A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OPEN VERSUS CLOSED DRESSING METHOD OF SURGICAL WOUND

Abstract

AIM: To compare and find out better option of dressing methods in terms of preventing wound infection, local site pain and acceptance of patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied 200 patients and divided them in 2 groups randomly. In one group (n-100), the dressing kept in situ till the time of removal of sutures approximately after 7 to 10 days. In other group (n-100), we have removed dressing on 3rd post-operative day and after cleaning it, sprayed with solution (mixture of cetrimide 0.5%, polyvinyl polymer 2.52%, benzocaine 0.36%). OBSERVATION: Wound infection rate in open dressing was 10%, in closed dressing it was 20% (RR=0.5%). Local site pain in open dressing was 4% while in closed dressing it was 8% (RR=0.5%). Patient’s Non acceptance in open dressing was 15%% while in closed dressing method it was only 1% (RR=15%). CONCLUSION: Though the utilization of method of dressing depends upon the choice of Surgeon but Closed dressing method is better option to prevent wound infection and local site pain with truth of less accepted method by patients in compare to closed dressing method.