Studying How Outpatient Water AffEcts Risks with Drains (SHOWER Study)

Launched by SEAN DEVITT · Jan 21, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The SHOWER Study is researching whether showering while having surgical drains in place affects the risk of complications after certain surgeries, specifically breast reductions and panniculectomies. In this study, patients will be randomly divided into two groups: one group will be allowed to shower with their drains, while the other group will be instructed not to shower. The goal is to see if showering increases the chances of issues like infections or complications at the surgical site.

To participate in the study, you need to be at least 18 years old and undergoing one of the specified surgeries at Geisinger Medical Center. However, there are some criteria that would exclude you from participating, such as being on antibiotics around the time of your surgery or working in healthcare with direct patient contact. If eligible, you can expect to be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and follow the instructions given about showering. This study is currently recruiting participants, and your involvement could help improve care for future patients after similar surgeries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients having one of the following procedures at Geisinger Medical Center in which drains are placed
• • Breast reduction
• • Lower panniculectomy
• • Fleur-de-lis panniculectomy
• • ≥18 years of age
• • Able and willing to provide consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients on antibiotics at the time of surgery
• • Patients sent home on antibiotics after surgery
• • Patients who work in healthcare with direct patient contact
• • Patients having a panniculectomy to be eligible for a kidney transplant
• • Patients having a ventral hernia repair at the time of the panniculectomy
• • Patients admitted to the hospital for \>1 night