy but was lower following Opsite application: mobility (0 vs 2), skin excoriation (0 vs 2), wetness (0.5 vs 2) and odor (0 vs 1). Opsite drape allowed accurate measurement of the effluent in all patients. The drape required change after a median of 14 days (range 10 to 18).


CONCLUSIONS
Opsite drape is easy to apply on LAW, is effective in containing the effluent, and is associated with low patient morbidity.
Parikh
R S
RS
Gastroenterological Surgical Services, B Y L Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai.
Upasani
V
V
Joshi
R
R
Mathur
S K
SK
D000328:Adult; D001201:Ascites / Q000628:therapy*; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D016154:Digestive System Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011336:Probability; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome
C027324:Opsiture; D011140:Polyurethanes