title: Randomized, controlled investigation of the anti-infective properties of the Alexis retractor/protector of incision sites.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We prospectively investigated whether the wound-protective Alexis (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) wound retractor was effective in preventing surgical site infection (SSI).
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined the actual condition of SSI in a 12-month randomized, controlled trial consisting of 221 patients who had undergone nontraumatic gastrointestinal surgery. The patients were divided into a With Alexis retractor group (n = 111) and a Without Alexis retractor group (n = 110). We also analyzed SSI separately on the basis of surgical sites such as gastric surgery or colorectal surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall estimation showed a significant decrease in wound infection (superficial incisional SSI) in the With Alexis retractor group. In the analysis based on surgical sites, a significant decrease in wound infection was noted in the With Alexis retractor group, the members of which had undergone colorectal surgery. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the occurrence of organ/space SSI, including anastomotic leak or intraperitoneal abscess.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was suggested that the use of the Alexis wound retractor would protect surgical wounds from contamination by bacteria and thus prevent infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Osaka Minami Medical Center, Osaka, Japan. tetsuho@ommc-hp.jp
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Horiuchi
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tanishima
authors.forename: Kouji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tamagawa
authors.forename: Ichiro
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Matsuura
authors.forename: Hiroaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakai
authors.forename: Yoshiharu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shouno
authors.forename: Hideaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tsubakihara
authors.forename: Masaya
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Inoue
authors.forename: Katsuyoshi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tabuse
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011140:Polyurethanes; D011482:Protective Devices; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D011140:Polyurethanes