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Date Published: 30/07/2026
Online Published: 30/07/2026
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No. 1 (2026)
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Articles
How to Cite
Phung, V. T., Luong, T. H., & Dang, T. L. (2026). Care of complex surgical site infections using the T.I.M.E.S framework combined with topicaL 0.5% Metronidazole at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Bach Mai Hospital in 2023: A case series. Journal of Disaster Medicine and Burn Injuries, 1, 77-87. https://jbdmp.vn/index.php/yhthvb/article/view/513

Care of complex surgical site infections using the T.I.M.E.S framework combined with topicaL 0.5% Metronidazole at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Bach Mai Hospital in 2023: A case series

Phùng Văn Thắng1, Luong Thi Hoa1, Dang Thi Loan2,
1 Bach Mai Hospital
2 Thang Long University

Main Article Content

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of 12 patients with surgical site infections (Surgical site infection: SSIs) managed using the TIMES framework combined with topical 0.5% metronidazole solution at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Bach Mai Hospital, Vietnam, in 2023.
Subjects and methods: A case series was conducted in 12 patients with SSIs who received wound care based on the TIMES framework, combined with topical 0,5% metronidazole solution and comprehensive treatment according to institutional protocols. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on Outcomes were assessed based on wound progression, final treatment status, and length of treatment/hospital stay.
Results: Among the 12 patients, 8 (66.7%) improved and were discharged, including 2 (16.7%) who underwent delayed primary wound closure. Four patients (33.3%) developed clean wounds with healthy granulation tissue and were referred for reconstructive flap coverage. The mean length of treatment at the Department of Thoracic Surgery was 16.08 ± 11.57 days.
Conclusions: In this case series, wound care based on the TIMES framework combined with topical 0.5% Metronidazole solution and comprehensive treatment was associated with favorable clinical outcomes in patients with SSIs. However, owing to the uncontrolled design and the heterogeneity of wound characteristics, the independent effect of topical metronidazole could not be determined. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes and appropriate study designs are warranted to better define its role in the management of surgical site infections.

Article Details

Keywords

Surgical site infection, TIMES, wound care, case series, Metronidazole

References

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