Surgical Wound Dressing in Pediatric Surgery: A Prospective Study of The Role of The Mölndal Technique
Iranian Journal of Pediatric Surgery,
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2026),
3 November 2026
,
Page 131 - 145
https://doi.org/10.22037/irjps.v12i2.51559
Abstract
Introduction: Surgical wounds require appropriate management to prevent complications and promote healing. The Mölndal technique combines hydrofiber wound dressing with polyurethane film to maintain a moist environment and optimize healing conditions. While this technique has demonstrated benefits in adults, its efficacy in children remains unclear.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted from September 2020 to November 2022 in children undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Patients younger than 15 years of age who received Mölndal dressings on all incisions and completed evaluation and satisfaction questionnaires were included. Patients with allergies, concurrent open surgery, or non-wound-related complications were excluded. Wound dressings were evaluated daily and were removed on the eighth postoperative day. Patients were classified according to their surgical wound classification (clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated or infected). The sample size was calculated for a 2% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.
Results: A total of 189 patients (63% male; median age, 9.4 years) were included. Appendectomy was the most common procedure (77.2%). The surgical site infection rate was 3.7%. Dressing changes were required in 12.2% of patients, most frequently in the umbilical region. Family satisfaction was very high, and all families recommended the technique. There were no significant differences in the surgical site infection rates according to wound classification.
Conclusion: The Mölndal technique seems to be effective and safe for preventing postoperative wound infection in pediatric laparoscopic surgery. Dressing changes were infrequent and significantly associated with older age and male sex. High family satisfaction and universal recommendation support its clinical acceptability.
- Surgical wound
- Laparoscopy
- child
- Occlusive Dressings
How to Cite
References
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