Lapprotector use decreases incisional wound infections in cases of perforated appendicitis: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether Lapprotector, a protective film and ring device for protecting wounds, can prevent wound infection after open appendectomy.


METHODS
We performed open appendectomy on 64 patients between 2004 and 2006. In September 2005, we started using Lapprotector to protect the site of incision (McBurney's point). Patients were divided into two groups as follows: Lapp(-), n = 32; Lapp(+), n = 32. Patient demographics were not statistically different and antibiotic protocols were identical.


RESULTS
In the Lapp(-) group, the appendix was perforated in seven patients (21.9%) and not perforated in 25 patients (78.1%). In the Lapp(+) group, the appendix was perforated in nine patients (28.1%) and not perforated in 23 patients (71.9%). For perforated cases, incisional wound infection was seen in three out of seven patients (42.9%) in the Lapp(-) group and in no patient (0%) in the Lapp(+) group, a significant difference (p < 0.05, Chi-squared test). For nonperforated cases, wound infection was seen in only one out of 25 patients (4.0%) in the Lapp(-) group.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend using Lapprotector to prevent incisional wound infection in patients requiring open appendectomy, especially in cases where the appendix is perforated.
Kato
Yoshifumi
Y
Department of Pediatric General and Urogenital Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Marusasa
Takashi
T
Ichikawa
Satoko
S
Lane
Geoffrey J
GJ
Okazaki
Tadaharu
T
Yamataka
Atsuyuki
A
D001062:Appendectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*