Vacuum Assisted Therapy in Emergent Contaminated Abdominal Surgeries
United States18 participantsStarted 2014-05
Plain-language summary
Emergent abdominal surgeries have very high rate of wound contamination due to exposure to bacteria from GI tract. There are several different approaches to wound management in these patients including wet-to-dry dressing or application vacuum assisted device on the wound. The investigators propose using the vacuum assisted device with Dakin's solution on patients undergoing emergency surgery for hollow viscus perforation installed immediately at the end of operation and remained there for the first 3 postoperative days, followed by delayed primary closure on postoperative day 4. The investigators believe this technique can achieve earlier wound closure, decrease patient discomfort, improve cost savings, and potentially standardize and revolutionize the investigators management of heavily contaminated wounds.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Emergent surgery involving hollow viscus perforation or necrotic bowel
* Admitted to the University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, AZ
Exclusion Criteria:
* Prisoners
* Pregnancy
* Patients with allergy to Dakin's (sodium hypochlorite) solution.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.