The Efficacy of Subcutaneous Penrose Drains for the Prevention of Superficial Surgical Site Infections

Masakatsu Numata, Hiroyuki Tanabe, Kouji Numata, Yoshihiro Suzuki, Kazuyuki Tani, Ryuuji Shiraishi, Takashi Ooshima*, Yasushi Rino**, Toshio Imada** and Munetaka Masuda**

Department of Surgery, Hiratsuka Kyousai Hospital
Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center*
Department of Surgery, Yokohama City University**

Introduction: The effect of subcutaneous Penrose drain (PD) insertion in superficial surgical site infection (s-SSI) has not been reported comprehensively. To evaluate effectiveness, we implanted the PD subcutaneously in all cases at high s-SSI risk. Materials and Methods: From April to August 2008, all cases at high s-SSI risk, i.e.) classified into wound class III or IV, or II accompanied by at least 20-mm-thick subcutaneous fat, were subjected to subcutaneous PD implantation and checked for s-SSI occurrence based on risk, wound class, and their totality, followed by comparison with the incidence from November 2007 to March 2008. Results: From April to August 2008, 50 high-risk subjects had a s-SSI incidence of 8.0%. Previous s-SSI incidence from November 2007 to March 2008 was 42.6%. Prophylactic subcutaneous drainage thus significantly decreased in high-risk patients at high risk (p<0.001) and in each classified group and totality, i.e.) ClassII: 9.18% vs. 1.87%, p=0.044, ClassIII: 32.0% vs. 6.90%, p=0.032, ClassIV: 50.0% vs. 10.0%, p<0.001, total: 9.91% vs. 1.97%, p<0.001. Conclusion: The Penrose drain, costing just a few dollars, demonstrates definite potential as an effective means for preventing s-SSI.

Key words
subcutaneous drain, surgical site infection, Penrose drain

Reprint requests
Masakatsu Numata Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Center Hospital
4-57 Urahunecho, Minamiku, Yokohama, 232-0024 JAPAN

Accepted
July 22, 2009

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