The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Impact of preoperative local water-filtered infrared A irradiation on postoperative wound healing: a randomized patient- and observer-blinded controlled clinical trial. Ann Surg 2013; 258: 887–894.

Published: 18th February 2014

Authors: Kunzli BM, Liebl F, Nuhn P, Schuster T, Friess H, Hartel M et al.

Conclusion

The trial included 400 patients. The application of irradiation for 20min to the wound site while the patient was prepared for surgery reduced the subsequent rate of surgical site infection from 12.1 to 5.1 per cent, P=0.028.

Pubmed Link