Elective Laparotomy Research Articles

A Prospective Study of Sutured Versus Non-sutured Subcutaneous Fat Tissue in Laparotomy Wound Closure.

Background This study was conducted to determine the wound-related complications, such as wound dehiscence, delayed post-operative stay, and reinterventions in both groups, and compare the incidence of surgical site infection in elective laparotomy wounds in two groups - those with closing subcutaneous fat tissue and those without. Methods At the Government Medical College, Thrissur, 248 patients undergoing elective abdominal surgeries during the period from August 2019 to August 2020 participated in this one-year prospective cross-sectional study. The institutional ethics committee approved the study, and participants provided written informed consent. Patients were randomly assigned to the subcutaneous closure group (S) and the non-closure group (N). Post-operative events were then systematically documented. Results The group with no subcutaneous suture (N) had a considerably greater percentage of patients with seromas (12 patients, 9%), hematomas (13 patients, 10.5%), superficial surgical site infection and total wound dehiscence as compared to the subcutaneous tissue closure group (S). Groups N and S displayed comparable numbers of suture sinus developments and partial wound dehiscence. Group N and Group S had similarhospital stays, according to the overall length of stay displayed. Conclusion Subcutaneous suturingduring elective laparotomy wound closure significantly reduced superficial surgical site infection, hematoma, seroma, and total wound dehiscence; in the remaining categories, subcutaneous and non-subcutaneous sutures did not differ significantly. It also did not help to reduce hospital stays.

Study of Risk Factors in Patients with Post Lapartomy Wound Dehisence

Background: Post-laparotomy wound dehiscence is a significant complication in abdominal surgeries, characterized by the partial or complete separation of the surgical wound layers. This complication can lead to severe morbidity, extended hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Objective: To assess the risk factors associated with wound dehiscence in patients post-laparotomy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Surgery from January 25, 2024, to April 25, 2024. A total of eighty patients who developed wound dehiscence following emergency or elective laparotomy were selected. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, and clinical variables were recorded. The risk factors for wound dehiscence, including peritonitis, infection, malignancy, hypoproteinemia, and anemia, were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with Chi-square tests employed to assess associations between risk factors and comorbid conditions. A significance level of P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was obtained, and the study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki principles. Results: The mean age of patients was 42.67 ± 15.26 years. Males had a higher frequency of wound dehiscence compared to females. The identified risk factors included wound infection (47; 58.8%), malignancy (37; 46.2%), hypoproteinemia (35; 43.8%), anemia (30; 37.5%), and peritonitis (22; 27.5%). A significant association was found between hypertension and the risk factors of wound infection (P=0.01), malignancy (P=0.002), and hypoproteinemia (P=0.01). Conclusion: The study concluded that wound infection, malignancy, hypoproteinemia, anemia, and peritonitis are significant risk factors for wound dehiscence post-laparotomy. Hypertension showed a notable association with wound infection, hypoproteinemia, and malignancy. These findings underscore the importance of preoperative assessment and management of these risk factors to minimize the incidence of wound dehiscence.

Prophylactic slowly resorbable mesh in midline laparotomy to limit incisional hernia incidence: the prospective ‘Mesh Augmented Reinforcement of Abdominal Wall Suture Line (MARS)’ cohort study protocol

Background: Incisional hernia (IH) after abdominal surgery is a frequent surgical complication. Risk factors associated with IH are midline incisions, patients with an abdominal aneurysm of the aorta, and high BMI. Preventive measures include the use of the small-bites suture technique and/or placing a prophylactic mesh for reinforcement of the midline closure. Although recommended for high-risk patients, many surgeons are still reluctant to place a prophylactic mesh due to related complications. To counter these concerns, new synthetic resorbable meshes are being developed, such as the Deternia Self-Gripping Resorbable Mesh (“investigational device”). However, the effectiveness of this mesh in IH prevention has not been proved. Methods: The Mesh Augmented Reinforcement of Abdominal Wall Suture Line (MARS) study is a European, multicentre, prospective, single-arm study. A total of 120 patients scheduled for elective midline laparotomy, and for that reason at risk of developing IH, will be recruited in ~12 sites after informed consent. The sample size was estimated based on greater than 80% power, two-sided alpha of 0.05, an expected 12 month IH rate of 8% and a predefined performance goal of 18% (10% clinical margin). Midline incisions will be closed by the small bites closure technique with a minimum 4:1 suture-to-wound length ratio and reinforced by mesh placement in the retrorectus position. The primary outcome will be IH occurrence at 12-month postoperatively, evaluated both clinically and by ultrasound. Secondary outcomes will include mesh-related and postoperative complications, surgical characteristics, IH incidence at 2 and 3 years after surgery, and quality of life. Discussion: Currently, no conclusive evidence is available for synthetic resorbable meshes in a prophylactic setting to prevent IH. The MARS study will be the first prospective cohort study to investigate resorbable synthetic meshes and small bites closure to reduce IH incidence.

A Prospective Study on the Outcome After Mass Closure of Post-laparotomy Wound Dehiscence in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India.

Introduction The ideal abdominal wound closure provides strength and a barrier to infection. The major cause of morbidity following any laparotomy is abdominal wound dehiscence. For prompt patient recovery and outcome factors influencing wound healing following mass closure of post-laparotomy, wound dehiscence patients are evaluated in this present study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome and various complications following mass closure of post-laparotomy wound dehiscence. Materials and methods A prospective study was conducted among 50 patients admitted to the Department of General Surgery,Tamil Nadu, India, with wound dehiscence following emergency and elective laparotomy surgeries managed with mass closure during the study period from 2021 to 2022. The chi-square test and Fischer's exact test were done. Results Mass closure of post-laparotomy wound dehiscence was more common among males (74%, n=37) and less common in the age group 20-30 years (12%, n=6). Prolonged bleeding time and clotting time post-surgery were associated with the type of surgery with a significant p-value of 0.007 and 0.001, respectively, by Fischer's exact test. The presence of urine albumin was also associated with the type of surgery with a significant p-value of 0.02. Surgical site infection (postoperative complication) was associated with the type of surgery and operating time with a significant p-value of 0.004 and 0.03, respectively. Conclusion Abdominal wound dehiscence is a serious and challenging postoperative complication that necessitates immediate intervention. Strict postoperative care places emphasis on reducing the risk of wound infection and other factors related to wound dehiscence.

Three-year follow-up analysis of the short-stitch versus long-stitch technique for elective midline abdominal closure randomized-controlled (ESTOIH) trial

BackgroundClinical trials have shown reduced incisional hernia rates 1 year after elective median laparotomy closure using a short-stitch technique. With hernia development continuing beyond the first postoperative year, we aimed to compare incisional hernias 3 years after midline closure using short or long stitches in patients from the ESTOIH trial.MethodsThe ESTOIH trial was a prospective, multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized-controlled study of primary elective midline closure. Patients were randomized to fascia closure using a short- or long-stitch technique with a poly-4-hydroxybutyrate-based suture. A predefined 3-year follow-up analysis was performed with the radiological imaging-verified incisional hernia rate as the primary endpoint.ResultsThe 3-year intention-to-treat follow-up cohort consisted of 414 patients (210 short-stitch and 204 long-stitch technique) for analysis. Compared with 1 year postoperatively, incisional hernias increased from 4.83% (20/414 patients) to 9.02% (36/399 patients, p = 0.0183). The difference between the treatment groups at 3 years (short vs. long stitches, 15/198 patients (7.58%) vs. 21/201 (10.45%)) was not significant (OR, 1.4233; 95% CI [0.7112–2.8485]; p = 0.31).ConclusionHernia rates increased significantly between one and 3 years postoperatively. The short-stitch technique using a poly-4-hydroxybutyrate-based suture is safe in the long term, while no significant advantage was found at 3 years postoperatively compared with the standard long-stitch technique.Trial registryNCT01965249, registered on 18 October 2013.

Effect of Hypotension and Dobutamine on Gastrointestinal Microcirculations of Healthy, Anesthetized Horses.

Horses undergoing abdominal exploratory surgery are at risk of hypotension and hypoperfusion. Normal mean arterial pressure is used as a surrogate for adequate tissue perfusion. However, measures of systemic circulation may not be reflective of microcirculation. This study measured the mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, lactate, and four microcirculatory indices in six healthy, anesthetized adult horses undergoing elective laparotomies. The microcirculatory parameters were measured at three different sites along the gastrointestinal tract (oral mucosa, colonic serosa, and rectal mucosa) with dark-field microscopy. All macro- and microcirculatory parameters were obtained when the horses were normotensive, hypotensive, and when normotension returned following treatment with dobutamine. Hypotension was induced with increases in inhaled isoflurane. The horses successfully induced into hypotension did not demonstrate consistent, expected changes in systemic perfusion or microvascular perfusion parameters at any of the three measured gastrointestinal sites. Normotension was successfully restored with the use of dobutamine, while the systemic perfusion and microvascular perfusion parameters remained relatively unchanged. These findings suggest that the use of mean arterial pressure to make clinical decisions regarding perfusion may or may not be accurate.

Early preterm abdominal pregnancy: A case report

Background: Abdominal pregnancies, a rare form of ectopic pregnancy, pose significant risks to themother and fetus. The severity of complications depends on the gestational age at presentation,abdominal pregnancy location, and attachment to abdominal organs.Case presentation: A 38-year-old, para 3+0 gravida 4 presented with abdominal pain and moderatepallor at 30 weeks gestational age, extrapolated from obstetric ultrasound due to an unknown last normalmenstrual period. She was HIV-positive and on highly active antiretroviral therapy. She had a history oforal contraceptive use before conception. Ultrasound revealed a viable intraabdominal pregnancy at 30weeks with the placenta attached to the mesentery in the right upper quadrant with a nongravid uterus.She was transfused with four units of packed red blood cells before elective laparotomy. Intraoperatively,the gestational sac in the upper quadrants and membranes were ruptured. A live male infant wasdelivered, weighing 990g, Apgar scores of 8 at 1 and 9 at 5. The placenta, which was attached to the leftfallopian tube and the broad ligament was extracted. The infant was admitted to the newborn unitbecause of prematurity. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the mother and baby were doingwell at the writing of this abstract.Conclusion: Early preterm abdominal pregnancy should be managed by elective laparotomy to optimizeoutcomes for both the mother and fetus. Cases with limited attachment to the viscera tend to havefavorable outcomes. Neonatal outcome primarily depends on gestational age at delivery.

The 6:1 short stitch SL-WL-ratio: short term closure results of transverse and midline incisions in elective and emergency operations

AimTo analyze laparotomy closure quality (suture/wound length ratio; SL/WL) and short term complications (surgical site occurrence; SSO) of conventional midline and transverse abdominal incisions in elective and emergency laparotomies with a longterm, absorbent, elastic suture material.MethodProspective, monocentric, non-randomized, controlled cohort study on short stitches with a longterm resorbable, elastic suture (poly-4-hydroxybutyrate, [p-4OHB]) aiming at a 6:1 SL/WL-ratio in midline and transverse, primary and secondary laparotomies for elective and emergency surgeries.ResultsWe included 351 patients (♂: 208; ♀: 143) with midline (n = 194), transverse (n = 103), and a combined midline/transverse L-shaped (n = 54) incisions. There was no quality difference in short stitches between elective (n = 296) and emergency (n = 55) operations. Average SL/WL-ratio was significantly higher for midline than transverse incisions (6.62 ± 2.5 vs 4.3 ± 1.51, p < 0.001). Results in the first 150 patients showed a reduced SL/WL-ratio to the following 200 suture closures (SL/WL-ratio: 5.64 ± 2.5 vs 6.1 ± 2.3; p < 0.001). SL/WL-ratio varied insignificantly among the six surgeons participating while results were steadily improving over time.Clinically, superficial surgical site infections (SSI, CDC-A1/2) were encountered in 8%, while 4,3% were related to intraabdominal complications (CDC-A3). An abdominal wall dehiscence (AWD) occurred in 22/351 patients (6,3%)—twice as common in emergency than elective surgery (12,7 vs 5,1%)—necessitating an abdominal revision in 86,3% of cases.ConclusionWe could show that a short stitch 6:1 SL/WL-ratio with a 2–0 single, ultra-long term, absorbent, elastic suture material can be performed in only 43% of cases (85% > 4:1 SL/WL-ratio), significantly better in midline than transverse incisions. Transverse incisions should preferably be closed in two layers to achieve a sufficient SL/WL-ratio equivalent to the median incision.Clinical Trials.gov IdentifierNCT01938222.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Surgical Site Infection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Monocentric, Retrospective Cohort Study

(1) Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a relevant problem with a 25% incidence rate after elective laparotomy due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether stricter hygienic measures during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the rate of SSI. (2) Methods: This is a monocentric, retrospective cohort study comparing the rate of SSI in patients with bowel resection due to IBD during COVID-19 (1 March 2020–15 December 2021) to a cohort pre-COVID-19 (1 February 2015–25 May 2018). (3) Results: The rate of SSI in IBD patients with bowel resection was 25.8% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 31.8% pre-COVID-19 (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.40–2.20; p = 0.881). There were seventeen (17.5%) superficial and four (4.1%) deep incisional and organ/space SSIs, respectively, during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.216). There were more postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses during COVID-19 (7.2% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.021). The strictness of hygienic measures (mild, medium, strict) had no influence on the rate of SSI (p = 0.553). (4) Conclusions: Hygienic regulations in hospitals during COVID-19 did not significantly reduce the rate of SSI in patients with bowel resection due to IBD. A ban on surgery, whereby only emergency surgery was allowed, was likely to delay surgery and exacerbate the disease, which probably contributed to more SSIs and postoperative complications.

A Randomized Control Study to Assess the Efficacy of Intrathecal Morphine in Patients on Patient-Controlled Analgesia Pump With Morphine for Postoperative Pain Relief After Elective Laparotomy.

Introduction Laparotomy is associated with significantprolonged postoperative pain, which can cause an adverse neuroendocrine stress response. Intrathecal morphine (ITM) retains an important place in pain management after major laparotomysince it is easier to administer and has a relatively lesser possibility of failure and technical difficulty. Aim The study aims to compare the effect of the administration of ITM with intravenous (IV) morphine administered by a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump on postoperative analgesia after elective laparotomy. The primary objective was to compare total morphine consumption while secondary objectives were to compare pain assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and adverse reactions to opioids. Methods Sixty patients who underwent elective laparotomy were enrolled in this study. Thirty patients were enrolled in the study group (ITM+PCA) where ITM (200 mcg) was administered before laparotomy and intravenous morphine was initiated with PCA postoperatively. In the control group, only intravenous morphine was given with PCA postoperatively for pain relief. Parameters in both groups were compared, where estimation of cumulative morphine dose was the primary outcomeand pain as assessed by VASand side effects of opioids were the secondary outcomes. Results Patients in the ITM (ITM+PCA) group required less morphine (6.6 ± 2.96 vs. 24.77 ± 6.79 mg of morphine, p < 0.001) compared to patients on PCA. There was no statistically significant difference in VAS score and adverse effects between both groups. Conclusion Preoperative ITM can be used as an effective and safe modality for alleviating immediate postoperative pain following laparotomy.

Comparison between Air-Q Self Pressurized Airway Device with Blocker and Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway in anesthetized paralyzed adult female patients undergoing elective gynecological operations.

The Air-Q Self Pressurized Airway Device with Blocker (SP Blocker) was compared to the Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMA) during positive pressure ventilation regarding the primary outcome (oropharyngeal leak pressure [OLP]), secondary outcomes (peak inspiratory pressure [PIP], inspired tidal volume [ITV], expired tidal volume [ETV], leak volume [LV] and leak fraction [LF]), insertion time, ventilation score, fiber-optic glottis view score, and postoperative laryngopharyngeal parameters (LPM). Adult healthy female patients scheduled for elective gynecological laparotomies under general anesthesia using controlled mechanical ventilation were recruited to a prospective randomized comparative clinical trial. Exclusion criteria were body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg m -2 , El-Ganzouri score ≥ 5, upper airway problems, hiatus hernia or pregnancy. Patients were classified into an SP Blocker group ( n = 75) and a PLMA group ( n = 75). Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed initially and at fixed time points after successful insertion of devices. Initially after successful device insertion: the SP Blocker group showed statistically significant higher mean OLP (cmH 2 O) (29.46 ± 2.11 vs. 28.06 ± 1.83 respectively; 95% CI: -2.037 to -0.76, P < 0.0001), lower mean PIP (cmH 2 O) (15.49 ± 0.61 vs. 17.78 ± 1.04 respectively; 95% CI: 2.02 to 2.56, P < 0.0001), higher mean ITV (mL) (411 ± 30 vs. 403 ± 15 respectively; 95% CI: -15.65 to -0.347, P = 0.041), higher mean ETV (mL) (389 ± 12 vs. 354 ± 11 respectively; 95% CI: -38.72 to -31.29, P < 0.0001), lower mean LV (mL) (22 ± 18 vs. 49 ± 10 respectively; 95% CI: 22.3 to 31.7, P < 0.0001) and lower mean LF (%) (5 ± 2.04 vs. 12 ± 6.8 respectively; 95% CI: 5.38 to 8.62, P < 0.0001) than the PLMA group. Mean insertion time (seconds) was shorter in the SP Blocker group than the PLMA group (16.39 ± 2.81 vs. 18.63 ± 3.44 respectively; 95% CI: 1.23 to 3.25, P < 0.0001). The SP Blocker group offered a better fiber-optic glottis view score than the PLMA group without differences concerning ventilation score and LPM. SP Blocker provided as safe anesthesia during controlled mechanical ventilation as PLMA.

Cystic Lymphangioma of Mesocolon: A Rare Site and Fate

Lymphatic malformations (LM) are rare benign tumours that falls under the larger umbrella of vascular tumours. Almost 90% of the cases are diagnosed within the first two years of life. Here we present two year old boy who presented acutely with abdominal pain and fever with tenderness over the right lower quadrant. Ultrasonography and computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a large intra-peritoneal multicystic lesion. Patient underwent an elective laparotomy and excision of the lesion which was situated at left mesocolon. Intra-operative measurement of the tumour was only one third the size on initial imaging, which indicates a partially regressed tumour. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma (CL). Patient was well post-operatively and discharged within 5 days. We report a patient with CL at a rare site with partial regression managed successfully with surgical excision.

Association Preoperative Protein Adequacy and Post Elective Laparotomy Surgical Site Infection.

Postoperative complications tend to occur in high-risk populations, including those undergoing major surgery. Surgical site infections (SSI) are some of the most common postoperative complications in laparotomy procedures. Surgery induces a postoperative stress response, triggering an inflammatory process that increases muscle protein proteolysis. Preoperative protein intake increases muscle protein reserves and supports postoperative wound healing and immunity. This study analyzed the association between preoperative protein adequacy and post-elective laparotomy SSI. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 93 subjects with an adequate protein group of 48 subjects and an inadequate protein group of 45 subjects undergoing elective laparotomy at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. The protein adequacy was analyzed using an interview method for seven days preoperatively. Patient monitoring was carried out for 30 days postoperatively to assess the complications in the form of SSIs. The association between protein adequacy and SSI was analyzed using a Chi-Square test, and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the factors most associated with post-elective laparotomy SSI. An association was observed between preoperative protein adequacy and post-elective laparotomy SSI (RR 3.413; 95% CI, 1.363-8.549; p=0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative protein adequacy and preoperative albumin levels were strongly predictive of the occurrence of SSI. The preoperative protein adequacy and albumin levels were strongly related to predicting the post-elective laparotomy SSI.

Ultrasonographic assessment of brachial artery reactivity as a predictor of adverse outcome in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforated peritonitis - Prospective observational study.

This study aimed to assess if pre- and postoperative parameters of brachial artery reactivity (BAR), like flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and hyperaemic velocity (HV), could predict in-hospital mortality in perforation peritonitis patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. In this prospective observational study, adult patients with perforation peritonitis undergoing emergency laparotomy were recruited. FMD and HV were measured preoperatively, postoperatively and at 24 and 48 h post-surgery. Adult patients undergoing elective laparotomy served as the control group. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Baseline and BAR parameters were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Risk factors for mortality were identified by univariate analysis. Prognostic performances of BAR parameters were assessed by different models using logistic regression. All statistical analyses were performed on STATA version 13 for Mac OS. Seventy-six emergency laparotomy patients were recruited, and 26 died during the hospital stay. FMD and HV were comparable at all time points between survivors and non-survivors, except that HV was higher in survivors at 48 h post-surgery (median [interquartile range] 1.28 [1.16-1.49] vs. 1.16 [0.86-1.35], P = 0.010]. HV at 48 h predicted mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval] 21.05 [1.04-422.43], P = 0.046), and a model consisting of age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) score and HV at 48 h was the best predictor of mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve 0.82). HV, as measured by ultrasonography of the brachial artery at 48 h postoperatively, is a good predictor of mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforation peritonitis.

A RARE CASE OF SCAR ENDOMETRIOSIS WITH UTEROCUTANEOUS FISTULA

Utero-cutaneous fistula is a rare condition which is characterized by an abnormal communication between the anterior wall of the uterus and the abdominal wall. The causes are multiple caesarean sections, abortions, uterine cavity revision, retention of placental material after delivery, endometriosis, use of drains, post-operative infections, or injuries. Blood discharge from the caesarean scar during menstruation is a prominent feature as in our case. Here we present a case of para 2 living 1 lady, with previous 2 caesarean section presented to our Gynecology outpatient department with bleeding from the classical caesarean scar site cyclically during menses. Elective laparotomy with excision of uterocutaneous tract was done. Histopathology showed scar endometriosis.

Preventing surgical site infection using operating room bundle of care in patients undergoing elective exploratory laparotomy cholecystectomy surgery

Abstract Objective Surgical procedures manifest immense risks to patients. One of the adverse events that healthcare professionals see as a threat to the patient’s health is the development of complications known as surgical site infection (SSI). Although several efforts are being undertaken to determine the proper means to reduce such complications, there is still a high incidence of SSI worldwide. Surgery requires knowledge in infection control and high precision in maintaining a clean surgical site. This study tested the effectiveness of an operating room (OR) bundle of care in preventing SSI in patients undergoing elective exploratory laparotomy cholecystectomy surgery. Methods A quasi-experimental pretest and posttest design was utilized to determine its effectiveness. The study was composed of 60 participants divided into two groups: 30 subjects were selected to receive the OR bundle of care, while the other 30 subjects received the usual care. The groupings were determined through a systematic random sampling technique. The OR bundle of care had three interventions, namely: (1) maintaining perioperative normothermia, (2) no pre-operative surgical site hair removal, and (3) changing gloves before abdominal wall closure. These patients were evaluated using the standard instrument, Bates–Jensen Wound Assessment Tool (BWAT) in the post-intervention phases of the wound healing process, which are as follows: hemostasis, inflammatory, and proliferative phases. To describe the difference in the patients’ wound status after implementation of the OR bundle of care in each post-intervention phase, Friedman’s test was used. To describe the difference in the patients’ wound status in both groups after implementation of the OR bundle of care, the Mann–Whitney U test was used. Results The patient’s wound status was lower, indicating a more healing process. Differences between the wound status of the control and the experimental group were observed on the third postoperative day. This indicates that the experimental group’s wound status healed much faster and more effectively than the control group based on the BWAT scoring severity scoring. A significant difference in the patient’s wound status from the hemostasis phase compared with the proliferative phase was observed. Conclusions The OR bundle of care has been shown to be effective in preventing SSI in patients who had undergone exploratory laparotomy cholecystectomy surgery in the selected hospital, if there is uniform and consistent implementation of the said intervention.

ThTP5.3 Outcome of weekend physiotherapy input post emergency laparotomy

Abstract Aims Early ambulatory has been shown to reduce risk of morbidity and length of stay. It is evident in elective laparotomy patients but there is limited data on emergency laparotomy patients. We aim to explore the outcome of morbidity and physiotherapy input over weekend. Methods Patients ≥18 years old underwent emergency laparotomy (EmLap) as per NELA criteria from July 2021 to Dec 2021 in a busy district hospital were reviewed. Data on demographics, physiotherapy input and morbidity (post-operative ileus and pneumonia) were analysed. P-value of &amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 81 patients were included with 56% female and median age 69 years. Ratio of smoker: Non-smoker: Ex-smoker was 1:4:1. 74% were seen by physiotherapist over the weekend (POW) and 48% had chest physiotherapy post-operative day 1. The overall rate of post-operative ileus was 18.5% (19% no-POW vs 18.3% POW; p= 0.942) while the rate of post-operative pneumonia was 11.1% with 2/3 non-smoker (9.5% non-POW vs 11.7% POW; p= 0.855). Median post-operative length of stay was 10 days (8 days No-POW vs 11 days POW). Conclusion Physiotherapy input post EmLap over the weekend did not significantly improve morbidity. Weekend input is provided by the oncall physiotherapist and the requirement of the service could reflect the high risk status of patients. Besides physiotherapists, ward nurses play an important role in continuous encouragement of mobilisation post-operative to reduce morbidity rate.

Comparing clinical outcomes between patients receiving non-absorbable and delayed absorbable sutures for abdominal wound closure after laparotomy

Background: There is a lot of debate about the best suture for repairing the abdominal fascia post-laparotomy. This research compared the clinical results of patients who received non-absorbable versus delayed absorbable sutures for abdominal wound closure after laparotomy. Methods: We conducted a prospective non-randomized clinical trial in the Department of General Surgery, Janaki Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Janakpur, Nepal. We included patients aged more than 18 years who underwent an elective laparotomy surgery with midline vertical incision for any indication between April 2020 till March 2022 in our department. Two study groups were formed: non-absorbable suture (polypropylene suture) and delayed absorbable suture (polydiaxanone suture). Results: The two study groups were similar with respect to indication of surgery (p value = 0.52). Bowel was opened in 81% in non-absorbable group and in 85% in delayed absorbable suture group. Mean duration of surgery was found to be significantly lower in the delayed absorbable suture group as compared to non-absorbable suture group (185±21.8 vs. 232±27.3 minutes, p value &lt; 0.05). Post-operative complications included surgical site infection, burst abdomen, incisional hernia and sinus formation. It was observed that surgical site infection rate was significantly higher among non-absorbable suture group patients as compared to delayed absorbable suture group (25% vs. 13%, p value &lt;0.05). Conclusions: Comparing early and late post-operative complications, there was no statistically significant difference between non-absorbable suture group and delayed absorbable suture group.

Mean Postoperative Pain in patients with Elective Midline Laparotomies Using Either Scalpel or Diathermy for Incision

Background: During a laparotomy, the midline incision is frequently made with an electrocautery or scalpel. According to studies, there is no difference between these procedures' rates of complications. Aim : To assess the average postoperative pain in patients who underwent elective midline laparotomies at the Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar using either a scalpel or diathermy for incision. Methodology: This was a randomized controlled trial, which included 60 laparotomies patients who were divided into two groups at random. One group of patients had diathermy, whilst the other group underwent scalpel incisions. On the second postoperative day, a follow-up was conducted. Results: In diathermy group we had 63.3% males and 36.7% females while in the scalpel group we had 17 males and 13 females. 40% patients in diathermy group were hypertensive, this ratio was 36.7% in the scalpel group, diabetic patients were 26.7% in diathermy group and 16.7% in scalpel group. Practical implication: Cutting by diathermy is simpler, quicker, and results in less blood loss. Furthermore using diathermy to make an incision is no more likely to result in complications than using a scalpel Conclusion: For an elective laparotomy, skin incision with diathermy provides superior postoperative pain management than a scalpel. Keywords: Diathermy, incision, Laparotomy, woundpain, scalpel

Efficacy of Wound Instillation With Bupivacaine Through a Wound Catheter for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparotomy Wounds in Comparison With Conventional Intravenous Analgesics.

Introduction A laparotomy can cause severe postoperative pain, which, if treated adequately, can result in reduced incidence of lung atelectasis and ileuspromoting early mobilization and faster recovery and in turn reducing the duration of hospital stays. Hence, effective postoperative analgesia is important to reduce postoperative stress and improve early surgical outcomes. Therefore, the hypothesis is based on the fact that following a midline laparotomy, instillation of local anaesthetic agent 0.25% bupivacaine through a wound catheter placed in the subcutaneous plane may provide better analgesia compared to the conventional intravenous analgesics and improve the early surgical outcomes. Methodology A prospective, comparative, quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 patients planned for emergency or elective midline laparotomy procedures over a period of 18 months, who were randomly distributed into two groups of 40 each. The bupivacaine group consisted of 40 patients who received 10ml of 0.25% bupivacaine instilled through a wound catheter placed in the subcutaneous plane following a midline laparotomy. This was repeated every six hours for the first 24 hours followed by every 12 hours for the next 24 hours. The conventional intravenous (IV) analgesics group involved 40 patients who received conventional IV analgesics routinely used. Pain scores were recorded every four hours for 60 hours using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and dynamic visual analogue scale (DVAS). The parameters assessed were mean VAS and DVAS scores, number of rescue analgesic demands, cumulative rescue analgesic requirement, and early surgical outcomes. Wound complications were also assessed. Results Both groups shared similar demographic characteristics in terms of age, gender, comorbidities, and duration of operation. In comparison to patients who got standard IV analgesics, those who received 0.25% bupivacaine had improved postoperative analgesia. Between the two groups, there were statistically significant results in the number of rescue analgesic demands in the first 24 hours, but in the next 24 hours, it was statistically insignificant. The study also showed that bupivacaine instillation led to a significant decrease in postoperative lung complications and the length of hospital stays; however as hypothesised, it did not improve early surgical outcomes. Conclusion This modality, the instillation of bupivacaine through a wound catheter, is an efficient and technically simple method to provide optimal postoperative analgesia. It substantially reduces the need for systemic analgesics and can potentially avoid their related side effects. Hence, the armamentariumof multimodal analgesia can therefore include this method of delivering postoperative analgesia.