Dermabond and Tegaderm: A Better Surgical Incision Dressing

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a common source of morbidity with vascular surgery incisions, especially in the groin. Single institution case series have widely varying, but high incidences of groin wound infection after open lower extremity revascularization. Optimally, a dressing that did not require changes, had low cost, and was water resistant would be optimal in these patients. We developed and validate a new dressing utilizing Dermabond (Ethibond™) and Tegaderm™ for vascular surgery incisions that could simplify and reduce postoperative SSIs. In this initial experience, we reviewed 94 patients. Of the 94 patients, 0 had signs of infection superficial or deep, dehiscence, or evidence of nonhealing. Gluing a Tegaderm to an incision using Dermabond is a novel and easy way to perform dressing that reduces wound infection, increases patient comfort, avoids dressing changes, and allows visualization of the wound.