Overview
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) in adults undergoing emergency laparotomy. The main question it aims to answer is:
Does NPWT decrease wound complications?
Researchers will compare it against regular dressings to see if NPWT is superior.
Description
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a method of treating wounds using suction. The dressing is airtight, and the pump creates subatmospheric pressure, clearing the wound of exudate and fluids.
The study aims to investigate the effect of Negative pressure wound therapy dressings on the rate of wound complications (SSI, WD, seroma) after emergency laparotomy. Patients will be randomised to regular dressings and investigational device 1:1. No other aspect of the care will be changed.
Randomisation is planned at the time of skin closure. Patients will be followed-up after 7, 30 and 365 days with two initial visits, surveys and offered a CT scan to investigate incisional hernia formation.
The hypothesis is that NPWT dressings decrease the rate of wound complications. The secondary outcome is reduction of SSI, WD, seroma, shorter length of stay, peri-wound blistering, patient satisfaction.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- ≥18 years old
- Written informed consent
- \>10 cm midline incision with primary skin closure
- Emergency laparotomy
Exclusion Criteria:
- Not able to consent (e.g. dementia, impaired cognitive function, unconscious)
- Subjects not possible to follow up as assessed by the Investigator
- Allergy to dressing material
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (females of childbearing potential)
- Previous enrolment in the current study
- Expected reoperation with 28 days of index laparotomy
- Emergency laparotomy within 3 months