A Randomized Trial Comparing the Outcomes for 2 Operations Versus ≥ 3 Operations in Infected Wounds Requiring Hospitalization

There is a lack of consensus about whether or not a patient with an infected wound requires more than 2 surgical procedures. For patients admitted for an infected wound this study will investigate whether 2, compared with ≥3, operative interventions results in better outcomes. All patients admitted for an infected wound will be assessed for eligibility in the study. If eligible, subjects will be randomized into Cohort A (2 operative visits) or Cohort B (≥3 operative visits). Subjects will then be followed during the hospitalization as well as 180 days post discharge.

A total of 250 subjects will be enrolled into this study. Two operations (n=125) will be compared with ≥3 operations (n=125) during the hospitalization. We will compare the following factors between the two treatment groups: length of hospital stay; readmission post-discharge; quality of life; proportion of wounds closed or covered with a graft; culture results; host factors; environmental factors post-hospital discharge; and, financial charges related to admission and readmission. We expect full enrollment to take 3 years in duration.

Debridement of the wound will be performed in the customary manner per SOC in the operating room. Prior to the start of the study, the surgeons performing the operations will be required to view a video that demonstrates the standardized debridement technique that will be utilized. The following is the standardized technique depicted in the video:

All wound surfaces will be painted with dye prior to debridement. Debridement involves the use of a scalpel, scissors, curette, rongeur, or hydro-surgery. A 2-3 millimeter skin edge around the perimeter of the wound will also be resected. All infected/nonviable tissue will be removed and all tissues with dye will be surgically removed. This includes decompression of any purulent material and excision of any indurated tissue (until tissue pliability is established). Nonviable tissue includes necrotic and fibrous tissue. Debridement will be performed until the there is bleeding on the wound base and perimeter.