A randomized controlled trial on the effect of a silver carboxymethylcellulose dressing on surgical site infections after breast cancer surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) after breast cancer surgery is relatively high; ranging from 3 to 19%. The role of wound dressings in the prevention of SSI after breast cancer surgery is unclear. This study compares a silver carboxymethylcellulose dressing (AQUACEL Ag Surgical (Aquacel) with standard wound dressing in SSI rate after breast cancer surgery.

Patients and methods

A single-centre randomized controlled trial among women ≥18 years, diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing breast conserving or ablative surgery, was conducted in a combined in and outpatient setting. The intervention was the use of Aquacel, compared with standard gauze dressing. Primary outcome measure was SSI following CDC criteria.

Results

A total of 230 patients w

SUBMITTER: Struik GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5965831 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature