Impact of Subcutaneous Negative-Pressure Suction Drainage on Postoperative Hospital Stay Following Emergency Exploratory Laparotomy: A Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) remains a common complication following emergency exploratory laparotomy and is associated with delayed wound healing, prolonged hospitalisation, increased healthcare costs, and greater postoperative morbidity. Subcutaneous negative-pressure suction drains are a simple intervention to reduce wound-related complications by eliminating dead space and preventing fluid accumulation.
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of subcutaneous negative-pressure suction drains on postoperative length of hospital stay among patients undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy and to examine the relationship between SSI and hospitalisation duration.
Methods: A total of 100 patients undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy were included and divided into two equal groups. Group A (n=50) underwent primary wound closure with placement of a subcutaneous negative-pressure suction drain, while Group B (n=50) underwent conventional wound closure without drainage. We compared hospital stay length between the groups and assessed the association between SSI and hospital stay.
Results: The mean age of participants was 43.56 ± 17.06 years, and 69% were male. Contaminated and dirty wounds accounted for 51% and 40% of cases, respectively. Patients in the drain group had a slightly shorter mean hospital stay (10.9 ± 4.2 days) than those in the non-drain group (11.3 ± 4.7 days). SSI occurred in 50.0% of patients in the drain group compared with 66.0% in the non-drain group. Patients who developed SSI experienced substantially longer hospitalisation (14.3 ± 4.7 days) compared with patients without SSI (7.0 ± 1.4 days).
Conclusion: Subcutaneous negative-pressure suction drainage was associated with a lower incidence of surgical site infection and a modest reduction in postoperative hospital stay following emergency exploratory laparotomy. Effective SSI prevention may support faster recovery, earlier discharge, and improved utilisation of healthcare resources.