Incisional wound VAC and risk-adjusted SSI rates in colorectal surgery: A tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: In colorectal surgery, indications for incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iVAC) remain unclear. We sought to compare rates of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients who received iVAC or standard sterile dressing (SSD).

METHODS: Institutional colorectal NSQIP data between 2014 and 2018 was reviewed. SSI rates were compared between iVAC and SSD cohorts using the NSQIP surgical risk calculator (NSQIP SRC) for risk-adjusted analysis. Secondary outcomes included other wound complications, morbidity, mortality, disposition destination and overall length of stay.

RESULTS: 145 patients received iVAC while 544 received SSD. SSI was greater in iVAC than SSD (17% vs 9%, p = 0.009). iVAC was independently associated with SSI (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-3.9). The presence of a colostomy strengthened this relationship. There was no difference in secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION: iVAC was independently associated with SSI with risk-adjusted analysis. This relationship was stronger in patients with a colostomy.