Difference In Surgical Site Infection Research Articles

Outcomes after Ventral Hernia Repair with Concurrent Panniculectomy: A Large Database Review

Background: Patients with large pannus and ventral hernias may benefit from undergoing panniculectomy performed concurrently with open ventral hernia repair (VHR-PAN). However, there has been concerns related to increase surgical site occurrences when adding a panniculectomy. This study aims to evaluate outcomes of open VHR with and without panniculectomy using a large hernia specific database. Study Design: The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collective (ACHQC) database was queried from 2012 to 2023 for patients who underwent VHR-only vs VHR-PAN. Patient and surgical characteristics were described and compared. Short-term outcomes including surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrence (SSO), and SSO requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI) were compared. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) and hernia recurrence were compared at 1 year. Logistic regression was used to identify risks associated with the above outcomes. Results: There were 28,140 patients who underwent open VHR, 2108 where panniculectomy data were included (yes or no), and 870 who underwent VHR-PAN. Patients who underwent VHR-PAN were more likely to be female,78.3% vs 64.8% (p < 0.0001), have a BMI over 40, 21.0% vs 7.8% (p < 0.0001) with greater median hernia width, 10.0 [7.0, 15.0] vs 8.0 [3.0, 13.0] (p < 0.0001). In a matched analysis, there was no significant difference in SSI, SSO, SSOPI, or 1 year hernia recurrences rates in the VHR-PAN group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that VHR with concurrent panniculectomy is not significantly associated with an increased risk of complications. Concurrent panniculectomy can be considered for selected patients needing VHR.

Vaginal Antiseptic Preparation at the Time of Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To compare the rates of surgical site infection (SSI) after hysterectomy using vaginal antisepsis with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) versus povidone-iodine (PI). PubMed, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were queried from January 1, 1985 through Dec 7, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized comparisons of interventions (NRCIs) of CHG and PI vaginal antiseptic preparation prior to hysterectomy were included. The primary outcome was SSI as defined by the CDC. Secondary outcomes included postoperative urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal culture specimens. Large single group studies of vaginal CHG reporting adverse events and case reports of desquamation were also included. Methodologic quality of each study was assessed using the original Cochrane Risk of Bias and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies Intervention tools. Restricted maximum likelihood meta-analyses of odds ratios (OR) were conducted. 5,289 abstracts were screened. 10 met inclusion with a total of 9,618 participants. The studies included 4 RCTs (n=306), 3 prospective NRCIs (n=1,089), and 3 retrospective NRCIs (n=8,223). PI was compared to 4% CHG in 4 studies (n=2,491), 2% CHG in 2 studies (n=236), 0.1% in 1 study (n=50), and both 2% and 4% CHG in 1 study (n=49). Meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in SSIs, although SSIs were somewhat more common with CHG (summary OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.91-1.63). The relative effect of antiseptic preparations on UTIs was unclear, with an imprecise summary OR (1.18, 95% CI 0.65-2.12). Positive vaginal cultures were less common with CHG preparation (summary OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.04-0.27). Two studies reported no adverse events with CHG, and two found no difference in vaginal irritation when compared with PI. Two case reports described vaginal desquamation or hypersensitivity with CHG. There is no evidence of a difference in postoperative infection with CHG use compared to PI, but CHG vaginal preparation results in lower rates of positive intraoperative vaginal cultures. Despite inadequate reporting, risk of adverse events appears low.

Influence of skin preparation on surgical site infection and lift of adhesive surgical drapes.

To determine the influence on surgical site infection (SSI) rates when using 0.7% iodophor and 74% isopropyl alcohol versus 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol. To evaluate the adherence of an iodophor-impregnated surgical incise drape when used in conjunction with 0.7% iodophor and 74% isopropyl alcohol. Combines retrospective control and prospective data. This study included dogs and cats, 653 retrospective cases and 435 prospective cases, with 447 incisions. The SSI rate of a 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol preparation was retrospectively reviewed. The prospective population received 0.7% iodophor and 74% isopropyl alcohol; risk factors for SSI were evaluated and incise drape lift was documented. A 1.8% difference in SSI between the chlorhexidine group and 0.7% iodophor and 74% isopropyl alcohol group was found (p = .25). The drape lift was 13.2%. Drape lift (p = .026), increased body weight (p = .008), and the use of glutaraldehyde for instrument sterilization (p = .055) were associated with an increased risk of SSI development. The 0.7% iodophor and 74% isopropyl alcohol treatments demonstrated similar effectiveness to 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol in skin preparation. Using an iodophor-impregnated drape with 0.7% iodophor and 74% isopropyl alcohol reduced both drape lift and the risk of SSI. These findings support the combined use of an incise drape with 0.7% iodophor and 74% isopropyl alcohol preparation, provide evidence against the use of glutaraldehyde, and indicate that heavier patients have an increased risk of SSI.

Effectiveness of Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Suprainguinal Bypass in the Vascular Quality Initiative

IntroductionWe sought to explore the utility of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) in prevention of groin wound complications after suprainguinal bypass using a national quality improvement database reflective of real-world practice. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) was queried for suprainguinal bypass procedures from December 2019 to August 2023. Propensity matching was performed comparingciNPWT versus standard dressings at (1) the index hospitalization (full cohort ) and (2) 30-days (subgroup). The primary outcome was surgical site infection (SSI) at 30-days. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital SSI, return to operating room for infection, discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission rate, non-infectious wound complications, and mortality. ResultsThe propensity matched cohort consisted of 3,467 of a total of 5,082 patients undergoing suprainguinal bypass. Within the propensity matched full cohort, 2,680 (77%) received standard dressing and 787 (23%) ciNPWT. Of those, 337 (61%) in the standard group and 150 (31%) in the ciNPWT group had 30-day follow-up data. There was a significant decrease in the rates of in-hospital SSI for those with ciNPWT at 2% compared to those with standard dressing at 4% (P=0.02). There was no difference in 30-day SSI between groups with 3% in the ciNPWT group and 4% in the standard group (P=0.40). After adjusting there was no differences in 30-day readmission rates (P=0.37), 30-day non-infectious wound complications (P=0.28), 30-day mortality (P=0.24), discharge disposition (P=0.82), or LOS (P=0.23). ConclusionIn this VQI analysis of suprainguinal bypass, we observed a decrease in the in-hospital SSI rate but no difference in the SSI or non-infectious wound complications at 30-days for patients treated with ciNPWT versus standard dressings. Given these findings, consideration should be given to conducting an adequately powered randomized control trial of ciNPWT targeted for suprainguinal bypass.

Surgical Site Infection and Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Nonelective versus Elective Total Hip Arthroplasty

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a treatment used for both elective (eg, osteoarthritis) and nonelective (eg, fracture) indications. Patients undergoing nonelective THA may not be able to undergo the same preoperative optimization protocols as those undergoing elective THA. We aimed to determine differences in 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year surgical site infection (SSI) rates; 90-day and 1-year periprosthetic joint infection (PJI)–related revision; and 90-day and 1-year PJI-related surgery (ie, revision or irrigation and débridement) between nonelective and elective THA status. Method: This retrospective cohort study using the Medicare Limited Data Set included fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+ years who underwent inpatient primary THA in 2017 to 2020. Propensity score matching (1:5, nonelective: elective) was used. We assessed differences in surgical site infection (SSI), periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) outcomes by nonelective versus elective surgery status using mixed-effects logistic regression models, reporting adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: From a total of 433,326 patients, 88,940 (19,094 nonelective; 69,846 elective) were successfully matched. Nonelective surgery status was associated with markedly higher odds of 30-day SSI (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.92, P < 0.001), 90-day SSI (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.78, P < 0.001), and 1-year SSI (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.59, P < 0.001). Nonelective status was also associated with higher odds of 1-year PJI-related revision (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08-1.63, P = 0.006) but not 90-day PJI-related revision. Similarly, nonelective status was associated with higher odds of 1-year PJI-related surgery (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.62, P = 0.004) but not 90-day PJI-related surgery. Conclusion: Nonelective THA status was an independent risk factor for SSI throughout the first postoperative year and for 1-year PJI-related revision and PJI-related surgery. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the etiology of observed differences in infection risk between patients undergoing nonelective and elective THA and to define strategies to mitigate this difference in infection risk.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Into the Future: Lowering Infection Rates in Cranioplasty.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common complications following cranioplasty. At our institution, 3D printing has emerged as a popular option for creating customized polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cranioplasty implants that are lower profile than older, non-3D-printed implants. The 3D-printed implants can be integrated, with fixation plates already attached, or nonintegrated, with separate fixation plates available. To our knowledge, no study has analyzed the differences in infection rates between integrated and nonintegrated 3D-printed implants. This study aimed to explore whether integrated 3D-printed cranioplasty implants lead to decreased infection risk and improved patient outcomes compared to nonintegrated 3D-printed implants and further aims include exploring how operating room time and hospital length of stay affect infection risk. A retrospective chart review of 197 patients who underwent cranioplasty surgery from 2012 to 2023 was conducted. The postcranioplasty infection rate was compared between the integrated and nonintegrated 3D implants. Pre- and postoperative antibiotic use, operating time, hospital stay length, and patient comorbidities were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Initial bivariate statistics were utilized where appropriate, and ultimately, a binary logistic regression model was employed. Our overall infection rate was 12.2%, higher than the national average of 7.89%. There was no significant association between the implant type and postcranioplasty infection. However, when controlling for the clinical and demographic covariates in our study, patients who had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) of 3-4 were 6.36 times as likely to experience a postcranioplasty infection when compared to their counterparts with a CCI of 0, OR of 6.36, 95% CI of 1.01-40.0, and a p value of 0.048. Additionally, with every one-year increase in age, the number of infections decreased by 0.955, with an OR of 0.955, 95% CI of 0.915-0.996, and a p value of 0.031. While there was no significant difference in SSI between the integrated and nonintegrated 3D-printed PEEK implants, elevated CCI and age were associated with a greater risk of infection. Our overall infection rate exceeds that reported in a recent large-scale review, which may be attributable to the higher average CCItypically observed in our tertiary care setting. Our findings illustrate that integrated and nonintegrated 3D implants offer viable and efficacious options for patients with cranial vault deformities requiring surgical repair.

Perioperative Antibiotic Use in Pediatric Solid Tumor Resection: A Two-center Retrospective Cohort Study

PurposeThere is no consensus on the perioperative use of antibiotics in pediatric solid tumor resection. This study collected data from two pediatric centers that utilize perioperative antibiotics to varying degrees in pediatric solid tumor patients to investigate the occurrence of postoperative sepsis and infectious complications. MethodsA two-institution, retrospective cohort study was performed. Charts of children who underwent solid tumor resection between July 2018–June 2021 were reviewed. Patient characteristics, diagnosis, operative data, perioperative antibiotic use, and postoperative infection/sepsis were analyzed within 30 days of surgery. The primary outcome was surgical site infection (SSI) or systemic sepsis within 30 days of surgery. Fisher's tests were performed to evaluate differences. Results250 patients underwent tumor resection between July 2018 and June 2021 at both centers. The median age was 4 years [Range: 0.02–26.1]. Seventy-five percent (N = 188) received perioperative antibiotics prophylaxis (AP), while 25 % of patients did not receive AP (N = 62). Only one patient in the AP group (0.5 %) developed postoperative sepsis, while 12 patients (19.4 %) in the non-AP group developed sepsis (p < 0.0001). There were 3 SSI in the AP group and none in the non-AP group (p = 1.0). ConclusionsThe administration of AP in children undergoing solid tumor resection is associated with a reduced rate of postoperative sepsis but no difference in SSI. This could possibly be related to bacterial translocation during surgery and the seeding of indwelling central venous access catheters. Our results support the standardized use of AP in this population. Type of StudyRetrospective Cohort Study. Level of EvidenceIII.

Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis Duration in Patients Undergoing Cystectomy With Urinary Diversion

Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) reduces the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs). Guidelines recommend 24 hours or less of PAP for cystectomy with urinary diversion; however, evidence specifying optimal PAP duration for this surgery is lacking, and prolonged administration of PAP is common practice. To establish noninferiority of 24-hour PAP vs extended-duration PAP in preventing SSIs within 90 days after cystectomy with urinary diversion. This single-center, noninferiority randomized clinical trial was performed from April 18, 2018, to August 18, 2022, in patients aged older than 18 years undergoing elective open cystectomy with urinary diversion. Exclusion criteria were contraindications to administered drugs and inability to follow study procedures. PAP administered for 24 hours (24-hour PAP group) vs PAP until all catheters and stents were removed (extended PAP group). The primary end point was the rate of SSI, and the secondary end points included all-cause mortality, both within 90 days after surgery. Noninferiority of the 24-hour PAP treatment was assessed by comparing the 90% CI (corresponding to a significance level of α = .05) with the predefined noninferiority margin of 10%. A total of 95 patients were randomly assigned to the 24-hour PAP group (median [IQR] age, 69.3 [63.1-76.8] years; 66 males [69.5%]) and 98 to the extended PAP group (median [IQR] age, 69.5 [60.8-75.5] years; 68 males [69.4%]). Patients in the 24-hour PAP group received PAP for a median of 1 day (IQR, 1-1 day), and patients in the extended PAP group received PAP for a median of 8 days (IQR, 7-10 days). No significant differences in SSIs occurring within 90 days were found (24-hour PAP group, 8 patients [8.4%]; extended PAP group, 12 patients [12.2%]; P = .53). The risk difference for 90-day cumulative SSI incidence was -3.8% (90% CI, -11.1% to 3.4%), establishing noninferiority of 24-hour PAP vs extended PAP to prevent SSI. Mortality was not significantly different between groups. The findings of this randomized clinical trial demonstrate noninferiority of 24-hour PAP vs extended-duration PAP in preventing SSIs within 90 days after cystectomy with urinary diversion and may contribute to antibiotic stewardship efforts in urology. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03305627.

Need for a targeted perioperative antibiotic treatment protocol for patients with preoperative biliary drainage undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy

PurposeTo evaluate the bacterobilia in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) based on whether they carry a preoperative biliary drainage or not and to analyse if a targeted perioperative antibiotic treatment based on the expected microbiology leads in no differences in Surgical Site Infections (SSI) between the groups. MethodsRetrospective observational single-center study of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy with preoperative biliary stent (group P, Prosthesis) and without stent (group NP, No Prosthesis). Postoperative complications including SSI and its subtypes were analyzed after applying a targeted perioperative antibiotic treatment protocol with cefotaxime and metronidazole (group NP) and piperacillin-tazobactam (group P). ResultsBetween January 2014 and December 2021, 127 patients were treated (84 in group NP and 43 in group P). Intraoperative cultures were positive in 16.7% (group NP) vs 76.7% (group P, p < 0.01). Microorganisms isolated in group NP included Enterobacterales (10.7%) and Enterococcus spp. (7.1%) with no Candida detected. In group P: Enterobacterales (51.2%), Enterococcus spp. (48.8%), and Candida (16.3%) were higher (p < 0.01%). No differences in morbidity and mortality were observed between the groups. SSI rate was 17.8% in group NP and 23.2% in group P (ns). ConclusionBacterobilia differs in patients with biliary drainage, showing a higher presence of Enterobacterales, Enterococcus spp., and Candida. There were no differences in SSI incidence after applying perioperative antibiotic treatment tailored to the expected microorganisms in each group. This raises the need to reconsider conventional surgical prophylaxis in patients with biliary stent.

Assessment of the effectiveness of a polypropylene onlay mesh in the prevention of laparoscopic trocar-site incisional hernia in high-risk patients. A randomized clinical trial

PurposeTrocar site incisional hernia (TSIH) is a common complication of laparoscopic surgery. In the scientific literature there are few descriptions of methods or tools for its prevention. The aim of this report was to assess the effectiveness and safety of a prophylactic measure designed to lower rates of TSIH.MethodsA multicenter randomized double-blinded clinical trial was performed in high-risk patients (diabetes mellitus and/or age ≥ 70 years and/or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and/or extended incision for specimen retrieval) who underwent either elective or emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were assigned to prophylactic onlay polypropylene mesh fixation (intervention) or to standard trocar closure (control). The main aim was to analyze the efficacy of the intervention, taking occurrence of TSIH as the primary outcome. Clinical and radiological follow up lasted at least one year after surgery. Secondary endpoints were technique-related complications (surgical site occurrences).ResultsOne hundred and forty-three patients were randomized and finally 116 were analyzed (64 in the intervention arm and 52 in the control arm). Groups were homogeneous. Mean [SD] age, 65 [18] years; 86 (60.6%) were women. The cumulative TSIH incidence was lower in the intervention group although the differences did not reach statistical significance, assessed either radiologically (16 [25.4%] vs 17 [31.5%], p = 0.538) or clinically (9 [16.1%] vs 9 [20], p = 0.613). No differences in surgical site infection, hematoma or seroma were detected. Mean follow-up was 670 days (range 223–1294).ConclusionOur results show that, when properly assessed, the overall TSIH incidence is extremely high. Although polypropylene onlay mesh placement is safe, it does not appear to be effective in reducing the TSIH incidence rate. Radiological evaluation may be more accurate.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.org NCT03495557. Date of registration: April 12, 2018

The efficacy of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis in total breast reconstruction with Autologous Fat Transfer (AFT): A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAutologous fat transfer (AFT) is increasingly adopted as another total breast reconstruction option. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of prolonged antibiotic treatment on the onset of surgical site infections in patients treated with AFT for total breast reconstruction. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who received AFT for total breast reconstruction, with antibiotic prophylaxis during their (multiple) AFT procedure(s) from 9 December 2020 to 10 October 2023. Patients were divided into two groups according to their prophylactic antibiotic regimen. The primary outcome was analysed as the cumulative incidence, the relative risk (RR), the absolute risk reduction (ARR), and the number needed to treat (NNT). For the secondary outcome, a multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed. Results765 surgeries in 205 patients were analyzed. 624 surgeries on 168 patients had perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in combination with post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis was administered (group 1). 141 surgeries on 37 patients had only perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis administered (group 2). The RR was 0.68 (95%CI 0.14 – 3.31) of a surgical site infection (SSI) when receiving peri- and postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in comparison to treatment with only perioperative prophylaxis. The ARR was 0.46% (95%CI -1.40 – 2.32) with a NNT of 219 patients. ConclusionProlonged antibiotic prophylaxis is ineffective for patients who receive total breast reconstruction with AFT. This study showed no statistically significant difference in SSIs of the reconstructed breast after receiving prolonged antibiotic treatment in comparison to single shot peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis.

Prophylactic Antibiotic Choice and Deep Infection in Lower Extremity Endoprosthetic Reconstruction: Comparison of Cefazolin, Cefazolin-Vancomycin, and Alternative Regimens.

Infection is a common mode of failure in lower extremity endoprostheses. The Prophylactic Antibiotic Regimens in Tumor Surgery trial reported that 5 days of cefazolin had no difference in surgical site infection compared with 24 hours of cefazolin. Our purpose was to evaluate infection rates of patients receiving perioperative cefazolin monotherapy, cefazolin-vancomycin dual therapy, or alternative antibiotic regimens. A single-center retrospective review was conducted on patients who received lower extremity endoprostheses from 2008 to 2021 with minimum 1-year follow-up. Three prophylactic antibiotic regimen groups were compared: cefazolin monotherapy, cefazolin-vancomycin dual therapy, and alternative regimens. The primary outcome was deep infection, defined by a sinus tract, positive culture, or clinical diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were revision surgery, microorganisms isolated, and superficial wound issues. The overall deep infection rate was 10% (30/294) at the median final follow-up of 3.0 years (IQR 1.7 to 5.4). The deep infection rates in the cefazolin, cefazolin-vancomycin, and alternative regimen groups were 8% (6/72), 10% (18/179), and 14% (6/43), respectively ( P = 0.625). Patients not receiving cefazolin had an 18% deep infection rate (6/34) and 21% revision surgery rate (7/34) compared with a 9% deep infection rate (24/260) ( P = 0.13) and 12% revision surgery rate (31/260) ( P = 0.17) in patients receiving cefazolin. In those not receiving cefazolin, 88% (30/34) were due to a documented penicillin allergy, only two being anaphylaxis. All six patients in the alternative regimen group who developed deep infections did not receive cefazolin secondary to nonanaphylactic penicillin allergy. The addition of perioperative vancomycin to cefazolin in lower extremity endoprosthetic reconstructions was not associated with a lower deep infection rate. Patients who did not receive cefazolin trended toward higher rates of deep infection and revision surgery, although not statistically significant. The most common reason for not receiving cefazolin was a nonanaphylactic penicillin allergy, highlighting the continued practice of foregoing cefazolin unnecessarily.

Surgical Site Infection Bundle for Babies – Preliminary Data

Introduction &amp; Background: Perioperative care bundles reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in adults but are not used regularly in infant surgery. Infections in babies after surgery are less common but carry significant morbidity in a fragile patient. Question &amp; Significance/Aim: We aim to evaluate the effects of a perioperative care bundle in patients less than 6 months old undergoing abdominal or thoracic surgeries. Methods &amp; Design: The perioperative bundle was developed in a multi-disciplinary fashion and addressed several areas of care: standardized bowel preparation when appropriate, preoperative skin cleansing, antibiotic choice and timing, temperature control, intraoperative skin preparation, and closing protocols. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared pre- and post-implementation of the bundle. An SSI bundle checklist was used to help confirm bundle adherence. Results: After 6 months, 44 cases were reviewed with 26 pre- and 18 post-implementation. The median estimated gestational age at birth was 36.6 weeks (IQR 30.8, 37.6). The median weight at surgery was 3.3 kg (IQR 2.3, 4.0). After bundle implementation, we saw statistically significant increases in appropriate antibiotic timing (42.3% vs 77.8%, p=0.03), pre-operative skin cleansing (0.0% vs 61.1%, p&lt;0.001), Chloraprep™ use (3.8% vs 61.1%, p&lt;0.001), and closing protocols (0.0% vs 33.3%, p=0.0026). No difference in SSI was appreciated (Table 1). The bundle was used appropriately 83% of the time. Discussion: A perioperative SSI bundle in babies can change the approach to infection control during surgery. The rate of SSI in both groups was low. Adoption of our bundle was good, but we expect its use requires more patients to appreciate benefits.

Evaluating the Role of Mechanical Bowel Preparation in Anterior Resection Through a Prospective Randomized Single-Blinded Trial.

Introduction Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before colorectal surgery is a common practice to reduce bacterial levels and infection. However, recent studies and data analyses have shown that this practice may increase the incidence of postoperative septic complications. Limited information is available regarding MBP for rectal surgeries. Our study aimed to examine the impact of MBP on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing anterior resection with primary anastomosis for rectal cancer in a single-blinded, single-center, prospective, randomized trial. Materials and methods Data were collected between September 2013 and December 2015 at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India. All patients scheduled for elective anterior resection with primary anastomosis for cancer between 5 cm and 15 cm were included in the study. All patients were randomized into the MBP and non-MBP groups after obtaining consent using a computer-based randomizer. The MBP group underwent bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol 24 hours before the operation and received sodium phosphate rectal enemas the night before the procedure. In the non-MBP group, only dietary restriction with a low-residue diet for 48 hours was recommended. Laparoscopic and open surgeries were performed. A contrast enema with barium was performed on all patients on postoperative days 6-8 to detect an anastomotic leak. Our primary endpoint was to assess the rate of anastomotic leakage between the two groups. The secondary endpoints were surgical site infection and postoperative morbidity. Results A total of 78 patients were recruited in the trial, and 18 were excluded because the surgery was the Hartmann procedure or abdominal perineal resection. The remaining 60 patients were divided equally into the MBP and non-MBP groups. No clinically significant disparities were evident between the groups concerning the preoperative prognosticators of anastomotic leak. Among the cohort, anastomotic leakage occurred in eight patients, representing a 13.3% incidence. Remarkably, within this subset, seven patients (23.3%) were attributed to the non-MBP cohort, whereas only one patient (3.3%) belonged to the MBP group. These findings demonstrated a statistically noteworthy discrepancy. The two groups had no statistically significant difference in surgical site infection and postoperative morbidity. Conclusion Our study suggests the benefit of preoperative MBP in sphincter-preserving rectal surgery to reduce the anastomotic leak rate. Additionally, incorporating large-scale studies and meta-analyses could enhance the robustness of our conclusions.

Efficacy of single-dose versus triple-doses perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Introduction: Although debatable, prophylactic antibiotics may be required for patients undergoing cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease with certain associated risk factors. Our study aimed to perform a non-randomised prospective comparative trial evaluating a single-dose pre-operative antibiotic versus a triple-dose prophylactic post-operative antibiotic in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated cholelithiasis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methodology: This study was a non-randomised prospective comparative study in a single institution. Two hundred patients were enrolled and allocated to two groups. Group A patients were given a single dose of pre-operative prophylactic antibiotic, and Group B patients received a triple dose of prophylactic antibiotic therapy. We also studied the bacteriological profile of bile in all the patients using bile culture and antibiotic sensitivity, and we analysed their association with post-operative surgical site infection (SSI). Results: All the patients were followed up on post-operative days 7 and 30. On post-operative day 7, 2% of patients in Group A and 1% of patients in Group B were found to have SSI, and no statistically significant difference in SSI between the two groups was noted (P = 0.558). On post-operative day 30, no patient was found to have a SSI in either of the two groups. Moreover, post-operative bile culture was obtained in all the cases, and 6% of patients had a positive bile culture. However, none of them developed SSIs on post-operative day 7. Conclusion: A single-dose pre-operative antibiotic is as effective as three perioperative doses in preventing SSI in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic, uncomplicated gallstone disease. Our study did not associate port-site SSI with a positive bile culture.

Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy After Revascularisation Surgery in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Randomised Trial (PICO-Vasc Study)

This study assessed the potential benefits of using incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) for patients undergoing revascularisation due to peripheral arterial disease. A prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare the inguinal application of iNPWT vs. standard surgical dressings. Patients were enrolled from February 2021 to November 2022. A total of 133 groin incisions were randomised (66 intervention group, 67 control group). The randomisation sequence was carried out by permuted blocks and allocation assigned by opening opaque envelopes once the revascularisation procedure had finished. Wound healing and complication rates were assessed at post-operative days 5, 14, and 30. Primary and secondary endpoints were: 30 day post-operative surgical site infection (SSI) and surgical site occurrence (SSO) rates, defined as a surgical wound complication other than aSSI. Post-operative SSI was defined according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. SSO included: wound dehiscence, seroma or lymphocele, haematoma, and lymphorrhagia. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov database (NCT04840576) and reported according to the CONSORT guidelines. iNPWT did not modify the 30 day inguinal SSI and SSO rates (16.7% vs. 20.9% and 37.9% vs. 44.8%; p= .53, relative risk [RR] 0.999, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52- 1.88 and p=.42, RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.89- 1.86, respectively). It reduced the early SSO rate (19.7% vs. 35.8%; p=.044, RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.047 - 2.013) and post-operative seroma rate (4.6% vs. 19.4%; p= .014, RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.296- 2.397). There were no differences in SSI and SSO rates, although statistically significant reductions in early SSO rates and seroma were found in the intervention group.

Is barbed better? Evaluation of triclosan-coated barbed suture on wound complications following emergency laparotomy.

Emergent laparotomy is associated with significant wound complications including surgical site infections (SSIs) and fascial dehiscence. Triclosan-coated barbed (TCB) suture for fascial closure has been shown to reduce local complications but primarily in elective settings. We sought to evaluate the effect of TCB emergency laparotomy fascial closure on major wound complications. Adult patients undergoing emergency laparotomy were prospectively evaluated over 1 year. Patients were grouped into TCB versus polydioxanone (PDS) for fascial closure. Subanalysis was performed on patients undergoing single-stage laparotomy. Primary outcomes were SSI and fascial dehiscence. Multivariate analysis identified independent factors associated with SSI and fascial dehiscence. Of the 206 laparotomies, 73 (35%) were closed with TCB, and 133 (65%) were closed with PDS. Trauma was the reason for laparotomy in 73% of cases; damage-control laparotomy was performed in 27% of cases. The overall rate of SSI and fascial dehiscence was 18% and 10%, respectively. Operative strategy was similar between groups, including damage-control laparotomy, wound vac use, skin closure, and blood products. Surgical site infection events trended lower with TCB versus PDS closure (11% vs. 21%, p = 0.07), and fascial dehiscence was significantly lower with TCB versus PDS (4% vs. 14%, p < 0.05). Subanalysis of trauma and nontrauma cases showed no difference in SSI or fascial dehiscence. Multivariable analysis found that TCB decreased the likelihood of fascial dehiscence (odds ratio, 0.07; p < 0.05) following emergency laparotomy. Increased odds of fascial dehiscence were seen in damage-control laparotomy (odds ratio, 3.1; p < 0.05). Emergency laparotomy fascial closure with TCB showed significantly decreased rates of fascial dehiscence compared with closure with PDS and a strong trend toward lower SSI events. Triclosan-coated barbed suture was independently associated with decreased fascial dehiscence rates after emergency laparotomy. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Outcomes and quality of life of frail patients following elective ventral hernia repair: Retrospective review of a national hernia collaborative

BackgroundVentral hernia repair (VHR) is one of the most common general surgery procedures among older adults but is often deferred due to a higher risk of complications. This study compares postoperative quality of life (QOL) and complications between frail and non-frail patients undergoing elective VHR. We hypothesized that frail patients would have higher complication rates and smaller gains in quality of life compared to non-frail patients. Study designPatients 65 years of age and older, undergoing elective VHR between 2018 and 2022 were selected from the ACHQC (Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative) and grouped based on frailty scores obtained using the Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5). Logistic regression adjusting for hernia characteristics (size, recurrent, parastomal, incisional) were performed for 30-day outcomes including surgical site infections (SSI), surgical site occurrences (SSO), surgical site infections/occurrences requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI), and readmission. Multivariable analyses controlling for patient and procedure characteristics were performed comparing QOL scores (HerQLes scale, 0–100) at baseline, 30 days, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. ResultsA total of 4888 patients were included, 29.17% non-frail, 47.87% frail, and 22.95% severely frail. On adjusted analysis, severely frail patients had higher odds of SSO (most commonly seroma formation) but no evidence of a difference in SSI, SSOPI, readmission or mortality. Severely frail patients had lower median QOL scores at baseline (48.3/100, IQR 26.1–71.7, p ​= ​0.001) but reported higher QOL scores at both 30-days (68.3/100, IQR 41.7–88.3, p ​= ​0.01) and 6-months (86.7/100, IQR 65.0–93.3, p ​= ​0.005). ConclusionSeverely frail patients reported similar increases in QOL and similar complications to their not frail counterparts. Our results demonstrate that appropriately selected older patients, even those who are severely frail, may benefit from elective VHR in the appropriate clinical circumstance.

Sex differences in surgical site infections following coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective observational study

Surgical site infection (SSI) following cardiac surgery poses a significant challenge for healthcare providers. Despite advances in surgical techniques and infection control measures, SSI remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, in addition to being a significant economic burden on healthcare services. Current literature suggests there is a reproducible difference in the incidence of SSI following cardiac surgery between sexes. We aim to assess the sex-specific predictive risk factors for sternal SSI following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in addition to identifying any differences in the causative organisms between groups. Adult patients undergoing isolated CABG between January 2012 and December 2022 in one UK hospital organization were included. In this 10-year, retrospective observational study, a total of 10,208 patients met the inclusion criteria. Pre-operative risk factors were identified using univariate analysis. To assess dependence between sex and organism or Gram stain, a Pearson Chi-squared test with Yates correction for continuity was performed. In total there were 8457 males of which 181 developed a sternal SSI (2.14%) and 1751 females, 128 of whom had a sternal SSI (7.31%). Male patients were found to be significantly more likely to develop an SSI secondary to a Gram-positive organism, whereas female patients were more likely to have a Gram-negative causative organism (P<0.00001). Staphylococcus was statistically more likely to be the causative organism genus in male patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be twice as common in the female cohort compared with the male group. In our study, we found a statistically significant difference in the causative organisms and Gram stain for post-CABG sternal SSIs between males and females. Male patients predominately have Gram-positive associated SSIs, whereas female SSI pathogens are more likely to be Gram negative. The preoperative risk profiles of both cohorts are similar, including being an insulin-dependent diabetic and triple vessel coronary artery disease. Given these findings, it prompts the question, should we be tailoring our SSI treatment strategies according to sex and associated risk profiles?

Prophylactic mesh augmentation in emergency laparotomy closure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis.

Prophylactic mesh augmentation in emergency laparotomy closure is controversial. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating the placement of prophylactic mesh during emergency laparotomy. We performed a systematic review of Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed databases to identify RCT comparing prophylactic mesh augmentation and no mesh augmentation in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. We excluded observational studies, conference abstracts, elective surgeries, overlapping populations, and trial protocols. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by pooled analysis and meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). The review protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023412934). We screened 1312 studies and 33 were thoroughly reviewed. Four studies comprising 464 patients were included in the analysis. Mesh reinforcement was significantly associated with a decrease in incisional hernia incidence (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.07-0.44; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and synthetic mesh placement reduced fascial dehiscence (OR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01-0.53; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%). Mesh augmentation was associated with an increase in operative time (MD 32.09min; 95% CI 6.39-57.78; p = 0.01; I2 = 49%) and seroma (OR 3.89; 95% CI 1.54-9.84; p = 0.004; I2 = 0%), but there was no difference in surgical-site infection or surgical-site occurrences requiring procedural intervention or reoperation. Mesh augmentation in emergency laparotomy decreases incisional hernia and fascial dehiscence incidence. Despite the risk of seroma, prophylactic mesh augmentation appears to be safe and might be considered for emergency laparotomy closure. Further studies evaluating long-term outcomes are still needed.