Closed Drainage of the Incisional Surgical Site Infections Prevent Wound Disruption in Colorectal Surgery

Incisional surgical site infection (ISSI) in colorectal surgery is the most frequent complication which increases morbidity, hospital stay and cost. In the case of ISSI, drainage of the wound is necessary. This study aimed to investigate possible efficacy of subcutaneous suction drains on preventing open wound treatment. We conducted a prospective trial in 154 patients who had colorectal surgery at a single institution. A subcutaneous suction drain was inserted following the closure of facial structures and the drain was established with negative pressure pursuant to the closure of the skin. The average duration period of drains in patients was determined to be 5.3 (4-15) days. A total of 21 (13.1%) patients developed incisional surgical site infection within the postoperative period with associated purulent drainage from the drain. Evisceration occurred in one patient who developed wound infection and this patient was reoperated. Open drainage of the wound was required in only two patients. In the other 19 (90.4%) patients with ISSI, the drains were maintained until a day, healty wound was confirmed and without opening the wound. Routine subcutaneous, closed, vacuum drainage of the incisions in colorectal surgery results in very low rates of ISSI that necessiates open wound treatment.