The Effects of Post-Operative Interventions on Surgical Site Occurrences in Abdominal Wall Reconstructions: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Surgical site occurrences (SSOs) are a common complication of complex abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), with rates ranging from 29-63.6%. Contributors to the high rates include: 1) comorbidities in this patient population such as; obesity, diabetes, smoking, and poor nutrition; 2) the need for complex surgical techniques including component separation, the use of mesh, skin resection, and the creation of adjacent skin flaps; 3) the possibility of contamination as a result of enterotomies or infected mesh from a previous procedure.

Any measures that can be taken to reduce the rates of surgical site occurrences are worthy of investigation, as they would help to decrease the morbidity and mortality of these procedures, while also potentially decreasing the overall cost associated with them. One measure of particular interest is what post-operative intervention, or wound dressing, is used. Many options exist. Those widely used include Prevena™, a vacuum assisted therapy that goes directly over the closed incision to assist with closure. This system works by placing a small piece of foam over the closed incision and then applying a vacuum over the foam. This allows the vacuum to apply uniformed pressure over the incision. It is thought that this vacuum creates negative pressure that helps to prevent contamination, hold the incision together, and remove fluid and infectious materials from the incision site. Another commonly used product is Prineo™, a self-adhering mesh that utilizes Dermabond™ glue technology that goes directly over the closed incision to assist with closure. The glue dries quickly over the incision and mesh, creating a barrier that is flexible but also resistant to contamination. While blocking potential contaminants such as water and bacteria from getting in, it allows water vapor to escape, while promoting a moist wound healing environment. There is also the traditional wound dressing which consists of Bacitracin antibiotics on a xeroform gauze, covered with a standard abdominal pad and tape.

Prevena™ has been widely studied in plastic surgery, specifically in AWR for large ventral hernias and for other complex abdominal reconstructions and is associated with reductions in SSOs from 22-51%. While there is strong evidence to support the use of Prevena in this patient population, there remains skepticism due to the lack of randomized, prospective studies to support its use. Prineo™ has not been studied as in depth, but multiple studies have shown it to be as efficacious as standard wound dressings in regard to wound healing, if not better.

There are currently no published reports comparing the rates of SSOs between these three therapies. This information is important to collect due to their potential abilities to reduce the rates of SSOs. Finding which decreases this rate the most can help guide decision making in our practice and potentially across the world.

When a patient with a ventral hernia or an abdominal wall tumor presents to the senior author for evaluation for abdominal wall reconstruction, a full history and physical examination will be performed. Patients who satisfy the study inclusion and exclusion criteria will be offered the opportunity to participate in the study. If they agree to participate, informed consent and HIPAA forms will be filled out and signed.