Activated Collagen Powder Significantly Reduces Surgical Site Infections in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery

Abstract

Objective: Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are common hospital infections resulting in morbidity, mortality, and cost. Activated Collagen (AC) has been shown to promote wound healing, preventing wound dehiscence with decrease in SSIs. We evaluated the impact of AC on SSI rates in elective surgery patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of surgery patients from 1-1-2018 to 12-1-2021. Comorbidities, demographics and surgical specialties were collected. All patients had chlorhexidine wipes day prior and on day of surgery; appropriate prophylactic antibiotics; and ChloraPrep or DuraPrep. AC was applied prior to skin closure. Cases were stratified by wound class. AC group patients were compared to case matched 1:3 non-AC patients. SSI rates were compared.

Results: 5,335 cases were performed, 76% (4,068) clean, 24% (1,287) Clean Contaminated (CC). Overall, the mean age was 63.8+/-0.9 years, mean BMI was 28.8+/-0.44; 87% male, 56% white, 31% with DM, 13% with CKD, and 7% with COPD. The AC and Non-AC groups were well matched with no significant differences in age, BMI, demographics, comorbidities or surgical specialty. AC was used in 28% (Total=1489; Clean=1,089; CC=400) of cases. There was a significant decrease in overall SSI rate with use of AC (AC SSI=0.63%, Non-AC SSI=1.52%, p=.012). There was a significant decrease in SSI rate in clean cases (AC SSI=0.30%, Non-AC SSI=0.97%, p=.027) and trend towards decreased SSI rate in clean contaminated cases (AC SSI=1.54%, Non-AC SSI=3.36%, p=.064).

Conclusions: AC in patients undergoing elective surgery resulted in a significant 59% reduction in SSI rate; most pronounced in clean cases (69% decrease). Activated collagen can be safely used in elective cases to promote wound healing of incisions and decrease SSI rates.

Reference

Nowrouzi R, Awad SS. Activated Collagen Powder Significantly Reduces Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery.