Decisions regarding whether to close the skin in trauma patients with hollow viscus
injuries (HVIs) are based on surgeon discretion and the perceived risk for an SSI. We
hypothesized that leaving the skin open would result in fewer wound complications in
patients with HVIs. We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients who
underwent operative repair of an HVI. The main outcome measure was superficial or deep
SSIs. Of 141 patients, 38 (27%) had HVIs. Twenty-six patients developed SSIs, of which
13 (50%) were superficial or deep SSIs. On adjusted analysis, only female gender
(P = 0.03) and base deficit were associated (P =
0.001) with wound infections Open wound management was not associated with a decreased
incidence of SSIs (P = 0.19) in patients with HVIs. Further research is
required to determine optimal strategies for reducing wound complications in patients
sustaining HVIs.
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