A retrospective study evaluating silver-impregnated dressings on cesarean wound healing.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study was designed to assess the effectiveness of silver-impregnated dressings in reducing postoperative wound care visits.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 72 patients was conducted to compare the effectiveness of silver-impregnated dressings with traditional wound dressings in reducing additional postoperative visits associated with surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing cesarean delivery: Prior to October 1, 2009, incisions of 36 women were covered with gauze pads. Subsequent to that date, Silverlon dressings (Cura Surgical, Geneva, Illinois) were applied to the wounds of the remaining 36 women.


RESULTS
Two patients whose incisions were covered with a gauze pad and 2 patients who received the silver-impregnated dressings developed an SSI requiring additional wound care visits. Silver-impregnated dressings did not significantly reduce the rate of wound care-related postoperative visits, but the experimental group had a higher rate of comorbidities.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there was no observed difference in the number of women requiring additional wound care visits, the significantly greater number of comorbidities noted in the silver-impregnated dressing group should have theoretically placed them at increased risk for SSIs and additional postoperative wound care visits, suggesting that silver-impregnated dressings may have more of a protective effect than is appreciated in this study. A randomized prospective study is planned to further assess its usefulness in decreasing the incidence of wound infections along with its potential benefits regarding wound appearance.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Sheila A
SA
Connery
Katheryne L
KL
Downes
Caroline
C
Young
D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001458:Bandages; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012834:Silver / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D012834:Silver