Postoperative Abscess Clinical Trial
Official title:
Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Oxygen Insufflation to Reduce Incidence of Postoperative Abscess in Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Oxygen has inherent bactericidal properties. The investigators are testing to see if they can reduce the incidence of postoperative abscesses following laparoscopic appendectomy by insufflating with oxygen at the end of the case.
Intra-abdominal abscess a well-known complication of both open and laparoscopic
appendectomy, especially in the setting of perforated and gangrenous appendicitis. The
reviewed literature cites an incidence of about 10%. Besides peri-operative antibiotic
administration there have been few developments to reduce this inherent risk. Oxygen rich
environments are potently bactericidal, and thus it is our hypothesis that establishing an
oxygen rich ambience within the abdomen at the conclusion of laparoscopy could curtail
bacterial growth and subsequent abscess formation.
In the experimental arm, at the conclusion of all surgical dissection and manipulation, the
carbon dioxide insufflate will be exchanged with oxygen to generate a high intra-abdominal
concentration. Oxygen will be infused for 15 seconds as CO2 is allowed to escape through the
open trocars. In the control arm Co2 will be allowed to escape through the open trocar ports
without any oxygen flush. Patients will receive a standardized operation as well as standard
post-operative care and follow up.
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Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Subject), Primary Purpose: Prevention