Prevention of Deep Wound Infection in Morbidly Obese Patients by Infusion of an Antibiotic into the Subcutaneous Space at the Time of Wound Closure

Author： Alexander J Rahn Rosemary

Publisher： Springer Publishing Company

ISSN： 1708-0428

Source： Obesity Surgery, Vol.14, Iss.7, 2004-08, pp. : 970-974

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Abstract

Background: Wound infections have been reported to occur in as many as 15% of wounds following the open procedure for gastric bypass in morbidly obese patients, resulting in significant disability, an increased health-care expenditure, and even death. Methods: This study was performed to assess the potential for reduction of wound infection in patients undergoing open gastric bypass by using a multimodal application of measures including infusion of an antibiotic (kanamycin) into the wound after closure and allowing it to dwell for 2 hours. Follow-up was for a minimum of 6 weeks. Results: Of 400 consecutive evaluable patients, none had a wound infection which started in the subcutaneous fat or fascia. One patient had a stitch abscess, two had superficial infections secondary to wound separation after suture removal, and one had infection after spontaneous evacuation of a seroma. Conclusion: Using an infusion of kanamycin into the wound and allowing it to dwell for a 2-hour period, along with other standard preventive measures, eliminated primary deep subcutaneous and fascial wound infections after open gastric bypass procedures.