Effectiveness of Subcutaneous Suction Drains in Preventing Superficial Surgical Site Infections Following Open Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective Comparative Observational Study

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a major source of postoperative morbidity and account for a substantial proportion of healthcare-associated infections, with their incidence being particularly high following major abdominal procedures.Superficial SSIs are the most common type and typically occur during the early postoperative period.The use of subcutaneous suction wound drains has been suggested as a strategy to reduce postoperative fluid accumulation in the wound and is thus associated with reduced risk of infection.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of subcutaneous suction wound drains in reducing the incidence of superficial SSIs following open abdominal surgery.Secondary objectives included comparing SSI rates between elective and emergency procedures and assessing other factors associated with superficial SSIs.Methods: A prospective comparative observational study was conducted among 114 patients undergoing open abdominal surgery at a tertiary care center.Clinical and operative data were collected using a structured proforma, case records, and operative notes.The incidence of superficial SSI was compared between patients managed with and without subcutaneous suction drains, and associations with relevant patient-and procedure-related factors were assessed.Results: Superficial SSI occurred in 12 of 56 patients (21.4%) in the drain group and in 24 of 58 patients (41.4%) in the nondrain group.The use of a subcutaneous suction drain was associated with a significant reduction in SSI risk (odds ratio: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.13-5.90;p = 0.022).No significant associations were observed between SSI occurrence and the type of surgery, wound contamination status, demographic characteristics, wound closure technique, or comorbid conditions.Conclusion: The use of subcutaneous suction wound drains was associated with a significantly lower incidence of superficial SSI following open abdominal surgery.Other patient-and procedure-related factors did not demonstrate a significant influence on infection rates.These findings support the selective use of subcutaneous suction drains in patients at risk of postoperative wound infection.