Introduction– Emergency laparotomy is a common surgical procedure. Postoperative wound infection and burst abdomen are important wound related complications. In the present study, we have attempted to evaluate role of negative pressure using closed suction drain in minimizing such wound complications. Material and Methods– A total of 212 consecutive patients undergoing emergency laparotomy included in the study were divided into two groups. In Group A in addition to simple closure a subcutaneous negative pressure suction drain was placed, whereas in Group B, only simple closure was performed. All patients were evaluated for presence of wound complications including skin changes, wound discharge, wound infection, wound dehiscence and the duration of hospital stay. Results– The duration of this study was one and half years. One hundred and six patients were placed in both Group A and B. On Day 7, abnormal skin discoloration was found in 15 patients in Group A and 47 in Group B (p<0.001. The difference in surgical site infection and discharge from the wound was significantly increased in Group B. it was also significant as related to occurrence of burst abdomen and hospital stay. Conclusion– The present study suggests that subcutaneous drain placement in emergency laparotomy decreases the possibility of SSI and abdominal wound dehiscence. The procedure is simple and results appear to be gratifying