Abstract

PAULA MARCOS, Miriam; VAZQUEZ CAMPO, Miriam  and  TIZON BOUZA, Eva. Is the application of dressings on surgical wounds closed by primary intention effective at preventing infection?. Gerokomos [online]. 2015, vol.26, n.2, pp.73-75. ISSN 1134-928X.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1134-928X2015000200008.

Clinical question: In patients at risk of infection in the surgical wound, how effective is the application of dressings in surgical wounds closed by primary intention to prevent infection? Selected Item: Walter CJ, Dumville JC, Sharp CA, Page T. Systematic review and meta-analysis of wound dressings in the prevention of surgical-site infections in surgical wounds healing by primary intention. Br J Surg. 2012;99(9):1185-94. doi: 10.1002/bjs.8812. Study Summary: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis, which aims to make a comparison between alternative dressings as well as a comparison between applying a dressing and leaving the wound exposed, for postoperative treatment of surgical wounds healing by primary intention. Comment: The study meets the criteria proposed by the PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews, being generally of good quality. There was no evidence that any dressing would reduce significantly the rates of surgical wound infection compared with any other or with air exposure of the wound. There were no differences in relation to pain, scarring or acceptance of the dressing. The quality of the evidence is high according to the GRADE classification. Conclusions: There are no differences in infection rates between the surgical wounds covered with a bandage compared to those left exposed to air. However, the decision of applying a dressing should be based on the cost of the dressing, its properties to control the symptoms as well as on exudate control.

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