No more bandages? study tests leaving surgical wounds uncovered after GI surgery

NCT ID NCT06263205

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether it's safe to stop changing wound dressings after gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Over 1,100 adults were randomly assigned to either have their wound dressing removed after 48 hours and left uncovered, or to receive routine dressing changes every two days. The goal was to see if the no-dressing approach was just as good at preventing wound complications, while also reducing pain and costs. The results could lead to simpler, more comfortable post-surgery care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

no wound dressing change (procedure)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that leaving surgical wounds uncovered after 48 hours is safe, reduces pain, and cuts unnecessary costs for patients recovering from gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a completed non-inferiority trial, so results are available but may not apply to all surgeries or patients. The approach might increase infection risk in certain individuals, and the findings need confirmation in broader populations.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SURGICAL WOUND INFECTION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

digestive system cancer digestive system neoplasm Digestive System Neoplasms Pain, Postoperative Surgical Wound Infection

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200433, China

  • Changzheng Hospital, Navy Medical University

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200003, China

  • Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 2000000, China

  • Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University

    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200120, China