Summary
A randomised trial examining copper-impregnated dressings for surgical wounds after repeat caesarean section. The study compares dressing approaches and assesses postoperative wound healing.
- Study type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Study size
- 100 women having a repeat caesarean section: 50 copper dressing, 50 standard gauze; one hospital in India
Copper dressing samples were provided free of charge by MEDCu Technologies. Antenatal booking status differed between the groups at the start (76% vs 54% booked).
Key findings
- Wound-healing (REEDA) scores were significantly lower in the copper group on days 7, 10 and 30 after surgery (P<0.001).
- Surgical site infection occurred in 8% of the copper group and 20% of the gauze group; this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.08).
- Readmissions were 0% in the copper group and 6% in the gauze group.
- Average hospital stay was 6.12 ± 4.97 days with copper dressings and 8.64 ± 6.93 days with gauze (P=0.006).
- No adverse reactions were reported.