Effects of Subcutaneous Jackson-Pratt Drain on Incisional Surgical Site Infection after Open Colorectal Resection for Cancer: a Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Clinical Study

Incisional surgical site infections (SSI) are an important problem in patients undergoing surgery. The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of Jackson Pratt (JP) drain placement in patients with and without drains on incisional SSI after colorectal resection for cancer. The trial was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter study. Patients who underwent colorectal resection for cancer were included in the study. Patients were randomized to subcutaneous JP drain group or control group (ND). The primary outcome was the presence of SSI. A total of 182 patients (89 in the JP group and 93 in the ND group) were analyzed. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic and surgical characteristics. SSI developed in 5.6% of patients in the JP group and in 19.4% of those in the ND group (p < 0.005). Obesity, thick subcutaneous adipose tissue, long operation time, and being > 70 years of age were the identified risk factors for incisional SSI. This study showed that elderly and obese patients and those with thick subcutaneous fat tissue should be placed JP drains to prevent SSI in open colorectal resections for cancer.