Clinical Observation of Wound Fluid Extravasation after Shoulder Arthroscopy

Abstract

Fluid leakage to the outside of the wound after shoulder arthroscopy can present a risk of complications such as wound infection and delayed wound healing. Most relevant studies dealt with fluid leakage to the internal environment and did not focus on fluid leakage outside the body and its effect on the wound. We, therefore, focused on and investigated the significance of wound fluid leakage to the body surface after shoulder arthroscopy. Methods: Observational and analyzed patient data from 15 cases of shoulder arthroscopy were used to calculate the amount of fluid exudation by recording the operation time, the amount of intraoperative fluid perfusion, the surgical incisions, and weighing the surgical dressings on the first day of the postoperative period. The statistical method of Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between the patients' postoperative fluid exudate volume and the operation time, intraoperative fluid infusion volume, and surgical incision. Results: All patients had no incision infections or other postoperative complications. The duration of surgery and the amount of postoperative wound exudate were correlated in 15 patients (R=.547, p<.05), the amount of perfusion and the amount of postoperative wound exudate were statistically significant (R=.569, p<.05), and the incisions and the amount of postoperative wound exudate were statistically significant (R=.702, p<.05). Conclusion: There is a correlation between postoperative fluid exudation after shoulder arthroscopy and operative time, intraoperative perfusion, and surgical incisions. When the operator performs shoulder arthroscopy, he or she should try to shorten the operative time and reduce intraoperative fluid perfusion and surgical incisions.