Comparing Delayed vs Primary Wound Closure After Emergency Laparotomy: Impact on Infection, Healing, and Hospital Stay

Comparison of Primary Skin Closure Versus Delayed Primary Skin Closure in Patients Undergoing Emergency Laparotomies

The purpose of this study is to find out which type of wound closure after emergency abdominal surgery leads to fewer wound infections and better recovery: closing the wound immediately after surgery (called primary closure) or waiting a few days before closing the skin (called delayed primary closure).

Wound infection is a common problem after emergency abdominal surgery (also called laparotomy). Some surgeons close the skin right away, while others wait a few days to reduce the risk of infection.

This study will help find out which method is better.

The main questions the study aims to answer are:

1. . Does delayed primary closure lower the rate of wound infection compared to primary closure?
2. . Does the wound open up (wound dehiscence) less often with delayed closure?
3. . Does delayed closure affect the length of hospital stay?

In this clinical trial:

• Adult patients needing emergency abdominal surgery will be included.
• Half the patients will have their wounds closed immediately (primary closure), and half will have delayed closure after 3-5 days of daily dressing.
• All surgeries will be done by experienced surgeons using the same technique.
• Patients will be followed for 4 weeks after surgery to monitor wound infection, wound opening, and length of hospital stay.

The results will help doctors choose the safest and most effective way to close surgical wounds after emergency abdominal surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients 18 - 60 years of age
• Either male or female gender and
• Planned to undergo emergency laparotomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing second laparotomy
• Re- laparotomy
• On steroid therapy and
• Patients who die within 28-days of surgery