Reducing wound infections. Improved gown and drape barrier performance
J. A. Moylan, K. T. Fitzpatrick and K. E. Davenport
A 21-month study involving 2181 clean and clean-contaminated general
surgical procedures was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of a
commercially available disposable gown and drape system vs a cotton system
in reducing wound infection. The series in which the disposable spun-laced
fiber system was used had a significantly lower overall infection rate
(2.83% vs 6.5%) as well as better rates in clean (1.8% vs 3.8%) and
clean-contaminated (4.8% vs 11.4%) procedures. This effect was independent
of all other factors. The odds of developing a wound infection was 2 1/2
times higher with a cotton system than with a disposable system. Actual
cost analysis from three types of hospitals showed lower costs with
utilization of disposable gown and drape systems. Hospital charges were
significantly higher for those patients developing wound infections. The
results of the study demonstrated not only significant reduction in wound
infection rates but also major cost savings when a disposable gown and
drape system was used in the operating room.
