Postsurgical Wound Complications Research Articles

Postoperative Wound Complications after Foot and Ankle Surgery with and without Topical Vancomycin: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Category: Ankle; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Wound complications, whether superficial or deep, can be challenging to manage after orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. Intra-operative application of topical vancomycin powder within surgical wounds has shown promise in reducing surgical site infections (SSI) among patients with diabetes, lower extremity trauma, and following spine surgery. However, there are few studies with large patient populations that examine its use in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate and compare postoperative wound complications following foot and ankle surgery with and without intra-operative application of topical vancomycin powder within the surgical wound(s). We hypothesize that patients who received topical vancomycin within their surgical wound(s) will have lower rates of wound complications than those without. Methods: 367 patients that received foot and ankle surgery were retrospectively included in this study, with 93 and 274 patients with and without the use of topical vancomycin within surgical wounds during surgery, respectively. All surgeries were performed by a single fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot/ankle surgeon from February 2019 - October 2023. Exclusion criteria were patients that were minors, with wounds too small for usage of topical vancomycin, or receiving surgery for treatment of an infectious condition. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify patient demographics, comorbidities, and post-operative outcomes including the incidence and nature of superficial and deep wound complications. Chi-squared and independent samples t-tests were performed to determine statistically significant differences in patient characteristics and post-operative wound problems between these two groups. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics between both study groups. The only statistically significant difference in medical comorbidities between both study groups was that more patients that did not receive intra-operative topical vancomycin were nicotine users (P=0.013). 13 of 93 (14%) and 27 of 274 (10%) patients that did and did not receive intra-operative topical vancomycin at their wound(s) respectively developed post-surgical superficial wound complications without SSI (P=0.270). 5 of 93 (5%) and 8 of 274 (3%) patients that did and did not receive intra-operative topical vancomycin at their wound(s) respectively developed post-surgical deep wound complications with SSI (P=0.268). There was no statistically significant difference in hospital readmission rates between the two study groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the intra-operative use of topical vancomycin powder at surgical wounds does not significantly decrease the incidence of superficial or deep wound complications in foot and ankle surgery. Despite its reported value in preventing wound complications and/or surgical site infection in prior literature, this study showed no such benefit in the patient populations examined. Studies that are prospective with a larger patient population may be needed to further confirm this reported lack of difference when using topical vancomycin intra-operatively to minimize post-surgical wound complications.

Drapes in Routine Aseptic Procedures for Environmental Sustainability (project DRAPES): a protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial comparing post-operative wound complication rates following routine neutering of dogs and cats using reusable or disposable surgical drapes

BackgroundReusable surgical drapes have a lower lifetime environmental impact than disposable drapes in most cases. There is limited evidence regarding whether drape choice impacts patient outcomes including post-operative wound complications. The aim of this study is to compare wound complication rates following routine neutering surgeries in cats and dogs when reusable drapes are used as compared with disposable drapes.MethodsThe trial will be conducted as a pragmatic, multi-centre, parallel group randomised controlled trial in the UK. Dogs and cats undergoing routine neutering will be randomised to disposable or reusable drapes with all other aspects of care occurring as they usually would at the practice. The required sample size is 2,850, with 4750 animals to be recruited from up to ten practices to allow for a 40% loss to follow-up. Demographic data and details on peri-operative care will be collected at the time of surgery. Post-operative wound complications will be assessed and recorded as usual at each practice using clinical codes. The post-operative wound clinical codes and any antibiotic use within 30 days of surgery will be retrieved from the practice management software. The primary outcome that will be compared between the two groups is the rate of post-operative wound complications within 30 days of surgery which will be analysed by multivariable logistic regression with a binary outcome of wound complication (yes/no). Secondary outcomes are the prevalence of different types of complications and antibiotic use within 30 days of surgery which will be compared between the two groups by chi square analysis.DiscussionOur hypothesis is that there will be no difference in post-operative wound complication rates between disposable and reusable drapes. If the likely rate of post-surgical wound complications with reusable drapes is similar to that with disposable drapes, then veterinary clinical teams can choose the more sustainable option, confident that their patients will not be impacted by this choice.Trial registrationWe have retrospectively registered the protocol on the Open Science Framework on 14 Nov 2023 (Trial registration entry: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/72HMA).

Intra-wound versus systemic vancomycin for preventing surgical site infection induced by methicillin-resistant S. aureus after spinal implant surgery in a rat model

BackgroundSystemic vancomycin administration pre-operatively for the infection prophylaxis of spinal implant surgery remains unsatisfactory. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and dosage of local use of vancomycin powder (VP) in preventing surgical site infections after spinal implant surgery in a rat model.MethodsSystemic vancomycin (SV; intraperitoneal injection, 88 mg/kg) or intraoperative intra-wound VP (VP0.5: 44 mg/kg, VP1.0: 88 mg/kg, VP2.0: 176 mg/kg) was applied after spinal implant surgery and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA; ATCC BAA-1026) inoculation in rats. General status, blood inflammatory biomarkers, microbiological and histopathological evaluation were performed during 2 weeks post-surgery.ResultsNo post-surgical deaths, wound complications and obvious signs of vancomycin adverse effects were observed. Bacterial counts, blood and tissue inflammation were reduced in the VP groups compared with the SV group. VP2.0 group showed better outcomes in weight gain and tissue inflammation than the VP0.5 and VP1.0 group. Microbial counts indicated that no bacteria survived in the VP2.0 group, whereas MRSA was detected in VP0.5 and VP1.0 groups.ConclusionsIntra-wound VP may be more effective than systemic administration in preventing infection caused by MRSA (ATCC BAA-1026) after spinal implant surgery in a rat model.

National Analysis of Sternal Wound Complications and Readmissions After Coronary Bypass Surgery

BackgroundWound complications are a cause for readmission after cardiac surgery. Health insurance status has been associated with poor postoperative outcomes. We investigate the association between health insurance status and post-CABG wound dehiscence or infection along with 30-day wound-related readmission using a national database. MethodsWe queried the National Readmissions Database for the year 2018 for patients aged 18 years or more undergoing multivessel coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Patients were subcategorized by health insurance status (private, Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured). Our primary outcomes were wound dehiscence or infection during the index admission and 30-day readmission after discharge for wound-related complications. ResultsIn all, 131,976 patients met inclusion criteria: 32.7% private, 7.6% Medicaid, 59.3% Medicare, and 0.4% uninsured. Compared with patients having private insurance, Medicaid patients had greater odds of readmission for superficial wound dehiscence (odds ratio [OR] 2.11; 1.11-4.00; P = .022) and deep wound dehiscence (OR 2.11; 95% CI, 1.09–4.10; P = .026), as did Medicare patients (OR 2.34; 95% CI, 1.29-3.88; P = .004; and OR 3.23; 95% CI, 1.76-5.90; P = .001, respectively). Medicaid patients additionally had higher odds of readmission for superficial wound infection (OR 1.59; 95% CI, 1.11-4.00; P = .014). Compared with patients with private insurance, Medicaid patients had higher odds of deep wound dehiscence on index admission (OR 1.97; 95% CI, 1.02-3.83; P = .044), and Medicare patients had higher odds of superficial wound dehiscence (OR 2.55; 95% CI, 1.28-5.06; P = .001). ConclusionsPatients with Medicaid and Medicare had greater odds of readmission for wound complications and higher rates of wound dehiscence in their index admission. Further research is warranted to characterize factors driving readmission due to postsurgical wound complications in low socioeconomic status populations.

Chronic Achilles Tendon Repair: Minimally Invasive Turn-Down Technique with Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Transfer

Category: Sports; Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Chronic achilles tendon injuries present several technical considerations. A reported 20-25% of acute ruptures may be missed and lead to late diagnosis. A commonly faced problem with chronic ruptures is the amount of tendon retraction that occurs, leading to the inability to perform a direct end-to-end repair. Previous studies have demonstrated that central turndown lengthening with addition of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) augmentation can be performed with good results, although it has been associated with post-surgical wound complications and infection. The following description is a turndown technique with FHL tendon transfer augmentation for chronic achilles rupture that allows increased fixation with a tendon to bone construct, accomplished with a minimally invasive approach. Methods: Dissection is made down to the Achilles rupture site. Scar tissue is debrided down to two stable ends. The residual gap is then measured and 2cm is added. This distance is then used to make a proximal incision. Dissection is performed to gastrocnemius tendinous raphe. The central third of this segment is incised perpendicularly. A quadriceps tendon harvester (Arthrex, Naples, FL) is utilized to cut in an antegrade fashion down the tendon portion percutaneously, leaving a 1-1.5cm of tendon spared distally. The tendon is pulled under and through the distal incision. A percutaneous achilles repair system (PARS, Arthrex, Naples, FL) Jig is used to span proximal tendon. FHL tendon transfer is then completed in usual fashion. Suture tails from proximal tendon are then passed through the distal end. Tension is pulled through the sutures, approximating repair. The suture is loaded onto anchors and secured into the calcaneus under tension. Results: Favorable outcomes have been observed following the 2 patients that have had chronic achilles repair with utilization of this minimally invasive turn-down technique with FHL transfer. At a follow up of at least 6 months, no patient has demonstrated wound dehiscence or breakdown. There have been no reports of re-rupture. All patients have been satisfied with the procedure and their level of returned function. Conclusion: Our method of repair with combination of central turndown procedure and FHL tendon transfer provides a suitable option for improved functional outcomes in the treatment of chronic achilles ruptures while providing a minimally invasive approach and avoiding the need for allograft tissue. By using the quadricep tendon harvester in a subcutaneous fashion, incision length can be reduced by nearly 50%. This technique can be performed with existing technologies and is readily reproducible. Using the tendon to bone fixation along with intra-tendinous shuttling, allows for excellent fixation strength, a knotless construct, and almost complete intra-substance suture placement.

Study of Novel Radioenhancer NBTXR3 Plus Radiotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Results of the Long-Term Evaluation in the Phase II/III Act.In.Sarc Trial

NBTXR3, a novel radioenhancer activated by radiotherapy (RT) demonstrated superior efficacy, as preoperative treatment in patients with locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma (LA STS) compared to RT alone. Primary endpoint of pCR rate (16% vs 8%; P = 0.044) and main secondary endpoint of R0 margin rate (16% vs 8%; P = 0.042) were met while no modification of the early RT-associated safety profile was observed, leading to market authorization. Here we report on the long-term safety, limb function and quality of life.This phase II/III randomized (1:1), international trial included adult patients with LA STS of the extremity or trunk wall, requiring preoperative RT. Patients received either a single intratumoral injection of NBTXR3 (equivalent to 10% of tumor volume, at 53.3g/L), plus EBRT (arm A) or EBRT alone (arm B) (50 Gy in 25 fractions), followed by surgery. Here we report on safety of NBTXR3+RT which was evaluated as secondary endpoint. Data were recorded on the "all treated population" during at least a two-year follow-up. Important parameters related to HR-QoL including functional outcome were studied using the EQ-5D, RNLI, TESS and MSTS questionnaires.Patients had at least two-year follow-up and the lost to follow-up rate was very low (1.9%). RT-related SAEs were observed in 11.2% (10/89) vs 13.3% (12/90) in A vs B. Post-treatment AEs, any grade, were observed in 51.7% (46/89) vs 57.8% (52/90) and serious post-treatment AEs in 13.5% (12/89) vs 24.4% (22/90) of patients in A vs B. Long-term safety continues to demonstrate that NBTXR3 plus RT has no impact on post-surgical wound complications (24.7% vs 36.7%, A vs B). Furthermore, the evaluation of radiation late toxicities in limbs such as fibrosis, arthrosis and edema that may alter limb function showed no difference between arms (4.5% vs 7.7%, 2.2% vs 0.0% and 6.7% vs 2.2% respectively in A vs B). In addition, sequelae or chronic tissue disturbances at the former tumor localization were similar in both treatment arms, confirming that the increase of energy dose deposit and the physical presence of NBTXR3 did not impact post-treatment limb functions. Accordingly, HR-QoL evaluation yielded no difference in functional outcome. Finally, second primary cancer was observed in 1 patient in arm A and 6 patients in arm B and the intratumoral injection of NBTXR3 did not induce cancer cell seeding at the former tumor site.These results demonstrate that the use of NBTXR3 did not change the late onset toxicity profile of EBRT, nor modified its bystander effect. Taken together, the long-term safety data presented here, and the previously published efficacy data reinforce the favorable benefit-risk ratio of the use of NBTXR3 in patients with LA STS. NCT02379845.

Demographic Risk Factors for Malnutrition in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

Patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) are at increased risk of malnutrition. Acute and chronic malnutrition have been associated with elevated risk of postsurgical wound complications, adding morbidity and cost to patients and their families. To study the association between demographic factors, including insurance type, race, and median neighborhood income (MNI), and malnutrition in patients with CLP. Retrospective cohort study. Retrospective review was performed in patients undergoing their first cleft-related surgery at a large tertiary pediatric hospital from 2006 to 2018. Demographic data, weight and height at surgery, type of insurance, race, and primary residential address were collected. Geocoded information on MNI was generated using patient address. World Health Organization Z-scores for weight-for-age (WFA) and height-for-age (HFA) were used as proxies for acute and chronic malnutrition, respectively. Linear regression models were generated to analyze the relationship of insurance type, race, and MNI on WFA and HFA Z-scores. About 313 patients met inclusion criteria. Increasing MNI predicted increasing WFA Z-score (0.05 increase in WFA per $1,000 increase, P=.047) as well as HFA Z-score (0.09 increase in HFA per $1,000 increase, P=.011). The effect of MNI was not independently modified by race for either WFA (P=.841) nor HFA (P=.404). Race and insurance type did not predict WFA or HFA. Lower MNI is a significant independent risk factor for acute and chronic malnutrition in children with CLP. Combined with previous investigation linking malnutrition to surgical outcomes in this population, this offers a target area for intervention to improve patient outcomes. 3 Laryngoscope, 132:1482-1486, 2022.

Long-term evaluation of the novel radioenhancer NBTXR3 plus radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma treated in the phase II/III Act.In.Sarc trial.

11544 Background: NBTXR3, a novel radioenhancer activated by radiotherapy (RT) demonstrated superior efficacy, as preoperative treatment, in patients with locally advanced soft tissue sarcoma (LA STS), compared to RT alone. Primary endpoint of pCR rate was 16% vs 8% (p=0.044) and R0 margin rate was 77% vs 64% (p=0.042) (Bonvalot et al. Lancet Oncol. 2019). No modification of the early safety profile of RT was observed, leading to market authorization. Here we report on the long-term safety, limb function and quality of life. Methods: This phase II/III randomized (1:1), international trial included adult patients with LA STS of the extremity or trunk wall, requiring preoperative RT (NCT02379845). Patients were treated with either a single intratumoral injection of NBTXR3 (volume equivalent to 10% of tumor volume, at 53.3g/L) plus EBRT (arm A), or EBRT alone (arm B) (50 Gy in 25 fractions), followed by surgery. The primary and main secondary efficacy endpoints were previously reported. Safety of NBTXR3+RT, as preoperative treatment, was evaluated as secondary endpoint. We present the safety analyses done in the “all treated population”, with data recorded during at least a two-year follow-up. Important parameters related to HR-QoL, including functional outcome were studied using the EQ-5D, RNLI, TESS and MSTS questionnaires. Results: Patients had at least two-year follow-up and the lost to follow-up rate was very low (1.9%). RT-related SAEs were observed in 11.2% (10/89) vs 13.3% (12/90) in A vs B. Post-treatment AEs, any grade, were observed in 51.7% (46/89) vs 57.8% (52/90) and serious post-treatment AEs in 13.5% (12/89) vs 24.4% (22/90) of patients in A vs B. Second primary cancer was observed in 1 patient in arm A and 6 patients in arm B. Long-term safety continues to demonstrate that NBTXR3 plus RT has no impact on post-surgical wound complications (24.7% vs 36.7%, A vs B). Furthermore, the evaluation of radiation late toxicities in limbs such as fibrosis (4.5% vs 7.7%), arthrosis (2.2% vs 0.0%) and edema (6.7% vs 2.2%) that may alter limb function showed no difference between arms. Accordingly, HR-QoL evaluation yielded no difference in functional outcome. In addition, the intratumoral injection of NBTXR3 did not induce cancer cell seeding at the former tumor site. Finally, sequelae or chronic tissue disturbances at the former tumor localization were similar in both treatment arms, confirming that the increase of energy dose deposit and the physical presence of NBTXR3 did not impact post-treatment limb functions. Conclusions: The long-term safety results demonstrate that the addition of NBTXR3 to EBRT neither added toxicity nor modified the bystander effect of RT. The results presented here associated with the efficacy data reported previously reinforce the favorable benefit-risk ratio of the use of NBTXR3 in patients with LA STS. Clinical trial information: NCT02379845.

Impact of changing gloves during cesarean section on postoperative infective complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The cesarean section rate around the world, currently estimated at 21.1%, continues to increase. Women who undergo a cesarean section sustain a seven- to ten-fold greater risk of infective morbidity compared with those who deliver vaginally. We aimed to assess the impact of changing gloves intraoperatively on post-cesarean section infective morbidity (PROSPERO CRD42018110529). MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, WHO Global Index Medicus, and Cochrane Central were searched for randomized controlled trials until June 2020. Published randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of glove changing during cesarean section on infective complications were considered eligible for the review. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data about interventions and adverse maternal outcomes. Dichotomous variables were presented and included in the meta-analyses as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach in alignment with the recommendations from the Cochrane Review Group. We identified seven randomized controlled trials reporting data over 1948 women. Changing gloves during a cesarean section was associated with a statistically significantly lower incidence of wound infective complications (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.26-0.65, p<0.0001; GRADE moderate quality evidence). This intervention seemed to be effective only if performed after delivery of the placenta. No significant difference was seen in the incidence of endometritis (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.78-1.20, p=0.74; GRADE moderate quality evidence) and/or febrile morbidity (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.30-1.81, p=0.50; GRADE moderate quality evidence), regardless of the timing of the intervention. Changing gloves after delivery of the placenta during a cesarean section is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of post-surgical wound complications compared with keeping the same gloves throughout the whole surgery. However, an adequately powered study to assess the limitations and cost-effectiveness of the intervention is needed before this recommendation can be translated into current clinical practice.

Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (CAP) as a New Tool for the Management of Vulva Cancer and Vulvar Premalignant Lesions in Gynaecological Oncology.

Vulvar cancer (VC) is a specific form of malignancy accounting for 5–6% of all gynaecologic malignancies. Although VC occurs most commonly in women after 60 years of age, disease incidence has risen progressively in premenopausal women in recent decades. VC demonstrates particular features requiring well-adapted therapeutic approaches to avoid potential treatment-related complications. Significant improvements in disease-free survival and overall survival rates for patients diagnosed with post-stage I disease have been achieved by implementing a combination therapy consisting of radical surgical resection, systemic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Achieving local control remains challenging. However, mostly due to specific anatomical conditions, the need for comprehensive surgical reconstruction and frequent post-operative healing complications. Novel therapeutic tools better adapted to VC particularities are essential for improving individual outcomes. To this end, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment is a promising option for VC, and is particularly appropriate for the local treatment of dysplastic lesions, early intraepithelial cancer, and invasive tumours. In addition, CAP also helps reduce inflammatory complications and improve wound healing. The application of CAP may realise either directly or indirectly utilising nanoparticle technologies. CAP has demonstrated remarkable treatment benefits for several malignant conditions, and has created new medical fields, such as “plasma medicine” and “plasma oncology”. This article highlights the benefits of CAP for the treatment of VC, VC pre-stages, and postsurgical wound complications. There has not yet been a published report of CAP on vulvar cancer cells, and so this review summarises the progress made in gynaecological oncology and in other cancers, and promotes an important, understudied area for future research. The paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive and personalised medical approaches in overall VC management is also considered.

The Management of Postsurgical Wound Complications with Plasma Rich in Growth Factors: A Preliminary Series.

Postsurgical wound complications constitute a relevant public health issue because of their frequency. There is growing evidence regarding platelet-based autologous therapies that support their use in promoting cutaneous regeneration. To provide preliminary data regarding the potential benefit of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in the management of postsurgical wound complications. Three patients suffering from poorly healing severe full-thickness wounds were treated with either one or a combination of different formulations derived from their own blood: autologous clot, fibrin membrane, injectable plasma, or topical ointment. Different treatment protocols are described, and follow-up results are reported. Within 4 to 12 months, the treated wounds healed completely with no signs of infection, tissue necrosis, or functional impairment. No adverse events were reported. Additional clinical trials with long-term follow-up periods and larger patient populations are needed to establish the efficacy of PRGF technology. However, these preliminary findings suggest that PRGF merits further randomized controlled studies exploring its capacity to accelerate re-epithelialization and restore functional integrity to cutaneous ulcers resulting from surgical complications.

Comparative analysis on the effect of Z‐plasty versus conventional simple excision for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus: A retrospective randomised clinical study

Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is one of common diseases in general department. However, it is characterised, for surgeons, by high post‐surgical recurrence and high incidence of post‐surgical wound complications. Due to that fact, this retrospective randomised clinical study was designed to evaluate the surgical procedure effect of Z‐plasty (ZP), compared with convention simple excision (SE). A total of 67 patients from May 2015 to May 2019 in our department were studied into two groups randomly, the group of ZP and the group of SE. The patients' characteristics, surgical data, hospital length of stay (LOS), and post‐surgery complications were recorded. Statistical approaches were proceed with P‐value analysis. The results are as follows. No significant differences were found between these two groups of the ages, gender distribution, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking history, diabetes mellitus, and blood hypertension. The estimated blood loss, specimen volume, distance to anus, and drain output on the first day of post‐surgery between the two groups were not statistically significant, either. However, surgical time in the ZP group was longer than that in the SE group (P < .0001). LOS in the ZP group was obviously shorter than that in the SE group (P = .0051). Furthermore, the patients of the ZP group were tending to suffer from fewer post‐surgical complications than the ones of the SE group. In a conclusion, we hold the point view that the surgical procedure of ZP can lead a better outcome than SE because it demonstrated shortened LOS and fewer post‐surgical complications.

THE USE OF MESH ENDOPROSTHESIS IN SURGICAL TREATMENT OF VENTRAL HERNIA

Surgical treatment of patients with ventral hernias remains an urgent problem in abdominal surgery. More than 20 million operations are performed annually in the world for hernias. The urgency and complexity of the problem is based on the fact that inadequately performed surgery leads to a recurrence of the disease in 14-54% of cases. The aim of the work is to study the results of surgical treatment of patients with ventral hernias using mesh endoprostheses. The results of a retrospective analysis of 437 hernioplasty performed with hernias of various localizations for the period from 2010 to 2014 were used. Patients were classified by hernia localization and divided into groups depending on the methods of alloplasty. The duration of observation of patients operated by using polypropylene mesh ranged from 6 month to 3 years. An analysis of the complications that developed after alloplasty of the inguinal, postoperative, umbilical hernias and hernias of the linea alba was carried out. Our clinical experience confirms that the operation of Liechtenstein is rightly considered to be the “gold standart” for the treatment of inguinal hernias. However, the use of polypropylene mesh in the treatment of inguinal hernias leads to the development of postsurgical wound complications. Placed next to the polypropylene mesh peritoneum flap plays the role of internal drainage, prevents the development of seromas in the wound. The use of a new inguinal alloplasty technique reduced the number of postoperative complications. Also, the best immediate and long-term results are obtained by alloplasty using a sublay method. In patients with postoperative hernias operated by sublay method, no recurrences were observed and they showed the best quality of life.

Does the quality of preoperative closed reduction of displaced ankle fractures affect wound complications after surgical fixation?

BackgroundDisplaced ankle fractures are initially closed reduced and splinted with the goal of restoring gross ankle alignment. The benefits of an exact closed reduction are unclear and possibly detrimental and unnecessary if multiple attempts are made. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the quality of preoperative closed reduction in patients with operative ankle fractures affects post-operative wound complications. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of patients with isolated, closed, operative ankle fractures treated at two level 1 trauma centers who had an initial closed reduction performed on presentation. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, data pertinent to the reduction, and post-operative wound complications were collected. A novel grading system to assess reduction quality was developed, applied, and evaluated for inter- and intra-observer agreement. Results161 patients met inclusion criteria for analysis. 17% (27/161) sustained a post-operative wound complication. There was no statistically significant association between wound complications and quality of preoperative closed reduction (p = 0.17) nor with multiple reduction attempts (p = 0.887). However, patients with poor initial reductions had a decreased mean time to surgery (1.4 ± 2.9 versus 4.7 ± 6.3 days, p = 0.03), which may have been protective. Interclass correlation coefficients for inter- and intra-rater reliability of the classification schema was 0.942 and 0.922, respectively, demonstrating excellent agreement. ConclusionThere was no association between preoperative closed reduction quality and incidence of post-surgical wound complications in patients with operative ankle fractures when analyzing the variables assessed in this investigation. While initial ankle reduction is still recommended, multiple attempts to achieve a perfect reduction are likely unnecessary.

Reducing Postsurgical Wound Complications: A Critical Review.

To provide information on risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) and actions to mitigate that risk. This continuing education activity is intended for surgeons, surgical teams, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Identify modifiable risk factors associated with the development of SSIs.2. Select steps to mitigate the risks for and morbidity from SSIs. Given the current reimbursement structure, the avoidance of a surgical site infection (SSI) is crucial. Although many risk factors are associated with the formation of an SSI, a proactive and interprofessional approach can help modify some factors. Postoperative strategies also can be applied to help prevent an SSI. If an SSI becomes a chronic wound, there are recommended guidelines and strategies that can foster healing.

Reducing Postsurgical Wound Complications: A Critical Review.

Reducing Postsurgical Wound Complications: A Critical Review.

Considering Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy for Obese Patients with Gynecologic Malignancies [31E

INTRODUCTION: In patients with major comorbidities undergoing complex gynecologic surgery, incision management is critical. This retrospective review examined factors associated with incisional complications in patients with multiple comorbidities who underwent laparotomy by the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who underwent laparotomy for either complex benign gynecologic procedures or gynecologic malignancies from 2013 to July 2016. Descriptive statistics were computed using Fishers Exact Test. RESULTS: 217 patients were identified who underwent laparotomy; 144 had a gynecologic malignancy and 73 were benign. 42 had a negative pressure VAC system placed. 14 patients with postoperative wound complications were identified. Various risk factors, including body mass index (BMI), age, smoking, diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, cancer, and blood transfusion were examined. Only obesity (BMI greater than 30) was significantly associated with wound complication (p = 0.02; OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.28-14.81). However, only 3 out of the 14 patients that had wound infections had a negative pressure VAC. The average BMI for patients with a negative pressure VAC that did not develop a wound complication was 37.6 plus or minus 9.5, however it was 46.8 plus or minus 11.6 (P less than 0.0001) for those that did. CONCLUSION: Obese patients have a higher risk for postsurgical wound complications. Negative pressure VAC therapy could be a preventative measure for obese patients with gynecologic malignancies undergoing laparotomy. Further study is warranted to determine whether closed incision negative pressure therapy reduces the rate of wound complications.

Surgical Factors Associated with Prolonged Hospitalization after Reconstruction for Oncological Spine Surgery.

Background:Posterior trunk reconstruction is increasingly possible as a result of advances in spinal instrumentation, reconstructive approaches, and perioperative critical care. Extensive cases often require a muscle flap or complex closure to obliterate dead space. Postsurgical wound complications and subsequent reoperations can lead to neural injury, higher hospital costs, and longer hospitalizations. We aim to identify risk factors that are associated with increased length of stay (LOS) for patients receiving flaps to close a spinal defect.Methods:A single institution, retrospective cohort study was performed on all patients from 2002 to 2014 who received a muscle flap to close a spine defect. Medical and perioperative variables that were significantly associated with LOS (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis were included in a stepwise regression model.Results:A total of 288 cases were identified. Presence of instrumentation, preoperative chemotherapy, wound dehiscence, cerebrospinal fluid leak, partial/total flap loss, and medical morbidity occurrence were all independently associated with increased LOS in a combined multivariate model (P < 0.02 for each of the 6 variables). Importantly, Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that postoperative wound dehiscence increased LOS by 12 days.Conclusions:Spinal tumor resections often create large cavitary defects that necessitate the use of muscle flaps for closure. Patients who have received adjuvant chemotherapy require instrumentation, or those who develop specific wound-related or medical complications are at increased risk for prolonged hospitalization after spinal reconstruction. Thus, implementing measures to mitigate the occurrence of these adverse events will reduce costs and decrease the length of hospitalization.

Smoking and wound complications after coronary artery bypass grafting

BackgroundThe harmful effects of smoking on the postsurgical wound healing disturbances have been widely investigated across various surgical procedures. These effects after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have been less explored. We aimed to investigate the association of smoking and the wound healing problems in post-CABG patients. Materials and methodsWe compared the incidence of wound complications in 405 smokers and 405 nonsmokers who underwent an elective CABG surgery. The incidence of leg and sternal wound complications was evaluated during the first 7 d as well as at a 6-wk postoperative visit. ResultsOne hundred fifty-six leg wound complications were noted in 132 patients (16.3%). The overall rate of leg wound healing disturbances was significantly higher in smokers than those in nonsmokers (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.109–4.019; P = 0.010). The incidence rates of leg wound edge necrosis and dehiscence were significantly higher in smokers compared with those in nonsmokers (3.7% versus 0.7%, P = 0.004 and 6.6% versus 0.7%, P < 0.0001, respectively). We found no significant differences between the incidence of postoperative leg wound infection, hematoma, wound edema, and seroma in active smokers and those who never smoked. Thirty-seven postsurgical sternal wound complications (4.6%) were developed in 33 patients (4.1%). The overall rate of sternal wound healing disturbances was similar between smokers and nonsmokers. There was a trend between the sternal wound dehiscence and smoking (P = 0.03); however, the other sternal wound complications were not associated with smoking. ConclusionsSmoking may contribute to the disturbances of wound healing, especially wound dehiscence, in post-CABG patients.

The Assessment of Different Combination Prosthetic Repair Techniques and Prognostic Criteria for Early Wound Complications in Median Incisional Ventral Hernias

The aim of the investigation was to compare the results of using different techniques of combined prosthetic repair in median incisional ventral hernias, and develop the assessment criteria for the risk of postsurgical wound complications. Materials and Methods. We studied the effect of four combination prosthetic repair techniques in 152 patients with median incisional ventral hernias W2, W3 and W4: two restorative techniques — onlay (n=38) and sublay (n=17), a reconstructive Belokonev-I technique (n=49) and a reparative technique suggested by the authors (n=48). To determine risk factors of postsurgical wound complications we used a multiple correlation analysis. Results. There were no fatal cases. Long-term wound exudation was found in 19 of 38 patients (50%) after onlay technique, and in 12 of 49 (24.5%) — after Belokonev-I technique. The same groups of patients were observed to develop seromas — 12 (31.6%) and 2 (4.1%) cases respectively. The best life quality levels were found in patients after sublay technique (it was used in W2 hernias only), the lowest — after onlay technique. The life quality levels after Belokonev-I repair and the authors’ technique had no significant differences; they were comparable to sublay technique. The developed method for risk assessment of postoperative wound complications enables a surgeon to assess adequately the risk level and deal with controllable prognostic factors, namely endoprosthesis type and alloplasty technique. Conclusion. Combination prosthetic repair by restorative techniques is inappropriate for median incisional ventral hernias W3–W4 since it causes intra-abdominal pressure increase. An adequate choice of prosthesis type and plasty technique reduces the risk of wound complications.