RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Comparison of the Risk of Surgical Site Infections Between Dressings Stopped at Postoperative Day 1 vs Dressings Stopped at Postoperative Day 6+/-1 After Elective Abdominal Surgery

This study is investigating the best time to remove dressings after planned tummy surgery. Traditionally, dressings are kept on for about a week. However, some healthcare teams are now removing them much earlier, sometimes after just one day. This research wants to see if taking dressings off earlier affects the chance of getting a wound infection. Current evidence is limited, so this study aims to provide clearer answers to help doctors decide the best way to care for surgical wounds. If earlier removal is just as safe, it could make recovery more comfortable and convenient for patients after major operations.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

1,288

Start

06 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Elective Abdominal Surgery

What is this study about?

When you have surgery on your tummy, a dressing is placed over the wound. For a long time, it’s been common practice to keep this dressing on for about a week, with nurses changing it daily. The main idea behind dressings is to help protect the wound and stop it from getting infected.

However, some doctors and nurses have started to wonder if keeping dressings on for so long is really necessary. Some early research has suggested that taking the dressing off much sooner, perhaps after just one day, might not increase the risk of the wound becoming infected. If this is true, it could make things simpler and more comfortable for patients after surgery. Imagine not having to worry about a dressing for days after your operation!

This study is designed to get a clear answer to this question. Researchers will compare two groups of patients: one group will have their dressing removed after just one day, and the other group will keep their dressing on for around six days. By carefully observing both groups, the study aims to provide strong evidence about whether early dressing removal is safe and doesn't increase the risk of wound infections. This information will help doctors create the best and most up-to-date guidelines for wound care after tummy surgery, ultimately benefiting patients like you.

Key takeaways

The study looks at taking surgical dressings off early versus later.
It's for adults having common, planned tummy surgeries.
The main goal is to see if early dressing removal affects wound infections.
This research aims to improve wound care guidelines for everyone.
Your involvement could help doctors make better decisions for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must be an adult (18 years or older) and be scheduled for a planned tummy operation that involves a cut of at least 4cm. This includes a wide range of common surgeries such as operations on your stomach, liver, pancreas, spleen, or bowels, as well as operations to repair hernias.

There are also some important reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had tummy surgery very recently (in the last month), if your surgery is an emergency, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, this study would not be suitable for you. Also, if you have a current infection, a very weak immune system, or severe liver problems, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Basically, the study is looking for patients who are having routine, planned tummy surgery and are generally in good health, without other serious medical conditions that might affect their wound healing or the study results.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having a planned tummy operation?
Do you have a current infection or serious liver disease?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you had recent tummy surgery (in the last month)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This section is not available in the provided text. The original text only described the study intervention (dressing removal timing) and participant eligibility criteria, but not the specific details of participation, such as number of visits, assessments, or follow-up procedures.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the potential benefit of helping to improve future surgical wound care for many patients, and your experience could directly contribute to better understanding and possibly more comfortable recovery processes. On the other hand, a potential risk, though considered unlikely based on existing (but limited) research, is that earlier dressing removal might increase the chance of a wound infection, which is what the study is designed to investigate. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtriere - APHP
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of surgery is this study about?

It's for people having planned operations on their tummy, like hernia repairs or stomach surgery, that need a cut at least 4cm long.

What are they testing in the study?

They're comparing whether taking off your surgical dressing after one day or after about six days makes a difference to wound infections.

Is it safe to take the dressing off early?

That's exactly what the study aims to find out. Some early research suggests it might be, but this study wants to get a much clearer answer.

Will I still get good care if I don't join the study?

Absolutely. Your doctors will continue to give you the best care according to current standard practices, whether you join the study or not.

What happens if I change my mind during the study?

You can leave the study at any point, and it won't affect the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Sebastien GAUJOUX, Prof

sebastien.gaujoux@aphp.fr 0184827972 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.