Lower Risk Of Surgical Site Infection Research Articles

Impact of Pharmacist-Driven Penicillin Allergy De-Labeling Pilot Program in Preoperative Cardiothoracic and Spine Surgery Patients at Quaternary Hospital

Documented penicillin allergies are associated with an increased risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), and first-line antibiotics (e.g., cefazolin) are associated with a lower risk of SSIs. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of a pharmacist-driven penicillin allergy de-labeling pilot program on the use of preoperative cefazolin in selected surgery patients with documented penicillin allergies. This single-center, quasi-experimental study included adult patients with a charted penicillin allergy who underwent CT or spine surgery in 2021 (control group) or during the 6-month intervention pilot (October 2022–March 2023). In the intervention group, qualifying patients were interviewed via phone to assess allergy history. Qualified patients were de-labeled or referred to an allergist for outpatient skin testing and/or oral challenge. The primary outcome was the rate of cefazolin use preoperatively. Secondary outcomes included 30-day SSIs, Clostridioides difficile infection, acute kidney injury, readmission, and hospital length of stay. Of the intervention group, 57 (79.2%) patients completed the interview. Cefazolin was used preoperatively in 71.0% (152) of the control group versus 88.9% (64) of the intervention group (p < 0.002). There were no clinically significant differences in secondary outcomes. The pharmacist-driven penicillin allergy de-labeling pilot program in CT and spine surgery patients was associated with increased cefazolin use.

Reducing the rate of surgical site infection using iodophor-impregnated adhesive incision draping in spine surgery compared with standard adhesive incision draping: a study in 2279 patients.

While adhesive incision drapes are widely used for reducing surgical site infection (SSI), evidence remains scarce on whether impregnated adhesive incision draping can further reduce the rate of SSI in spine surgery. All patients treated surgically in the authors' high-volume university spine center from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated and divided into cohorts treated before (the control cohort) and after (the study cohort) introduction of an iodophor-impregnated adhesive incision drape (instead of a standard nonimpregnated adhesive incision drape) at their institute. Epidemiological aspects, baseline characteristics, operative records, and rate and characteristics of postoperative SSI were analyzed and compared between cohorts. Two thousand two hundred seventy-nine consecutively treated patients were included, with an overall SSI rate of 0.5%. Baseline patient findings and surgical characteristics (including indication, localization, procedure, and duration of surgery) did not significantly differ between the 1125 patients in the control cohort and the 1154 patients in the study cohort. Uni- and multivariate analyses showed that use of an iodophor-impregnated adhesive incision drape was the only factor significantly associated with a lower risk of SSI. The SSI rate was significantly lower in the study cohort (0.2% vs 0.8%, p = 0.036). While germs of the skin microbiome such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. aureus were predominantly prevalent in both cohorts, fecal germs such as Enterococcus/Enterobacter species were found only in the control cohort and not in the study cohort. The use of iodophor-impregnated adhesive incision drapes in spine surgery can help to lower the rate of postoperative SSI and aid in reducing the risk of fecal germ infections.

Effect of pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy on postoperative complications of rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Standard total mesorectal resection has become an important treatment option for locally advanced or high-risk rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy. 15-27% of patients can achieve pathological complete response (PCR) after neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (nCRT). However, the relationship between PCR and postoperative complications remains an important unsolved problem. The objective of this study was to determine whether PCR was associated with the rate of postoperative complications. This meta-analysis was implemented following the recommendations from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We searched electronic literature by PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Major outcomes of interest included anastomotic leakage, surgical-site infection, reoperation, and any postoperative complications. Other outcomes comprised postoperative hemorrhage, ileus, and mortality. Eleven thousand two hundred ninety patients in 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that patients with PCR did not have a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.92-1.62, p = 0.17), reoperation (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.93-1.37, p = 0.22), and any postoperative complications (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.91-1.15, p = 0.72) than patients with non-PCR. However, the meta-analysis showed that the PCR group was superior to the non-PCR group in terms of surgical-site infection (9.38% vs. 12.44%OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47-0.98; p = 0.04). PCR might not be related to the occurrence of postoperative complications in rectal cancer patients following nCRT. In addition, PCR might be associated with a lower risk of surgical-site infection.

Port Site Hernias Following Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair.

Port site hernias (PSH) are underreported following laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Most occur at the site of laterally placed 10-12-mm ports used to introduce large pieces of mesh. One alternative is to place the large port through the ventral hernia defect; however, there is potential for increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI). This study evaluates the outcomes when introducing mesh through a 10-12-mm port placed through the hernia defect. This was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent LVHR in three prospective trials from 2014-2017 at one institution. All patients had mesh introduced through a 10-12-mm port placed through the ventral hernia defect. The primary outcome was SSI. Secondary outcomes were hernia occurrences including recurrences and PSH. A total of 315 eligible patients underwent LVHR with a median (range) follow-up of 21 (11-41) months. Many patients were obese (66.9%), recently quit tobacco use (8.8%), or had diabetes (18.9%). Most patients had an incisional hernia (61.2%), and 19.2% were recurrent. Hernias were on average 4.8 ± 3.8cm in width. Two patients (0.6%) had an SSI. Fourteen patients had a hernia occurrence-13 (4.4%) had a recurrent hernia, and one patient (0.3%) had a PSH. During LVHR, introduction of mesh through a 10-12-mm port placed through the hernia defect is associated with a low risk of SSI and low risk of hernia occurrence. While further studies are needed to confirm these results, mesh can be safely introduced through a port through the defect.

244. Relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D level and surgical site infection in spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Surgical site infection (SSI) creates a significant burden on the patient and the health care system. Preoperative medical optimization, antibiotics have been incorporated in standard practice reduce perioperative complications, and many others are currently under investigation. In animal models, 25-hydroxy vitamin D level has been shown to have antimicrobial and wound healing effects. Preoperative levels have been shown to correlate with SSI in thoracic and bariatric surgeries. However, to date it has not been evaluated in spine patients. PURPOSE To investigate whether low vitamin D status is associated with increased risk of developing post-operative infections in spine surgeries. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective PATIENT SAMPLE Patients undergoing thoracolumbar spine surgery between November 2012 and March 2019 performed by one fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at a single academic center. OUTCOME MEASURES The outcome variable was SSI undergoing surgical intervention. METHODS We identified all patients within the stated sample and enrolled only patients with preop vitamin D levels. SSI, age, BMI, season of surgery, race, type of surgery, diagnosis, ASA, smoking status were extracted. The key independent variable was Vit D level (classified as 60 ng/mL= Potentially Harmful). Bivariate analysis with chi-square and t-tests were used to compare characteristics between the non-SSI and SSI cohorts undergoing spine surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between vitamin D levels and SSIs after controlling for relevant confounders such as BMI, type of surgery, diagnosis, comorbidities. RESULTS A total of 545 patients met our inclusion criteria, 9 (1.7%) of which acquired an SSI. The mean 25-Hydroxy vitamin D was 31.6 ± 13.6 ng/dL in non-SSI group, and 35.7 ± 20.2 ng/dL in SSI group (p-value 0.17). The mean age was 56 ± 15.6 years in the non-SSI group and 64 ± 7.5 years in the SSI group (p- value 0.045). 21.7% of non-SSI patients had moderate risk of vitamin D deficiency, 27.9% had low risk of deficiency, 46.8% had adequate levels and 3.6% had potentially harmful levels. 33.3% of non-SSI patients had moderate risk of Vitamin D deficiency, 11.1% had low risk of deficiency, 33.3% had adequate levels and 22.2% had potentially harmful levels (p-value 0.02). On bivariate analysis, the percentage of patients with potentially harmful levels of Vitamin D in the SSI group was higher than in the non-SSI group (22.2% and 3.6% respectively, p-value 0.02). On multivariable analysis, patients with adequate vitamin D level had lower odds of SSI as compared to vitamin D deficient patients (OR 0.11, CI 0.01-0.98, p-value 0.048). Though not statistically significant, patients with potentially harmful vitamin D level were at higher odds of SSI (OR 1.41, CI 0.11-17.34, p-value 0.79). CONCLUSIONS Our analysis showed that patients with adequate levels of vitamin D has lower risk of SSIs as compared to vitamin D deficient patients after controlling for relevant confounders. Optimizing preop vitamin D levels could potentially reduce the incidence of SSI in spine surgery. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

ANTIBIOPROPHYLAXIS AND ANTIBIOTHERAPY IN ABDOMINAL SURGERY – SHORT REVIEW

Surgical site infection (SSI) represents a concerning for all surgeons because both the unfavorable impact on health care costs and risk factors that increase the durations of wound healing and SSI rate. A review of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar has been made. The keywords used were related to surgical site infection prevetion. SSIs have a raised incidence in abdominal surgery because of the fact that many types of bacterias live in the gastrointestinal tract and during a surgical procedure some may escape and cause an infection. There is a high risk of postoperatory infections in gastric surgery due to intestinal anastomoses which are predisposed to leakage. In hernia repair surgery there is a higher rate of SSIs than expected for a clean procedure, and one risk factor may be represented by the prosthetic device used. On the other hand, in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there is a very low risk of SSI and antibioprophylaxis is not recommended. But the most contaminated procedure with the highest risk of infectious complications is colorectal surgery, which requieres a combination of antibiotics because of the numerous types of microorganism. Abdominal surgery comprises different techniques and involves most elements of the gastrointestinal tract. Some procedures need antibiotic prophylaxis and in others antibiotic administration is even prohibited. The most effective antibiotics are first and second-generation cephalosporins.

Surgical Site Infection in Head and Neck Surgery: A National Perspective

To examine trend, prevalence, and outcomes of surgical site infection (SSI) in head and neck surgery. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis. The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2010-2014), which represents 56.6% of all US hospitalization. Adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent head and neck surgery. Patients with SSI were compared with controls. Analysis included chi-square test and multivariate logistic and linear regression models. A total of 427 cases and 116,921 controls were identified. SSI prevalence among patients who underwent head and neck surgery was 0.37%, of which 41.0% was reported within the initial admission while the remaining 59.0% was reported on readmission within 30 days of first surgery. SSI was associated with a higher mortality risk (odds ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.25-12.50; P = .019). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a higher risk of SSI was associated with major surgery of the ear, nose and paranasal sinuses, mouth and tonsil, salivary glands and ducts, maxillofacial bones and mandible, and pharynx and larynx (P < .05 each). However, a lower risk of SSI was reported in thyroid and parathyroid and nonmajor procedures (P < .05 each). Other factors associated with a higher risk of SSI included multiple comorbidities, smoking, cancer diagnosis, concomitant neck dissection, and tracheostomy (P < .05 each). SSI was associated with a mean ± SE additional hospital stay of 8.1 ± 0.8 days per case (P < .001) and an additional cost on the health system of $20,953.00 ± $186.3 per case (P < .001). SSI is associated with a significant mortality risk and burden on the health system. More than half of SSI cases were identified on readmission.

Use of Prolonged Prophylactic Antibiotics with Closed Suction Drains in Ventral Abdominal Hernia Repair

Closed suction drains (CSD) are commonly used in ventral hernia repair (VHR), with or without prolonged postoperative prophylactic antibiotics (PPA) for the duration of their use. We examine the evidence that PPA with CSD reduce surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing VHR. We also examine the evidence assessing the association between SSI and CSD in VHR. A systematic review of PubMed, CIHNL, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify studies analyzing rates of SSI with CSD in patients undergoing abdominal VHR and related procedures with or without the concomitant use of PPA. The primary outcome was the rate of SSI. Five studies totaling 772 patients were identified, 525 patients were confirmed to have CSD, and 434 patients received prolonged antibiotics while drains were in place. PPA had no significant effect on SSI in two studies and were associated with decreased SSI in one study (Odds ratio 0.235, 95% confidence interval 0.090-0.617, P = 0.003). Two studies documented a higher rate of SSI in patients with CSD (79% vs 49% and 19% vs 10%) on univariate analysis. One study demonstrated a very low risk of SSI despite CSD (4.2%) and another demonstrated no increased risk with or without CSD. The use of drains is not clearly associated with an increased risk of SSI in VHR, and there is limited evidence to support antibiotic use while the drains are in place to decrease the potential risk. Prospective randomized studies are needed to more clearly assess these associations.

Compliance with preoperative care measures reduces surgical site infection after colorectal operation.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major cause of morbidity complicating colorectal operations. Several evidence-based preoperative strategies are associated with decreased SSI rates. We hypothesize that compliance with multiple strategies is associated with lower incidence of SSI after the elective colorectal operation. Preoperative care measure compliance before colorectal operations were assessed. Measures included antiseptic wash the night before and day of operation, oral antibiotic, and mechanical bowel preparation, antibiotic prophylaxis, Chloraprep skin preparation, and hair clipping. Rates of SSI after colectomy and other pertinent outcomes were stratified by full and partial compliance with preoperative measures. Exclusion criteria included bowel perforation, ischemia, complete obstruction, intra-abdominal abscess, and no intraoperative skin closure. Eight hundred twenty-six subjects underwent colectomy between 2010 and 2016; 469 met inclusion criteria. Compliance with all measures occurred in 214 (46%) and was independently associated with lower postoperative infection rates (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.85; P = 0.02). SSI occurred in 51 (11%): was superficial in 35 (7%); deep in 5 (1%); and organ space in 11 (2%). SSI rates were reduced from 16% (partial or no compliance group) to 5% (full compliance group). No stand-alone intervention was independently associated with decreased SSI rate. Multivariate analysis found the following factors associated with a lower risk of SSI: full compliance with all five process measures, lower BMI, nonsmoker, and minimally invasive operation. Compliance with preoperative care strategies reduces rates of SSI after colectomy with a cumulative effect more pronounced than any single intervention reinforcing the need for protocol-driven and evidence-based care for patients undergoing colorectal operations.

Acute low back pain among registered nurses. Organizational implications for practice management.

To date there is a lack of evidence about the impact of shiftwork on the occurrence of acute low back pain among registered nurses working non-traditional shifts, including nights and 12-hour shifts. The objectives of the present study were: 1) to investigate the impact of shiftwork, physical activity and body mass index on the occurrence of acute low back pain among female shift-registered nurses; 2) to suggest preventive interventions. The author conducted a cross-sectional nested case-control analysis of data concerning acute low back pain and staffing data for female registered nurses employed in hospital wards. The analysis found a relationship between acute low back pain and nightshift, extended shifts, obesity; the adoption of forward rotating schedules proved to be effective in minimizing the frequency of acute low back pain. The findings showed that the prevention of acute low back pain should consider interventions aimed at minimizing not only physical ergonomic factors, but also organizational risks and lifestyle factors.

Effect of the Abdominal Fascial Closure with Triclosan-Coated Sutures in Fecal Peritonitis, on Surgical Site Infection, and Evisceration: A Retrospective Multi-Center Study.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a frequent complication in dirty surgery, reaching rates of up to 40%. The incidence of SSI might be influenced by the suture used for closure of the abdominal fascia. Sutures coated with antibacterial substances may reduce the bacterial load in the incision. A retrospective study of patients with intra-operative diagnosis of fecal peritonitis undergoing a laparotomy in three Spanish hospitals was performed. Fascial closure consisted in running loop suture of Polyglactin (Vicryl loop®, Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NY; group 1), running loop suture of triclosan-coated polyglactin (Vicryl plus loop®; group 2), running loop suture of polydioxanone (PDS loop® Johnson & Johnson; group 3), and running loop suture of triclosan-coated polydioxanone (PDS plus loop®; group 4). Incisional SSI and evisceration rates were assessed. One hundred four patients were included. There were no differences in age, gender, comorbidities, etiology of peritonitis, and mortality among groups. Surgical site infection rate was 34.6% in group 1; 8% in group 2; 33% in group 3; and 10% in group 4 (p = 0.029). The use of triclosan-coated sutures is associated with lower risk of SSI (risk ratio [RR]: 9; p = 0.003). Evisceration rate was 0% in groups 1 and 2; 15.2% in group 3; and 10% in group 4 (p = 0.05). All patients suffering from evisceration presented previous SSI. The use of monofilament sutures is associated with higher risk of evisceration (RR: 6.35; p = 0.033). Triclosan-coated sutures reduce SSI rate in fecal peritonitis, without differences between braided and monofilament type. The use of monofilament sutures is related to higher risk of evisceration, independent of a triclosan coating.

Optimizing Exposure for the Occipital Nerve in Migraine Surgery while Maintaining Hair Length.

Summary:Surgical decompression of the greater occipital nerve is used in the treatment of migraine headaches. Generally, hair is removed from the posterior scalp to aid with exposure and minimize interference. The securing of occipital hair with surgical tape and rubber bands instead of preoperative hair removal is a viable alternative. The preservation of hair length can lead to better patient satisfaction by avoiding the hair length discrepancies and has demonstrated a low risk of surgical-site infection.

Decreasing Surgical Site Infections after Ventral Hernia Repair: A Quality-Improvement Initiative.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain prevalent after ventral hernia repair (VHR). In 2013-2014, a safety-net academic hospital initiated a two-pronged quality-improvement (QI) project: (1) Development and implementation of evidence-based guidelines; and (2) creation of a specialized hernia clinic to manage challenging patients and complex ventral hernias. Our objective was to decrease SSI rates after elective VHR. The primary outcome was SSI 30 days post-operatively, which was assessed in aggregate and with a stratified analysis based on case complexity using the χ2 test. A total of 399 patients in the pre-QI period and 390 patients in post-QI period (178 patients in general surgery clinics; 212 patients in the specialty hernia clinic) underwent VHR. Patients treated in the post-QI period were less likely to experience an SSI (13.5% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001). On subgroup analysis of the post-QI clinics, specialty hernia clinic patients had an even lower risk of SSI than those in general surgery clinics (1.4% versus 1.7%). The QI initiatives of evidence-based guidelines and the specialty hernia clinic were associated with lower SSI rates. Differences in peri-operative management included differences in patient selection and pre-operative preparation and increased use of synthetic mesh and laparoscopy. Future studies must investigate the long-term outcomes of these initiatives.

Effects of perioperative supplementation with pro-/synbiotics on clinical outcomes in surgical patients: A meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials

The Potential benefits and possible risks of perioperative supplementation with probiotics/synbiotics in surgical patients are not fully understood. Recent evidence has rapidly evolved and conveys conflicting results. Thus, we undertook a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to valuate the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness and quality of life of perioperative supplementation with pro-/synbiotics. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library through October 2015 to identify RCTs that assessed the effects of perioperative supplementation with pro-/synbiotics in surgical patients. The predefined primary efficacy outcome was surgical site infection (SSI). Random-effects model was applied to pool outcome data accounting for clinical heterogeneity. Our meta-analysis included data from 34 trials comprising 2634 participants, of whom 1300 received perioperative pro-/synbiotics intervention and 1334 received valid control treatment. Compared with the control group, patients in the pro-/synbiotics group had a lower risk of SSI (relative risk: 0.65; 95% confidence interval: 0.51, 0.84; P=0.0007). Trial sequential analysis confirmed the evidence was sufficient and conclusive. Subgroup analyses indicated the findings were consistent in all subgroup analyses except for the probiotics, enteral feeding, pre-/postoperative and live transplantation subgroups. Pro-/synbiotics also reduced the incidence of other infectious complications (including any infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, wound infection and sepsis); shortened antibiotic therapy, intensive care unit stay and hospital stay; and promoted earlier first defecation and first bowel movement. Pro-/synbiotics further reduced the incidence of abdominal side effects, lowered hospital costs and improved the Gastro-Intestinal Quality of Life. For surgical patients, perioperative supplementation with pro-/synbiotics is effective in preventing or controlling SSI and other infectious complications. Perioperative pro-/synbiotics might also be associated with fewer side effects, lower hospital cost and better quality of life. Current evidence indicated that perioperative synbiotics supplementation is preferred and recommended as an adjunct in surgical patients.

Gentamicin-Collagen Sponges for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

To study the effectiveness of gentamicin-collagen sponges (GCS) for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs). A systematic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed (up to April 2015) to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of GCS for the prevention of SSIs. A random effects model was applied. Twenty-one RCTs (8,472 patients) were included. Gentamicin-collagen sponges were associated with a lower risk of SSIs (risk ratio [RR] 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.84). Based on Jadad scores, a lower risk for the development of SSI was presented in lower-quality studies (Jadad <3; RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.27-0.71), but no difference was observed in high-quality studies (Jadad ≥3; RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.58-1.02). No difference was observed in all-cause deaths in the GCS group compared with the control group (RR 0.77; 95% CI 0.56-1.06). When analyzing lower-quality studies or only clean procedures, GCS significantly reduced the risk of SSI. Further high-quality randomized studies are needed to confirm the benefit of GCS for lowering mortality rates.

Is There Room for Prevention? Examining the Effect of Outpatient Facility Type on the Risk of Surgical Site Infection

OBJECTIVE We compared risk for surgical site infection (SSI) following surgical breast procedures among 2 patient groups: those whose procedures were performed in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and those whose procedures were performed in hospital-based outpatient facilities. DESIGN Cohort study using National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) SSI data for breast procedures performed from 2010 to 2014. METHODS Unconditional multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between facility type and breast SSI, adjusting for American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification, patient age, and duration of procedure. Other potential adjustment factors examined were wound classification, anesthesia use, and gender. RESULTS Among 124,021 total outpatient breast procedures performed between 2010 and 2014, 110,987 procedure reports submitted to the NHSN provided complete covariate data and were included in the analysis. Breast procedures performed in ASCs carried a lower risk of SSI compared with those performed in hospital-based outpatient settings. For patients aged ≤51 years, the adjusted risk ratio was 0.36 (95% CI, 0.25-0.50) and for patients >51 years old, the adjusted risk ratio was 0.32 (95% CI, 0.21-0.49). CONCLUSIONS SSI risk following breast procedures was significantly lower among ASC patients than among hospital-based outpatients. These findings should be placed in the context of study limitations, including the possibility of incomplete ascertainment of SSIs and shortcomings in the data available to control for differences in patient case mix. Additional studies are needed to better understand the role of procedural settings in SSI risk following breast procedures and to identify prevention opportunities. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1-7.

A Randomized Trial Comparing Skin Antiseptic Agents at Cesarean Delivery

BackgroundPreoperative skin antisepsis has the potential to decrease the risk of surgical-site infection. However, evidence is limited to guide the choice of antiseptic agent at cesarean delivery, which is the most common major surgical procedure among women in the United States.MethodsIn this single-center, randomized, controlled trial, we evaluated whether the use of chlorhexidine–alcohol for preoperative skin antisepsis was superior to the use of iodine–alcohol for the prevention of surgical-site infection after cesarean delivery. We randomly assigned patients undergoing cesarean delivery to skin preparation with either chlorhexidine–alcohol or iodine–alcohol. The primary outcome was superficial or deep surgical-site infection within 30 days after cesarean delivery, on the basis of definitions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ResultsFrom September 2011 through June 2015, a total of 1147 patients were enrolled; 572 patients were assigned to chlorhexidine–alcohol and 575 to iodine–alcohol. In an intention-to-treat analysis, surgical-site infection was diagnosed in 23 patients (4.0%) in the chlorhexidine–alcohol group and in 42 (7.3%) in the iodine–alcohol group (relative risk, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.34 to 0.90; P=0.02). The rate of superficial surgical-site infection was 3.0% in the chlorhexidine–alcohol group and 4.9% in the iodine–alcohol group (P=0.10); the rate of deep infection was 1.0% and 2.4%, respectively (P=0.07). The frequency of adverse skin reactions was similar in the two groups.ConclusionsThe use of chlorhexidine–alcohol for preoperative skin antisepsis resulted in a significantly lower risk of surgical-site infection after cesarean delivery than did the use of iodine–alcohol. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01472549.)

Short Operative Duration and Surgical Site Infection Risk in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Procedures.

To determine the association (1) between shorter operative duration and surgical site infection (SSI) and (2) between surgeon median operative duration and SSI risk among first-time hip and knee arthroplasties. Retrospective cohort study A total of 43 community hospitals located in the southeastern United States. Adults who developed SSIs according to National Healthcare Safety Network criteria within 365 days of first-time knee or hip arthroplasties performed between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012. Log-binomial regression models estimated the association (1) between operative duration and SSI outcome and (2) between surgeon median operative duration and SSI outcome. Hip and knee arthroplasties were evaluated in separate models. Each model was adjusted for American Society of Anesthesiology score and patient age. A total of 25,531 hip arthroplasties and 42,187 knee arthroplasties were included in the study. The risk of SSI in knee arthroplasties with an operative duration shorter than the 25th percentile was 0.40 times the risk of SSI in knee arthroplasties with an operative duration between the 25th and 75th percentile (risk ratio [RR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.56; P<.01). Short operative duration did not demonstrate significant association with SSI for hip arthroplasties (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.79-1.37; P=.36). Knee arthroplasty surgeons with shorter median operative durations had a lower risk of SSI than surgeons with typical median operative durations (RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.43-0.64; P<.01). Short operative durations were not associated with a higher SSI risk for knee or hip arthroplasty procedures in our analysis.

Antibiotic Choice Is Independently Associated With Risk of Surgical Site Infection After Colectomy

To determine which perioperative care practices are associated with decreased risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after colectomy surgery. Optimization of perioperative care has been a common strategy for improving surgical safety, but the relationship between process measure compliance and surgical complication rates is controversial. This is a retrospective cohort study performed within the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC), an organization of hospitals that prospectively collects patient data, processes of care, and 30-day outcomes. Patients undergoing colectomy surgery (n = 4331) were studied. Factors potentially associated with SSI were tested using univariate statistical tests, and a hierarchical generalized linear model was created to test for independent associations between processes of care and SSI, while adjusting for patient risk factors and clustering of patients within hospitals. Several perioperative care practices were independently associated with lower risk of SSI after adjustment for patient risk, procedure type/duration, and clustering of patients by hospital site. Best practices include selection of a Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP-2)-compliant prophylactic intravenous antibiotic, postoperative normothermia, postoperative day 1 glucose control, and oral antibiotics given when bowel prep used (SCIP-1 was not significant). Further, several specific prophylactic antibiotic choices were independently associated with lower SSI rates, including cefazolin/metronidazole, ciprofloxacin/metronidazole, and ertapenem. In Michigan, several perioperative care practices are independently associated with decreased risk of SSI after colectomy, including SCIP-2-compliant prophylactic antibiotics, postoperative normothermia, glucose control, and oral antibiotics. Furthermore, specific prophylactic antibiotic choices are associated with lower risk of SSI. These results account for patient factors and unmeasured hospital effects, suggesting that dissemination of these perioperative care practices may decrease SSI rates.

Surgical Site Infections in Colon Surgery

To determine the role of the surgeon in the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) following colon surgery, with respect to his or her adherence to guidelines and his or her experience. Prospective cohort study of 2393 patients who underwent colon surgery performed by 31 surgeons in 9 secondary and tertiary care public Swiss hospitals, recruited from a surveillance program for SSI between March 1, 1998, and December 31, 2008, and followed up for 1 month after their operation. Risk factors for SSI were identified in univariate and multivariate analyses that included the patients' and procedures' characteristics, the hospitals, and the surgeons as candidate covariates. Correlations were sought between surgeons' individual adjusted risks, their self-reported adherence to guidelines, and the delay since their board certification. A total of 428 SSIs (17.9%) were identified, with hospital rates varying from 4.0% to 25.2% and individual surgeon rates varying from 3.7% to 36.1%. Features of the patients and procedures associated with SSI in univariate analyses were male sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, contamination class, operation duration, and emergency procedure. Correctly timed antibiotic prophylaxis and laparoscopic approach were protective. Multivariate analyses adjusting for these features and for the hospitals found 4 surgeons with higher risk of SSI (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-3.70; OR = 2.19, 95% CI, 1.41-3.39; OR = 2.15, 95% CI, 1.02-4.53; and OR = 1.97, 95% CI, 1.18-3.30) and 2 surgeons with lower risk of SSI (OR = 0.43, 95% CI, 0.19-0.94; and OR = 0.19, 95% CI, 0.04-0.81). No correlation was found between surgeons' individual adjusted risks and their adherence to guidelines or their experience. For reasons beyond adherence to guidelines or experience, the surgeon may constitute an independent risk factor for SSI after colon surgery.