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Early postoperative water exposure does not increase complications in cutaneous surgeries: A randomized, investigator-blinded, controlled trial.
- Source :
-
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology [J Am Acad Dermatol] 2024 Nov; Vol. 91 (5), pp. 896-903. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jul 14. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: Patients are often advised to keep the initial postoperative dressings dry and undisturbed for 24 to 72 hours. However, these requirements may result in significant disruption of patients' activities of daily living, such as bathing, leisure, and exercise.<br />Objective: Compare standard management of keeping wounds dry and covered (48 hours) with early (6 hours) postoperative water exposure.<br />Methods: Investigator-blinded, randomized (1:1), controlled trial evaluating rate of infection and additional outcomes of interest.<br />Results: Overall, 437 patients were randomized to either the early (6-hour) water exposure (n = 218) intervention group or the standard cohort (n = 219). The incidence of culture-proven infection in the intervention group (1.8%) was similar to the standard group (1.4%) (P > .99). There was also no difference in rates of bleeding or bruising. Scar assessment using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale revealed similar scar outcomes.<br />Limitations: Single site, academic center.<br />Conclusion: Surgical wounds can be allowed to get wet in the immediate postoperative period with no increased incidence of infection or other complications and with similar cosmesis.<br />Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest Dr Kirby has served as a consultant for AbbVie, Incyte, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB; has received honoraria from AbbVie, Incyte, InsMed, and Viela Bio; and has served on the speakers bureau for AbbVie.<br /> (Copyright © 2024 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Humans
Female
Male
Single-Blind Method
Middle Aged
Aged
Postoperative Care methods
Dermatologic Surgical Procedures adverse effects
Adult
Time Factors
Bandages
Cicatrix etiology
Cicatrix prevention & control
Incidence
Postoperative Complications epidemiology
Postoperative Complications etiology
Water adverse effects
Surgical Wound Infection epidemiology
Surgical Wound Infection prevention & control
Surgical Wound Infection etiology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1097-6787
- Volume :
- 91
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 39004350
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2024.05.098