Evaluating the effects of showering on postoperative complications with drains

Studying How Outpatient Water affEcts Risks With Drains (SHOWER Study)

Not applicable Interventional Geisinger Clinic · NCT04725916

This study is testing if showering with drains after breast reduction or panniculectomy surgery affects the risk of complications for patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGeisinger Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Danville, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT04725916 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional feasibility study aims to assess whether showering with postoperative drains in place increases the risk of complications in patients undergoing breast reduction or panniculectomy at Geisinger Medical Center. Participants will be randomly assigned to either shower with drains or refrain from showering post-surgery. The study will collect data on postoperative outcomes and quality of life through questionnaires. Approximately 100 subjects will be included, and the study will utilize descriptive statistics to analyze the results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older undergoing breast reduction or panniculectomy procedures with drains placed.

Not a fit: Patients on antibiotics at the time of surgery or those with specific surgical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into postoperative care practices, potentially reducing complications for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies on postoperative care exist, this specific approach to evaluating showering with drains is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients having one of the following procedures at Geisinger Medical Center in which drains are placed

  * Breast reduction
  * Lower panniculectomy
  * Fleur-de-lis panniculectomy
* ≥18 years of age
* Able and willing to provide consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients on antibiotics at the time of surgery
* Patients sent home on antibiotics after surgery
* Patients who work in healthcare with direct patient contact
* Patients having a panniculectomy to be eligible for a kidney transplant
* Patients having a ventral hernia repair at the time of the panniculectomy
* Patients admitted to the hospital for \>1 night

Where this trial is running

Danville, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Postoperative Wound InfectionPostoperative ComplicationsSurgical Site InfectionDrain Site ComplicationPanniculectomyBreast reduction surgeryPostoperative showeringSurgical drain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.