Type of sterile drape for IV port insertion
Abstract:
Purpose: A totally implantable vascular access port (TIVAP) is commonly required in cancer patients. Possible adverse events after TIVAP implantation include surgical site infection (SSI) and port-related bacteremia. This study examined whether adhesive surgical drapes can reduce the risk of SSI.
Methods: A total of 100 mostly cancer patients were randomized into two groups before undergoing TIVAP implantation by surgical cut-down. In one group, an adhesive, non-impregnated drape was applied to the skin prior to incision, while the control group underwent surgery without a drape. Swabs were taken from the surgical site and sent for microbiologic testing. SSI rates were compared between groups.
Results: No SSI occurred within 30 days after surgery. In each group, two patients died. There were 5 complications (port thrombosis, port dislocation, two cases of pneumothorax, skin allergy), all in the intervention group (p = 0.056). Using the incision drape prolonged procedure time by + 5 min (95% CI – 1 to + 10, p = 0.125). Microbiologic swab testing failed to detect any effect of the incision drape.
Conclusions: Plastic adhesive skin drapes may be unnecessary in cancer patients who undergo surgical implantation of a TIVAP.
Reference:
Scheunemann S, Daenenfaust L, Langenbach MR. Use of plastic adhesive skin drapes in cancer patients undergoing totally implantable vascular access port (TIVAP) placement-a randomized controlled pilot study. Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2022 Mar 7. doi: 10.1007/s00423-022-02489-6. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35257222.