Benzoin tincture increases adherence of the transparent film dressing over the epidural catheter in gynecologic patients

Abstract

Background: The peeling off of the transparent film dressing could affect the epidural catheter migration or dislodgement. This resulted in time consuming for redressing, costly and risk of ineffective analgesia. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of peeling off, and redressing of the transparent film dressingafter benzoin tincture was applied. Methods: The double-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed in 168 patients receiving continuous epidural analgesia after elective, gynecologic surgery in Siriraj Hospital. Patients were allocated equally into 2 groups, either being painted with benzoin tincture, in ready-to-use package produced by Pharmacy Division, Siriraj Hospital, on skin and epidural catheter before placing the dressing (group B) or not painted (group A). Photos were taken at the time of finishing dressing, operation finished, and once daily until the initial dressing was removed. They were assessed by 2 independent researchers who did not know the patient groups. Results:  A total of 161 patients were analyzed, as 7 patients were not included, due to analgesic method changed, record forms not returned, and need of epidural catheter adjusted. The incidence of the whole sheet peeled off, and the need for redressing as the epidural catheters would not be secure, in group A and B were 29 cases (36%) and 15 cases (18%), respectively, (p = 0.011)accounted for NNB 5.6, 95%CI 3.2, 23.7; andRRR 48.9, 95%CI 12.2, 70.3. Conclusions: Applying benzoin tincture on the skin and epidural catheter before placing a transparent film dressing significantly reduced the incidence of dressing peeling off, and redressing.