Organ Space Surgical Site Infection Research Articles

2021 Canadian Surgery Forum: Virtual, online Sept. 21-24, 2021.

# 01. Design and validation of a unique endoscopy simulator using a commercial video game {#article-title-2} Procedural simulation has been shown to enhance early endoscopy training. In this proof of concept study, we aimed to show that a first-person shooter (FPS) video game with a novel in-house

Oral Antibiotics Bowel Preparation Without Mechanical Preparation for Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgeries: Current Practice and Future Prospects.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of preoperative oral antibiotics alone compared to mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics in minimally invasive surgery is still a matter of ongoing debate. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the trend of surgical site infection rates in parallel to the utilization of bowel preparation modality over time for minimally invasive surgery colorectal surgeries in the United States. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTINGS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. PATIENTS: Adult patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery and reported bowel preparation modality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The trends and compare surgical site infection rates for mutually exclusive groups according to the underlying disease (colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticular disease) who underwent bowel preparation using oral antibiotics or combined mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics. Patients who had rectal surgery were analyzed separately. RESULTS: A total of 30,939 patients were included. Of them, 12,417 (40%) had rectal resections. Over the seven-year study period, mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics utilization has increased from 29.3% in 2012 to 64.0% in 2018; p<0.0001 at the expense of no preparation and mechanical bowel preparation alone. Similarly, oral antibiotics utilization has increased from 2.3% in 2012 to 5.5% in 2018; p<0.0001. For colon cancer patients, patients who had oral antibiotics alone had higher superficial surgical site infection rates compared to patients who had combined mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics (1.9% vs. 1.1%; p=0.043). Superficial, deep and organ space surgical site infection rates were similar for all other comparative colon surgery groups (cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticular disease). Patients with rectal cancer who had oral antibiotics had higher rates of deep surgical site infection (0.9% vs. 0.1%; p=0.004). However, superficial, deep and organ space surgical site infection rates were similar for all other comparative rectal surgery groups. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective nature of the analysis. CONCLUSION: This study revealed widespread adoption of mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics and increased adoption of oral antibiotics over the study period. Surgical site infection rates appear to be similar from a clinical relevance standpoint among most comparative groups, questioning systematic preoperative addition of mechanical bowel preparation to oral antibiotics alone in all patients for minimally invasive colorectal surgery. See Video Abstract at https://links.lww.com/DCR/B828 .

Hypoalbuminemia Is Associated with Increased 30-Day Complications following Rectourethral Fistula Repair: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study.

We sought to assess patient risk factors for 30-day postoperative complications among men undergoing surgical management of rectourethral fistula (RUF). The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all male patients who underwent RUF repair (2006-2018). Hypoalbuminemia was defined as preoperative serum albumin <3.5 gm/dL. Postoperative 30-day complications included wound infection, organ space surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, sepsis, venous thromboembolism, pneumonia, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, return to operating room and mortality. The association between pre-selected patient covariates and postoperative complications was investigated using logistic regression analysis. A total of 250 patients were identified. Concurrent procedures during RUF repair were bowel diversion in 43/250 patients (17.2%), bowel resection (34/250, 13.6%), cystectomy (20/250, 8.0%) and urethroplasty (37/250, 14.8%). Overall, median age was 66.0 years (IQR 59.0-72.0), body mass index 26.6 kg/m2 (IQR 23.7-29.5) and 247/250 patients (98.8%) were functionally independent. Comorbidities included hypertension (140/250, 56.0%), smoking (55/250, 22.0%), diabetes (17/250, 6.8%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (11/250, 4.4%) and congestive heart failure (1/250, 0.4%). Hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 gm/dL) was present in 25/126 patients (19.8%). Overall, 51/250 patients (20.4%) experienced a complication within 30 days of surgery including wound infection (14/250, 5.6%), sepsis (13/250, 5.2%), organ space infection (11/250, 4.4%), urinary tract infection (8/250, 3.2%), venous thromboembolism (8/250, 3.2%) and mortality (5/250, 2.0%). After adjusting for covariates, hypoalbuminemia was associated with increased odds of a 30-day complication (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.06-5.86, p=0.036). Hypoalbuminemia was associated with increased odds of short-term complications after surgical management of RUF.

Intraoperative Bile Culture in Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Teaching Old Dogma New Tricks

IntroductionBiliary stents increase surgical site infections (SSIs) following pancreaticoduodenectomy due to bactibilia and contaminated intraoperative bile spillage. Intraoperative bile culture (IOBC) is performed to guide empiric therapy for SSIs; however, its utility is poorly studied. We sought to evaluate IOBC and the interplay between stenting, bactibilia, and SSI following pancreaticoduodenectomy. MethodsPatients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy from January 2008 to April 2020 were identified through our institutional National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) database; patients without IOBC were excluded. Odds of SSI were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. ResultsFour-hundred-eighty-three patients were identified. One-hundred-eighty-nine (39%) patients had plastic stents and 154 (32%) had metal stents. Three-hundred-twenty-nine (96%) patients with stents had bactibilia versus 18 (13%) without stents (P < 0.001). The biliary microbiome and antibiotic resistance patterns in patients with metal and plastic stents were nearly identical. Of 159 NSQIP-defined SSIs, most were incisional (n = 92, 58%). Bactibilia and stent presence were associated with incisional (OR 3.69 and 3.39, both P < 0.001) but not organ space SSI (P > 0.1); however, stent type was not (P > 0.5). Of the 73 speciated SSI cultures, an IOBC-identified organism was present in 42 (58%), while at least one organism not found in the IOBC was present in 49 (67%). ConclusionBactibilia is associated with incisional but not organ space SSI following pancreaticoduodenectomy and is strongly associated with stent presence. Stent type does not independently influence the biliary microbiome or SSI risk. IOBC has a poor ability to predict causative organisms in SSIs following pancreaticoduodenectomy and is not recommended for routine use.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes from Laparoscopic Vs Laparotomy Approach for Uterine Myomectomies Based on Fibroid Burden

<h3>Study Objective</h3> Assess postoperative outcomes based on surgical approach for myomectomies with increasing fibroid burden. <h3>Design</h3> Retrospective analysis of benign myomectomy procedures, categorized into "smaller" and "larger" procedures based on fibroid burden identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Smaller myomectomies included fibroids weighing <250mg or with 1-4 fibroids (CPT codes 58545 & 58140), and larger myomectomy procedures were classified as fibroids weighing >250mg or with >5 fibroids (CPT codes 58546 & 58146). Postoperative outcomes were then compared using the Clavien-Dindo classification system based on surgical approach, laparoscopic versus laparotomy. <h3>Setting</h3> Analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP®) database. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> Myomectomy procedures from 2014-2019 using the NSQIP® database, excluding malignancy and cases with concurrent procedures. <h3>Interventions</h3> Myomectomy via laparoscopy and laparotomy. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> 8,363 total myomectomy procedures were identified. 4,667 (55.8%) were smaller myomectomy procedures; 2080 (44.6%) completed via laparoscopy and 2,587 (55.4%) via laparotomy. 3,696 (44.2%) were larger myomectomy procedures; 1,037 (28.1%) completed via laparoscopy and 2,659 (71.9%) via laparotomy. Regardless of myomectomy size, laparoscopy required less perioperative blood transfusions (p<0.01). Myomectomy via laparotomy demonstrated increased cumulative minor complications, adjusted OR 2.80 (95%CI 2.18-3.58) for smaller fibroid burden and adjusted OR 3.41 (95% CI 2.62-4.44) for larger fibroid burden. Laparotomy demonstrated increased cumulative major complications, adjusted OR 2.40 (95% CI 1.32-4.36) for larger fibroid burden. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Smaller and larger myomectomies had fewer cumulative minor complications when conducted via laparoscopy. Laparotomy for larger myomectomies significantly increased cumulative major complications including rates of small bowel obstruction and deep organ space surgical site infections. Providers should strongly consider the laparoscopic myomectomy over laparotomy, regardless of fibroid burden.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection Following Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Procedures

Background: Deep and organ-space surgical site infections (SSIs) are serious complications of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures. It is unclear whether the use of bilateral versus single internal mammary artery (BIMA vs SIMA) and surgical approach to internal mammary artery (IMA) harvest (pedicled vs skeletonized) are independent risk factors for SSI. The use of BIMA grafting redirects blood flow away from the sternum to the heart and may increase SSI risk due to lower tissue perfusion. A skeletonized approach to graft harvest, wherein the IMA is dissected free of surrounding tissue to preserve collateral sternal blood flow, may decrease SSI risk as compared to a pedicled approach in which the IMA is mobilized within a tissue pedicle. We describe the incidence and potential risk factors for post-CABG SSI in an academic tertiary-care center performing ~500 IMA procedures annually. Methods: Data were abstracted on adult patients who underwent a CABG procedure using at least 1 IMA graft between July 2017 and June 2020. Additional data on potential risk factors for SSI were obtained electronically from hospital data marts and the Division of Cardiac Surgery database, including demographics, comorbidities, number of arterial grafts, surgical approach, surgeon, and discharge location. Using standard NHSN definitions, infection control practitioners identified post-CABG deep and organ-space SSIs. Patient and procedure characteristics were evaluated as potential risk factors for deep and organ-space SSI using the Fisher exact test. Results: Of 1,591 CABG procedures performed during the study period, 1,244 (78.2%) were performed using a SIMA technique and 347 (21.8%) were performed using a BIMA technique. The overall post-CABG SSI incidence was 1.2 per 100 procedures, with 1.0 SSIs per 100 SIMA procedures and 1.7 SSIs per 100 BIMA procedures. Table 1 demonstrates an increase over time in proportion of CABG procedures performed using SIMA and skeletonized IMA grafts. We also observed a decrease in overall SSI incidence over this period. See Table 2 for univariate predictors of post-CABG SSI. Conclusions: Female sex, BMI ≥40, age ≥75 years, diabetes, and discharge to a rehabilitation setting were associated with development of post-CABG SSI. Although the overall incidence of deep and organ-space SSI in our cohort was very low, making it difficult to draw conclusions about potentially modifiable risk factors, an increase in the use of SIMA and skeletonized grafts appears to be accompanied by a decrease in SSI incidence. More data from our institution and others are needed to determine the significance of this trend.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

Mycobacterium abscessus Surgical Site Infections Due to Modular Cooler-Heater Units in Cardiac Surgery

Background: In the spring of 2020, we identified 3 patients with organ-space surgical site infections (SSIs) secondary to Mycobacterium abscessus (Table 1). All 3 patients underwent cardiac surgery in the same operating room (OR) during which the CardioQuip Modular Cooler-Heaters (MCHs) were used. We describe key aspects of our cluster investigation, which ultimately led to release of a national safety alert by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methods: For environmental cultures, we obtained samples from 9 MCHs in circulation; 2 scrub sink samples; ice from the OR ice machine; water samples from sinks in the cardiovascular critical care unit, and water samples from floors above the cardiac ORs. All samples were sent for molecular genotyping. For pathway studies, an external environmental engineering team was consulted who conducted smoke pathway tests in 3 different ORs. The team also conducted a particle generator experiment, simulating the set-up of a cardiac bypass surgery case. To assess disinfection practices, we reviewed the manufacturer instructions for use (IFU) protocol of the MCHs and audited our own policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Results: For environmental cultures, molecular typing from 5 of 9 MCHs and all 3 patient SSI isolates returned positive for the identical hybrid species M. abscessus bolleti. All other samples with mycobacterial growth returned with different species. For pathway studies, the particle-generator experiment demonstrated particle movement from the MCH to the sterile field with facilities-guidelines–compliant OR ventilation and despite MCH manufacturing design. For disinfection practices, despite compliance with the stated IFU, and in consultation with experts, we implemented disinfection of associated Quick-connect devices (otherwise not stated in the IFU), and we also initiated a precleaning step prior to disinfection. Conclusions: Our investigation concluded that 3 patients developed SSIs with Mycobacterium abscessus that was aerosolized from the CardioQuip MCH. This finding led to the national FDA safety report alerting providers to risks associated with the device and the need for continued vigilance around disinfection. In addition, we implemented other control measures including placement of MCHs outside all ORs; creation of a separate MCH fleet for non-OR use; and use of modified disinfection protocols. To date, no additional cases have been identified.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

Risk factors for deep incisional and organ space surgical site infection after distal pancreatectomy

Surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place within 30 days and a significant portion of healthcare-associated infections. Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is a major surgery associated with a relatively high incidence of SSI. The aim of this study is to investigate risk factors of SSI after distal pancreatectomy. In total, 159 patients who underwent DP from January 2002 to December 2019 were identified and included in this study. We retrospectively collected clinical data based on the medical records of the patients. The risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. A total of 14 patients (8.8%) developed SSI after DP. Four patient (2.5%) experienced deep incisional SSI and 10 patient (6.3%) had organ space SSI. Male sex was associated with SSI. Hypertension and combined surgery were associated with organ space SSI in univariate analysis. Male sex and hypertension were significant risk factor of organ space SSI in multivariate analysis (p = 0.040, p = 0.032, respectively). Male sex and combined surgery were associated with overall complication (p = 0.039, p = 0.026, respectively). However, age, body mass index, diabetes, diagnosis, type of antibiotics administered, laparoscopic surgery, and spleen preservation were not associated with SSI. Male sex, hypertension, and other concomitant organ resections were statistically associated with SSI. The type of prophylactic antibiotics used was not related to SSI. Organ space SSI is associated with significant complications and the effort to reduce SSI is important.

Surgical Outcomes After Esophagectomy in Patients with Achalasia: a NSQIP Matched Analysis With Non-Achalasia Esophagectomy Patients

PurposeThe data on surgical outcomes of esophagectomy in patients with achalasia is limited. We sought to evaluate surgical outcomes in achalasia patients after an esophagectomy versus non-achalasia patients to elucidate if the outcomes are affected by the diagnosis. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2010–2018). Patients who underwent an esophagectomy (open or laparoscopic approach) were included. Patients were divided into two groups, achalasia vs non-achalasia patients, and matched using propensity match analysis. ResultsOf the 10,997 esophagectomy patients who met inclusion criteria, 213 (1.9%) patients had a diagnosis of achalasia. A total of 418 patients were included for the final analysis, with 209 patients in each group (achalasia vs non-achalasia). The overall median age was 57 years (IQR 47–65 years), and 48.6% were female. Most underwent an open (93.1%) vs laparoscopic (6.9%) esophagectomy. Overall complication rate was 40%. No difference was identified on overall complications, readmission, reoperation, or mortality between both groups. Postoperative sepsis was significantly higher in the achalasia group, and organ space SSI was higher in the non-achalasia group. Multivariable analysis showed that a diagnosis (achalasia or non-achalasia) was not predictive of reoperation or overall complications. ConclusionEsophagectomy outcomes are similar in patients with achalasia vs non-achalasia, and the diagnosis of achalasia does not independently increase the risk of reoperation and overall complications. Finally, regardless of diagnosis, the potential for morbidity following esophagectomy, should to be discussed with patients in the preoperative setting.

Pancreatoduodenectomy within 2 weeks after endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography increases the risk of organ/space surgical site infections: a 5-year retrospective cohort study in a high-volume centre.

Organ/space surgical site infections (OSSI) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are not rare events. The role of diagnosis and treatment for pancreatic and biliary diseases with an endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) procedure is currently controversial. However, the ERCP procedure might play a role in surgical outcomes after PD. We conducted a retrospective cohort study for patients who underwent PD in the First Affiliated Hospital with the Nanjing Medical University from 1st September 2012 to 31st January 2018. The relationship between ERCP exposure and OSSI after PD was analyzed by univariate and forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression model. Of the 1,365 patients who underwent PD, 136 developed OSSI (10.0%). We found that ERCP exposure before PD (EEBPD) was significantly associated with an increased incidence rate of post-operative pancreas fistula (POPF) [24.2% (23/95) vs. 14.9% (189/1,270), risk ratio (RR) =1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-2.38, P=0.015]. Hypertension, a higher level of preoperative low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and creatinine (Cr) were associated with elevated risks of post-operative OSSI [adjusted odds ratio (Adj-OR) (95% CI) were 1.59 (1.09-2.32), 1.70 (1.16-2.51), 1.99 (1.36-2.92)], whereas a preoperatively higher level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) would decrease the risk [Adj-OR (95% CI), 0.62 (0.42-0.91)]. Remarkably, EEBPD would significantly increase and more than double the OSSI risk [Adj-OR (95% CI), 2.56 (1.46-4.47)] especially if it was within 14 days before surgery (Spearman =-0.698, P<0.001). ERCP, as an independent risk factor, significantly increased the risk of post-operative OSSI after PD if it is performed within 14 days prior to surgery. Our findings would assist clinical decision-making, and improve OSSI control and prevention.

Dexamethasone and Surgical-Site Infection

BackgroundThe glucocorticoid dexamethasone prevents nausea and vomiting after surgery, but there is concern that it may increase the risk of surgical-site infection.MethodsIn this pragmatic, international, noninferiority trial, we randomly assigned 8880 adult patients who were undergoing nonurgent, noncardiac surgery of at least 2 hours’ duration, with a skin incision length longer than 5 cm and a postoperative overnight hospital stay, to receive 8 mg of intravenous dexamethasone or matching placebo while under anesthesia. Randomization was stratified according to diabetes status and trial center. The primary outcome was surgical-site infection within 30 days after surgery. The prespecified noninferiority margin was 2.0 percentage points.ResultsA total of 8725 participants were included in the modified intention-to-treat population (4372 in the dexamethasone group and 4353 in the placebo group), of whom 13.2% (576 in the dexamethasone group and 572 in the placebo group) had diabetes mellitus. Of the 8678 patients included in the primary analysis, surgical-site infection occurred in 8.1% (354 of 4350 patients) assigned to dexamethasone and in 9.1% (394 of 4328) assigned to placebo (risk difference adjusted for diabetes status, −0.9 percentage points; 95.6% confidence interval [CI], −2.1 to 0.3; P<0.001 for noninferiority). The results for superficial, deep, and organ-space surgical-site infections and in patients with diabetes were similar to those of the primary analysis. Postoperative nausea and vomiting in the first 24 hours after surgery occurred in 42.2% of patients in the dexamethasone group and in 53.9% in the placebo group (risk ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.82). Hyperglycemic events in patients without diabetes occurred in 22 of 3787 (0.6%) in the dexamethasone group and in 6 of 3776 (0.2%) in the placebo group.ConclusionsDexamethasone was noninferior to placebo with respect to the incidence of surgical-site infection within 30 days after nonurgent, noncardiac surgery. (Funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and others; PADDI Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12614001226695.)

Radiographic spine adipose index: an independent risk factor for deep surgical site infection after posterior instrumented lumbar fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSurgical site infections (SSIs) after spinal fusion surgery increase healthcare costs, morbidity and mortality. Routine measures of obesity fail to consider site specific fat distribution. PURPOSETo assess the association between the spine adipose index and deep surgical site infection and determine a threshold value for spine adipose index that can assist in preoperative risk stratification in patients undergoing posterior instrumented lumbar fusion (PILF). STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGMulticenter retrospective case-control study. PATIENT SAMPLEWe reviewed patients who underwent PILF from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018. OUTCOME MEASURESAll patients developing a deep primary incisional or organ-space SSI within 90 days of surgery as per US Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were identified. We gathered potential pre-operative and intra-operative deep infection risk factors for each patient. A 1:1 match was performed using the following criteria: gender, age (±3 y), ethnicity, date of surgery (± 1 y), and hospital location of surgery. Spine adipose index was measured on pre-operative mid-sagittal cuts of T2 weighted MRI scans. Each measurement was repeated twice by three authors in a blinded fashion, with each series of measurement separated by a period of at least six weeks. MethodsStepwise binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between SAI and the development of deep SSI. Separate logistic regression models were used for body mass index (BMI) and direct measures of subcutaneous fat thickness. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis was used to determine the optimal value for SAI, and subsequent risk ratios were calculated using the identified threshold. Intra- and inter-observer reliabilities were assessed using intra-class coefficients. ResultsForty-two patients were included in final analysis, with twenty-one cases and twenty-one matched controls. The spine adipose index was significantly greater in patients developing deep SSI (p=.029), and this relationship was maintained after adjusting for confounders (p=.046). Risk of developing deep SSI following PILF surgery was increased 2.0-fold when the spine adipose index was ≥0.51. The spine adipose index had excellent (ICC >0.9; p<.001) inter- and intra-observer reliabilities. ConclusionThe spine adipose index is a novel radiographic measure and an independent risk factor for developing deep SSI, with 0.51 being the ideal threshold value for pre-operative risk stratification in patients undergoing PILF surgery.

Applying Machine Learning Across Sites: External Validation of a Surgical Site Infection Detection Algorithm

Surgical complications have tremendous consequences and costs. Complication detection is important for quality improvement, but traditional manual chart review is burdensome. Automated mechanisms are needed to make this more efficient. To understand the generalizability of a machine learning algorithm between sites, automated surgical site infection (SSI) detection algorithms developed at one center were tested at another distinct center. NSQIP patients had electronic health record (EHR) data extracted at one center (University of Minnesota Medical Center, Site A) over a 4-year period for model development and internal validation, and at a second center (University of California San Francisco, Site B) over a subsequent 2-year period for external validation. Models for automated NSQIP SSI detection of superficial, organ space, and total SSI within 30 days postoperatively were validated using area under the curve (AUC) scores and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. For the 8,883 patients (Site A) and 1,473 patients (Site B), AUC scores were not statistically different for any outcome including superficial (external 0.804, internal [0.784, 0.874] AUC); organ/space (external 0.905, internal [0.867, 0.941] AUC); and total (external 0.855, internal [0.854, 0.908] AUC) SSI. False negative rates decreased with increasing case review volume and would be amenable to a strategy in which cases with low predicted probabilities of SSI could be excluded from chart review. Our findings demonstrated that SSI detection machine learning algorithms developed at 1 site were generalizable to another institution. SSI detection models are practically applicable to accelerate and focus chart review.

Risk factors and morbidity associated with surgical site infection subtypes following adult neurosurgical procedures

Objective Studies on surgical site infection (SSI) in adult neurosurgery have presented all subtypes of SSIs as the general ‘SSI’. Given that SSIs constitute a broad range of infections, we hypothesized that clinical outcomes and management vary based on SSI subtype. Methods A retrospective analysis of all neurosurgical SSI from 2012–2019 was conducted at a tertiary care institution. SSI subtypes were categorized as deep and superficial incisional SSI, brain, dural or spinal abscesses, meningitis or ventriculitis, and osteomyelitis. Results 9620 craniotomy, shunt, and fusion procedures were studied. 147 procedures (1.5%) resulted in postoperative SSI. 87 (59.2%) of these were associated with craniotomy, 36 (24.5%) with spinal fusion, and 24 (16.3%) with ventricular shunting. Compared with superficial incisional primary SSI, rates of reoperation to treat SSI were highest for deep incisional primary SSI (91.2% vs 38.9% for superficial, p < 0.001) and second-highest for intracranial SSI (90.9% vs 38.9%, p = 0.0001). Postoperative meningitis was associated with the highest mortality rate (14.9%). Compared with superficial incisional SSI, the rate of readmission for intracranial SSI was highest (57.6% vs 16.7%, p = 0.022). Conclusion Deep incisional and organ space SSI demonstrate a greater association with morbidity relative to superficial incisional SSI. Future studies should assess subtypes of SSI given these differences.

Omentoplasty decreases deep organ space surgical site infection compared with external tube drainage after conservative surgery for hepatic cystic echinococcosis: Meta-analysis with a meta-regression.

The rate of deep organ space/surgical site infection after conservative surgery for hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE) ranges from 12% to 26% with a post-operative mortality rate between 0% and 7.5%. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether omentoplasty (OP) following conservative surgery for HCE leads to decreased rates of morbidity and mortality compared to external tube drainage ETD. We identified 4540 articles through database searching. After verifying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retained eight studies for final analysis: two randomized controlled trials (RCT), one prospective comparative study and five retrospective comparative studies. The main outcome measure was organ space/surgical site (OS/SS) morbidity that was limited to "deep organ space/surgical site infection (Deep OS/SSI) with or without re-operation". The eight studies reported results for deep OS/SSI (6/374 (OP) and 60/403 (ETD), respectively). There were statistically significantly less deep OS/SSI with OP (vs. ETD) OR=0.17 95%CI [0.05, 0.62] (P=0.007). A random-effect meta-regression, including the eight studies, showed an interaction in favor of OP. There were also statistically significant less biliary leakage±fistula and overall morbidity in OP compared to ETD. On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was found concerning deep bleeding, mortality and recurrence between these two groups. This meta-analysis with a meta-regression showed that there were statistically significant less deep OS/SSI, biliary leakage±fistula and overall morbidity in OP compared to ETD.

Peri-operative blood transfusion and risk of infectious complications following intestinal-cutaneous fistula surgical repair: A retrospective nationwide analysis

BackgroundPeri-operative blood transfusion (BT) may lead to transfusion-induced immunomodulation. We aimed to investigate the association between peri-operative BT and infectious complications in patients undergoing intestinal-cutaneous fistulas (ICF) repair. MethodsWe queried the ACS-NSQIP 2006–2017 database to include patients who underwent ICF repair. The main outcome was 30-day infectious complications. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the predictors of post-operative infections. ResultsOf 4,197 patients included, 846 (20.2%) received peri-operative BT. Transfused patients were generally older, sicker and had higher ASA (III–V). After adjusting for relevant covariates, patients who received intra and/or post-operative (and not pre-operative) BT had higher odds of infectious complications compared (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.01–1.48). Specifically, they had higher odds of organ-space surgical site infection (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.21–2.13), but not other infectious complications. ConclusionsIntra and/or post-operative (and not pre-operative) BT is an independent predictor of infectious complications in ICF repair.

Association of Acute Care Surgeon Experience With Emergency Surgery Patient Outcomes and Mortality

Previous studies comparing emergency surgery outcomes with surgeon experience have been small or used administrative databases without controlling for patient physiology or operative complexity. To evaluate the association of acute care surgeon experience with patient morbidity and mortality after emergency surgical procedures. This cohort study evaluated the association of surgeon experience with emergency surgery outcomes at 5 US academic level 1 trauma centers where the same surgeons provided emergency general surgical care. A total of 772 patients who presented with a traumatic injury and required an emergency surgical procedure or who presented with or developed a condition requiring an emergency general surgical intervention were operated on by 1 of 56 acute care surgeons. Surgeon groups were divided by experience of less than 6 years (early career), 6 to 10 years (early midcareer), 11 to 30 years (late midcareer), and 30 years or more (late career) from the end of training. Surgeons with less than 3 years of experience were also compared with the entire cohort. Hierarchical logistic regression models were constructed controlling for Emergency Surgery Score, case complexity, preoperative transfusion, and trauma or emergency general surgery. Data were collected from May 2015 to July 2017 and analyzed from February to May 2020. Mortality, complications, length of stay, blood loss, and unplanned return to the operating room. Of 772 included patients, 469 (60.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 50.1 (20.0) years. Of 772 operations, 618 were by surgeons with less than 10 years of experience. Early- and late-midcareer surgeons generally operated on older patients and patients with more septic shock, acute kidney failure, and higher Emergency Surgery Scores. Patient mortality, complications, postoperative transfusion, organ-space surgical site infection, and length of stay were similar between surgeon groups. Patients operated on by early-career surgeons had higher rates of unplanned return to the operating room compared with those operated on by early-midcareer surgeons (odds ratio [OR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.40-1.09), late-midcareer surgeons (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13-0.90), and late-career surgeons (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.45-2.75). Patients operated on by surgeons with less than 3 years of experience had similar mortality compared with the rest of the cohort (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 0.85-4.57) but higher rates of complications (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.05-4.07). In this study, experienced surgeons generally operated on older patients with more septic shock and kidney failure without affecting risk-adjusted mortality. Increased complications and unplanned return to the operating room may improve with experience. Early-career surgeons' outcomes may be improved if they are supported while experience is garnered.

Development of a fully automated surgical site infection detection algorithm for use in cardiac and orthopedic surgery research.

To develop a fully automated algorithm using data from the Veterans' Affairs (VA) electrical medical record (EMR) to identify deep-incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) after cardiac surgeries and total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) to be used for research studies. Retrospective cohort study. This study was conducted in 11 VA hospitals. Patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement between January 1, 2010, and March 31, 2018 (cardiac cohort) and patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty between January 1, 2007, and March 31, 2018 (TJA cohort). Relevant clinical information and administrative code data were extracted from the EMR. The outcomes of interest were mediastinitis, endocarditis, or deep-incisional or organ-space SSI within 30 days after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis with a repeated regular bootstrap procedure was used to select variables and to assign points in the models. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values were calculated with comparison to outcomes collected by the Veterans' Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP). Overall, 49 (0.5%) of the 13,341 cardiac surgeries were classified as mediastinitis or endocarditis, and 83 (0.6%) of the 12,992 TJAs were classified as deep-incisional or organ-space SSIs. With at least 60% sensitivity, the PPVs of the SSI detection algorithms after cardiac surgeries and TJAs were 52.5% and 62.0%, respectively. Considering the low prevalence rate of SSIs, our algorithms were successful in identifying a majority of patients with a true SSI while simultaneously reducing false-positive cases. As a next step, validation of these algorithms in different hospital systems with EMR will be needed.

Infection Risk Stratification in Pancreatic Surgery: Look to the Blood

Some years ago, while on weekend rounds when I was covering our hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) service, an enterprising medical student asked why every post-pancreatectomy patient seemed to be on a different perioperative antibiotic regimen. We had likely seen about 10 patients at various postoperative stages with similar recovery trajectories, yet they had been managed very differently with respect to pre-, peri-, and postoperative antibiotic use (not to mention the use of drains… a whole different story!). Although many factors are associated with postoperative infectious complications in pancreatic surgery, 1 Williams G.A. Liu J. Chapman W.C. et al. Length of stay, an outcome measure of postoperative and readmission length of stays in pancreatoduodenectomy. J Gastrointest Surg. 2020; 24: 2062-2069 Crossref Scopus (4) Google Scholar there is a lack of universally accepted preoperative factors that predict infections robustly enough to risk-stratify, guide, and alter guidelines. 2 Petit M. Geri G. Salomon E. et al. Risk factors for surgical site infection after pancreatic surgery. A better postoperative antibiotic strategy is possible. J Hosp Infect. 2020 Sept 24; ([Online ahead of print]) Google Scholar ,3 Elliott I.A. Chan C. Russell T.A. et al. Distinction of risk factors for superficial vs organ-space surgical site infections after pancreatic surgery. JAMA Surg. 2017; 152: 1023-1029 Crossref PubMed Scopus (21) Google Scholar Clearly, the lack of data in this space leads to widespread differences in practice patterns. Impact of Preoperative Occult-Bacterial Translocation on Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing PancreatoduodenectomyJournal of the American College of SurgeonsVol. 232Issue 3PreviewOccult-bacterial translocation (O-BT) has been reported as the condition in which microorganisms are detected in blood or lymph nodes by a highly sensitive method. However, the clinical impact of preoperative O-BT on postoperative complication is unclear. Full-Text PDF

Risk factors for abdominal surgical site infection after exploratory laparotomy among combat casualties.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are well-recognized complications after exploratory laparotomy for abdominal trauma; however, little is known about SSI development after exploration for battlefield abdominal trauma. We examined SSI risk factors after exploratory laparotomy among combat casualties. Military personnel with combat injuries sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan (June 2009 to May 2014) who underwent laparotomy and were evacuated to participating US military hospitals were included. Log-binominal regression was used to identify SSI risk factors. Of 4,304 combat casualties, 341 patients underwent a total of 1,053 laparotomies. Abdominal SSIs were diagnosed in 49 patients (14.4%): 8% with organ space SSI, 4% with deep incisional SSI, and 4% with superficial SSIs (4 patients had multiple SSIs). Patients with SSIs had more colorectal (p < 0.001), small bowel (p = 0.010), duodenum (p = 0.006), pancreas (p = 0.032), and abdominal vascular injuries (p = 0.040), as well as prolonged open abdomen (p = 0.004) and more infections diagnosed before the SSI (or final exploratory laparotomy) versus non-SSI patients (p < 0.001). Sustaining colorectal injuries (risk ratio [RR], 3.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-6.45), duodenum injuries (RR, 6.71; 95% CI, 1.73-25.58), and being diagnosed with prior infections (RR, 10.34; 95% CI, 5.05-21.10) were independently associated with any SSI development. For either organ space or deep incisional SSIs, non-intra-abdominal infections, fecal diversion, and duodenum injuries were independently associated, while being injured via an improvised explosive device was associated with reduced likelihood compared with penetrating nonblast (e.g., gunshot wounds) injuries. Non-intra-abdominal infections and hypotension were independently associated with organ space SSIs development alone, while sustaining blast injuries were associated with reduced likelihood. Despite severity of injuries and the battlefield environment, the combat casualty laparotomy SSI rate is relatively low at 14%, with similar risk factors and rates reported following severe civilian trauma. Epidemiological, level III.