Clinical Research Directory

Treating Emergency Laparotomy Incisions With Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) in adults undergoing emergency laparotomy. The main question it aims to answer is: Does NPWT decrease wound complications? Researchers will compare it against regular dressings to see if NPWT is superior.

Steri-Strip Application Versus Standard Wound Closure for Cesarean Section Incisions

This study is evaluating whether Steri-Strips® provide additional benefits when used after cesarean section (C-section) surgery. Steri-Strips are adhesive strips that are commonly placed over a surgical incision to provide support while the wound heals. At our hospital, Steri-Strips are routinely used after C-sections in addition to standard wound closure techniques, although they are not considered part of the standard recommended closure method. Researchers want to determine whether adding Steri-Strips actually reduces wound complications such as infection, fluid collection under the skin, or reopening of the incision. Previous studies have shown mixed results, with some suggesting little difference in wound healing outcomes while others reported differences in scar appearance. Steri-Strips may also increase costs, add time to the surgery, and occasionally cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive standard cesarean wound closure with Steri-Strips, while the other group will receive standard wound closure without Steri-Strips. Researchers will compare wound healing, complications, patient outcomes, and costs between the two groups. The goal of this study is to determine whether Steri-Strips improve recovery after cesarean delivery and whether their routine use is beneficial and cost-effective. The findings may help guide future recommendations for cesarean wound care and improve outcomes for patients undergoing C-section delivery.

Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy to Reduce Infection and Complications in High-Risk Fractures

This is a multi-center, pragmatic, parallel arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 352 patients with high-risk open or closed tibial plateau fracture, high-risk open or closed tibial pilon fracture, or open tibial shaft fracture with incision \>3cm. Eligible participants will be randomized to receive either incisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or a non-suction standard-of-care wound dressing for their definitive wound management. The primary outcome will be a composite outcome to evaluate clinical status 3 months after randomization.

PICO Negative Pressure for Uninfected Foot Ulcers and Wound Dehiscence (BALPIC)

The investigators compare negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) using the PICO 7 system versus professional wound debridement alone in adult orthopedic patients with acute, non-infected wound dehiscence or diabetic foot ulcers. Patients are randomized 1:1 to either PICO therapy (minimum 7 days, up to 42 days) or standard wound care (professional debridement without NPWT). The primary outcome is wound closure without surgical revision at Day 42. The trial is stratified for diabetic foot ulcers to enable subgroup analysis.

Comparing Polyglactin vs Polypropylene Sutures for Rectus Sheath Closure

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the outcomes of Polyglactin (Vicryl) versus Polypropylene (Prolene) sutures for rectus sheath closure in patients undergoing midline laparotomy. The study will evaluate the rates of incisional hernia, surgical site infection (SSI), wound dehiscence, chronic pain, and suture sinus formation. Participants aged 18-70 years, undergoing either elective or emergency laparotomy, will be randomly assigned to receive either Polyglactin or Polypropylene sutures. The primary outcome measure is the incidence of incisional hernia at 6 months, with secondary outcomes including SSI, wound complications, and chronic pain. The study is particularly important in the context of Pakistan, where such comparative data is limited, and aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal suture material selection in general surgery.