A Comparative Study Of The Management Of Post Operative Wound Dehiscence With Collagen Powder And Conventional Secondary Suturing

Abstract

Introduction- Dehiscence is a partial or total separation of previously approximated wound edges, due to a failure of proper wound healing. This scenario typically occurs 5 to 8 days following surgery when healing is still in the early stages. Wound dehiscence may lengthen hospital stays, cause patient discomfort, and increase the need for repeat procedures even with the growing understanding of the wound healing process both before and after surgery, as well as the advancement in preoperative care and suture materials.

Objective: To compare collagen powder and conventional secondary suturing in the management of post operative wound dehiscence to see if collagen is superior to secondary suturing and can be used as an alternative.

Methods: Comparative study is conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Saveetha medical college and hospital, Thandalam. Fifty patients who are diagnosed with post operative wound dehiscence are selected, where in 25 cases, collagen powder will be used and in the other 25 cases, traditional secondary suturing will be done. A detailed history of the patients will be taken, and physical examination, complete blood analysis will be routinely performed in all the cases. The patients will be explained about the benefits and risks in this study. The complications will be noted in a proforma during hospital stay and on follow up visit.

Results: From our study we found that patients who underwent conventional secondary suturing had a faster wound healing time, shorter duration of hospital stay and better scar quality.

Conclusion: From our study we can conclude that although collagen powder has benefits such as enhancement of granulation tissue formation, quicker slough removal, faster contraction of wound; conventional secondary suturing remains the definitive mainstay of treatment of post operative wound dehiscence. Collagen powder on the other hand can be used as a supportive measure.