Postoperative Intra-abdominal Abscess Research Articles

Measuring serum and drainage fluid interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels for early detection of infectious complications after minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer

ObjectiveInterleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are inflammatory cytokines produced in response to biological invasion or infection. Their levels are elevated in the blood and locally. We examined whether measuring IL-6 and TNF-α levels in serum or drainage fluid on postoperative day (POD) 1 could detect infectious complications after minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer. MethodsThis cohort study included 205 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic or robot-assisted gastrectomy for gastric cancer between November 2020 and July 2023. We measured serum and drainage fluid IL-6 and TNF-α levels on POD 1 after gastrectomy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created to compare the diagnostic values of each cytokine and serum C-reactive protein levels for detecting postoperative infectious complications. ResultsIL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum or drainage fluid were significantly higher in patients with an infectious complication. In addition, drainage fluid IL-6 levels were significantly different in patients with versus without intra-abdominal abscess. In the ROC curve analysis, serum and drainage fluid IL-6 had the highest AUC values for any infectious complication and intra-abdominal abscess, respectively. POD 1 serum IL-6 level above 47 pg/mL could detect any infectious complication with sensitivity of 74.1% and specificity of 71.8%. POD 1 drainage fluid IL-6 level above 14,750 pg/mL had 100% sensitivity for detecting intra-abdominal abscess with specificity of 56.0%. ConclusionsMeasurement of IL-6 levels in blood and drainage fluid on POD 1 is valuable for early detection of postoperative infectious complications or intra-abdominal abscess after gastric cancer surgery.

Antibiotic treatment after appendectomy for acute complicated appendicitis to prevent intrabdominal abscess and wound infections

IntroductionThe purpose of this analysis was to investigate the most appropriate duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment to minimize the incidence of intraabdominal abscesses and wound infections in patients with complicated appendicitis.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, which included 396 adult patients who underwent appendectomy for complicated appendicitis between January 2010 and December 2020 at the University Hospital Erlangen, patients were classified into two groups based on the duration of their postoperative antibiotic intake: ≤ 3 postoperative days (group 1) vs. ≥ 4 postoperative days (group 2). The incidence of postoperative intraabdominal abscesses and wound infections were compared between the groups. Additionally, multivariate risk factor analysis for the occurrence of intraabdominal abscesses and wound infections was performed.ResultsThe two groups contained 226 and 170 patients, respectively. The incidence of postoperative intraabdominal abscesses (2% vs. 3%, p = 0.507) and wound infections (3% vs. 6%, p = 0.080) did not differ significantly between the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that an additional cecum resection (OR 5.5 (95% CI 1.4–21.5), p = 0.014) was an independent risk factor for intraabdominal abscesses. A higher BMI (OR 5.9 (95% CI 1.2–29.2), p = 0.030) and conversion to an open procedure (OR 5.2 (95% CI 1.4–20.0), p = 0.016) were identified as independent risk factors for wound infections.ConclusionThe duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy does not appear to influence the incidence of postoperative intraabdominal abscesses and wound infections. Therefore, short-term postoperative antibiotic treatment should be preferred.

The Intraperitoneal Use of Cephazolin: A Novelty in the Prevention of Intra-abdominal Abscess after Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children.

Laparoscopic appendectomy followed by postoperative intravenous (IV) antibiotics is the standard of care for acute appendicitis and postoperative prevention of intra-abdominal abscesses. The aim of or study was to determine if intraperitoneal irrigation with antibiotics could help prevent intra-abdominal abscess formation after laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis in pediatric patients. A retrospective study was conducted on consecutive pediatric patients with acute appendicitis who had appendectomy in our Pediatric Surgery Department between August 2020 and February 2022. We compared two groups with similar age and symptoms. The first group (A) was treated with the normal standard of care, i.e., laparoscopic appendectomy and postoperative IV antibiotic therapy. For the second group (B) intraperitoneal cefazoline irrigation was added at the end of the laparoscopic procedure. Postoperative intra-abdominal abscess was diagnosed with ultrasound examination, performed after clinical suspicion/abnormal blood test results. One hundred sixty patients (males:females 109:51; median age 10.5 years [range 3-17 years]) who had laparosopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis were included, 82 in group A and 78 in group B. In the first 7 days after surgery, 18 patients in group and 5 in group B developed an intra-abdominal abscess (p < 0.005). Drains were positioned in 38 patients in group A vs. 9 in group B. One patient in group A had a different complication which was infection of the surgical incision. Intraperitoneal cefazoline irrigation at the end of the laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric patients significantly reduces the formation of intra-abdominal abscesses.

Is transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy feasible for complicated appendicitis? A single-center experience.

Transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted surgery (TULS) mixed benefits of laparoscopic and open surgeries. Transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (TULAA) is a well-known procedure, accepted and currently used by pediatric surgeons for treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis (UA). There is no current agreement in its use for the complicated appendiceal infections (CA). We reported our results using TULAA for both UA and CA. We retrospectively collected TULAA performed between April 2017 and April 2022. Appendicitis were classified in UAand CA. We analyzed conversion rate, operative time, length of stay, surgical site infections (SSIs) rate, postoperative intra-abdominal abscess and costs. Over 5years, 316 children underwent TULAA. Conversion rate was 3%. Mean age at surgery was 9.36years (IQR 2-16). Forty-nine appendicitis were CA. Operative time and hospital stay was higher in CA than in UA group (38.33 vs. 60.73min, p < 0.00001; 4 vs. 7days, p < 0.00001). SSIs rate showed no statistically significant difference between two groups. Incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal collections was 11% in CA and 1% in UA. TULAA's cost was 192.07 €. In our series, TULAA seems to be safe, feasible and cost-effective for both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis, with no disadvantage in terms of outcomes compared to what is reported in literature for CLS.

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

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

Association between bacterial resistance profile and the development of intra-abdominal abscesses in pediatric patients with perforated appendicitis: cohort study

PurposeThe objective of this study was to determine the association between the presence of a microorganism resistant to the antibiotic used in empirical therapy and the development of intra-abdominal abscesses in children with perforated appendicitis.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in patients under 18 years of age who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy between November 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020, in whom perforated appendicitis was documented intraoperatively. Peritoneal fluid samples were taken for bacteria culture purposes, and clinical and microbiological data were collected from all patients.ResultsA total of 232 patients were included in the study. The most isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli (80.14%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.45%). In addition, 5.31% of E. coli isolates were classified as ESBL-producing organisms. No association was found between a germ resistant to empiric antimicrobial therapy and the development of a postoperative intra-abdominal abscess. Multivariate analysis showed that being a high-risk patient on admission (OR 2.89 (p = 0.01)) was associated with the development of intra-abdominal abscesses postoperatively.ConclusionE. coli was the most commonly isolated microorganism, with a low rate of ESBL-producing isolates. No association between resistance and risk of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess was found. However, it was identified that being a high-risk patient on admission was associated with this complication.Type of studyPrognosis study.Level of evidenceLevel I.

Endothelial dysfunction in postoperative purulent-septic complications of hepatobiliary zone pathologies

Objective. Determination of the significance of endothelial dysfunction in postoperative purulent-septic complications of pathologies of the hepatobiliary zone.Material and methods. An analysis was conducted on 57 patients who underwent surgery for pathologies of the hepatobiliary zone and subsequently developed postoperative purulent-septic complications. Among these, there were 17 cases of postoperative peritonitis, 20 cases of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses, and 20 cases of postoperative pancreatic necrosis. Of the patients, 19 were men (33.3%), and 38 were women (66.7%). Their ages ranged from 20 to 71 years.Results. Out of the 57 patients, when classified based on the severity of endotoxemia: 26.3% had a mild degree, another 26.3% had a moderate degree, 15% had a severe degree, and 21.0% had an extremely severe degree. High levels of oxidative stress markers and decreased SOD levels were particularly evident in patients with postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses. Furthermore, even greater acceleration of lipid peroxidation processes was observed in patients with severe endotoxemia resulting from widespread postoperative peritonitis and extensive to nearly total postoperative pancreatic necrosis. Additionally, significant changes were noted in endotoxemia predictors in portal blood, endothelial dysfunction markers, and cytokines in patients with postoperative intra-abdominal purulent-septic complications.Conclusion. Endothelial dysfunction in patients with postoperative purulent-septic complications is associated with profound pathomorphological changes in hepatocytes. These changes are evident in alterations to rheology, microcirculation, and increased levels of endothelial dysfunction markers.

Standardized digital solution with surgical procedure manager (SPM®)-an opportunity for maximizing patient safety and efficiency in ileostomy reversal?

Standardization and digitalization are getting more and more essential in surgery. Surgical procedure manager (SPM®) is a freestanding computer serving as a digital supporter in the operating room. SPM® navigates step-by-step through surgery by providing a checklist for each individual step. This was a single center, retrospective study at the Department for General and Visceral Surgery at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin. Patients who underwent ileostomy reversal without SPM® in the period of January 2017 until December 2017 were compared to patients who were operated with SPM® in the period of June 2018 until July 2020. Explorative analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed. Overall, 214 patients underwent ileostomy reversal: 95 patients without SPM® vs. 119 patients with SPM®. Ileostomy reversal was performed by head of department/attendings in 34.1%, by fellows in 28.5% and by residents in 37.4%; p = 0.91. Postoperative intraabdominal abscess emerged more often in patients without SPM®: ten (10.5%) patients vs. four (3.4%) patients; p = 0.035. Multiple logistic regression showed a risk reduction for intraabdominal abscess {Odds ratio (OR) 0.19 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05-0.71]; p = 0.014} and for bowel perforation [OR 0.09 (95% CI 0.01-0.93); p = 0.043] in the group with use of SPM® in ileostomy reversal. SPM® may reduce postoperative complications in ileostomy reversal such as intraabdominal abscess and bowel perforation. SPM® may contribute to patient safety.

Clinical characteristics and predictive factors of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess after distal pancreatectomy.

The postoperative mortality rate of distal pancreatectomy is lower than that of pancreaticoduodenectomy, although persistent complications may occur after distal pancreatectomy. Fluid collection (FC) is frequently observed after distal pancreatectomy; however, FC may occasionally progress to postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (PIAA), which requires conservative or progressive interventional treatment. This study aimed to compare the status between patients with or without PIAA, identify predictive factors for PIAA and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, and investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with PIAA with interventional drainage. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy between January 2012 and December 2019 at two high-volume centers, where hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgeries were performed by expert specialist surgeons. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors for PIAA. Overall, 242 patients were analyzed, among whom 49 (20.2%) had PIAA. The median postoperative period of PIAA formation was 9 (range: 3-49) days. Among the 49 patients with PIAA, 25 (51.0%) underwent percutaneous ultrasound, computed tomography, or endoscopic ultrasound-guided interventions for PIAA. In the univariate analysis, preoperative indices representing abdominal fat mass (i.e., body mass index, subcutaneous fat area, and visceral fat area) were identified as predictive factors for PIAA; in the multivariate analysis, C-reactive protein (CRP) level (continuous variable) on postoperative day (POD) 3 (odds ratio: 1.189, 95.0% confidence interval: 1.111 - 1.274; P < 0.001) was the only independent and significant predictive factor for PIAA. CRP level on POD 3 was an independent and significant predictive factor for PIAA after distal pancreatectomy.

Using Microbiology Culture in Pediatric Appendicitis to Risk Stratify Patients: A Cohort Study.

Background: We sought to investigate the value of intra-operative microbiology samples in pediatric appendicitis. Proposed benefits include tailoring post-operative antimicrobial management, risk-stratifying patients, and reducing post-operative intra-abdominal abscess formation. Patients and Methods: All cases of appendicitis managed with appendicectomy in a single center were collected from January 2015 to August 2020. Intra-operative microbiology samples were taken routinely. Post-operative outcomes were analyzed with reference to culture and sensitivity results. Histologic findings were further categorized as normal, simple, or complex. Results: Six hundred seventy-eight children had appendicectomies, and 608 had both microbiology and histology samples taken. Intra-abdominal fluid collection and subsequent intervention rates were 22% and 9%, respectively. There were more collections in those with a culture positive result (p < 0.001), and those growing each of three recognized organisms, Escherichia coli (p < 0.001), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = 0.01), and Streptococcus anginosus group (p < 0.001). Intervention rate was higher in the culture-positive result group (p = 0.002) and the Streptococcus anginosus group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study shows an increased risk of developing a collection with the isolation of one of three key organisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus anginosus group). Sersoal swabs are an effective and practical method of gathering information on organisms. Microbiologic yield was correlated to the severity of appendicitis. Isolation of Streptococcus anginosus increases the incidence of collections to 50%. This is useful to empower surgeons to prognosticate patients' potential outcomes based on both intra-operative, and microbiologic findings, and is useful in counseling patients and managing expectations. A prolonged course of antibiotic agents or higher dose may mitigate this risk.

Single-arm phase II trial to evaluate the safety of laparoscopic/robotic total gastrectomy with spleen-preserving splenic hilar dissection for locally advanced proximal gastric cancer that invades the greater curvature: JCOG1809.

TPS479 Background: The standard treatment for locally advanced proximal gastric cancer invading the greater curvature is “open total gastrectomy combined with splenectomy” (OTG+S) aiming for whole clearance of the splenic hilar lymph nodes. However, its pertinent postoperative severe complication (e.g. pancreatic fistula) is problematic. An objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of “laparoscopic or robotic total gastrectomy with spleen-preserving splenic hilar dissection” (LRSHD) as a new treatment option which has a potential to reduce surgical morbidity, subsequently to replace the current standard treatment, OTG+S. Methods: This is a multicenter single-arm phase II trial. The main eligibility criteria are as follows; clinical T2-4a resectable locally advanced proximal gastric adenocarcinoma that invades the greater curvature; without obvious lymph node metastasis at the splenic hilum nor direct invasion to the spleen/splenogastric ligament. Protocol treatment is laparoscopic or robotic total gastrectomy with splenic hilar lymph node dissection (D2 + No.10 lymphadenectomy according to the Japanese guidelines) in which the spleen is preserved with skeletonizing the splenic vessels. Quality control of surgery is assured by surgeon’s qualification and central peer review of intraoperative photo at the splenic hilum after dissection. The primary endpoint is the proportion of postoperative pancreatic fistula and/or intra-abdominal abscess formation with Clavien-Dindo Grade III or higher (within 30 days after surgery). Secondary endpoints are intraoperative blood loss, operation time, mortality, overall postoperative complication, number of yield splenic hilar nodes, number of metastatic splenic hilar nodes, conversion to splenectomy, conversion to laparotomy, relapse-free survival, and overall survival. Sample size was set as 85 patients to obtain 80% power considering that 15% of patients are judged as unresectable intraoperatively, with the hypothesis that the primary endpoint would have an expected value of 7% and a threshold value of 16% in one-sided alpha of 0.1. Planned accrual period is 5 years. The accrual began in August 2019. As of August 2022, 53 of the planned 85 patients (62.4%) have been enrolled. When the safety of LRSHD is proved by this study, a non-inferiority phase III trial will be consequently launched. Clinical trial registry number: UMIN000037580. Clinical trial information: UMIN000037580 .

Labs Do Not Predict Postoperative Intra-abdominal Abscess in Pediatric Perforated Appendicitis

IntroductionWe aim to evaluate the utility of postoperative labs in predicting the development of an intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) in pediatric patients with perforated appendicitis. We hypothesize that postoperative labs are not predictive of IAA development. MethodsThis was a single-institution retrospective cohort study that included pediatric patients (n = 61) who underwent surgery for perforated appendicitis from January 1, 2019 to December 1, 2020. Patients were stratified into those who developed a postoperative IAA (n = 22) and those who did not (n = 39). Postoperative labs (white blood cell [WBC] count, absolute neutrophil count, platelet count, C-reactive protein) were examined. Mann–Whitney U tests and chi-square tests were used to assess for differences between groups. ResultsThere was extensive heterogeneity and overlap in postoperative lab values between patients who developed an IAA and those who did not. Almost all patients who developed an IAA had clinical signs that were indicative of abscess formation regardless of their postoperative WBC count or change in WBC count. While patients who developed an IAA had a higher postoperative median WBC count (10.8 versus 8.4, P = 0.003) and a smaller WBC count decrease (−4.9 versus −7.4, P = 0.01), no cutoff value for any of the examined lab values specifically predicted abscess formation. Postoperative median absolute neutrophil count (7.4 versus 4.0, P = 0.15), platelet count (360 versus 353, P = 0.98), and C-reactive protein (8.20 versus 5.32, P = 0.06) did not differ significantly. ConclusionsWe conclude that postoperative labs have limited clinical utility in evaluating IAA development in children with perforated appendicitis.

To Reduce the Incidence of Postoperative Intraabdominal Abscess, the Application of Nonoperative Management Should be Circumspect Considering Patient Factors and the Nature of Acute Appendicitis

Purpose: Surgery and nonoperative management (NOM) are the treatment modalities for acute appendicitis (AA). There is little evidence to indicate which treatment method should be performed according to the patient's condition or disease severity, surgical extension, and timing after an appendectomy. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (PIAA) associated with these factors.Methods: The medical records of 839 patients who underwent appendectomy after a diagnosis of AA between 2019 and 2020 at Gangneung Asan Medical Centre were reviewed retrospectively. The factors associated with PIAA were evaluated.Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 92 patients. Following appendectomy, 16 (1.9%), 83 (9.9%), and three (0.4%) patients developed PIAA, surgical site infection, and incisional hernia, respectively. The American Society of Anesthesiologists class, complicated appendicitis on preoperative abdominal computed tomography, failure of NOM, and extensive surgery above appendectomy were associated with the development of PIAA. However, a laparoscopic approach, irrigation, indwelling drain, ultrasonic dissection, and use of sterile bags were not associated with the development of PIAA.Conclusion: NOM for some patients with complicated AA is an attractive treatment modality. However, to reduce the incidence of PIAA, the application of NOM should be circumspect considering patient factors and the nature of acute appendicitis. Furthermore, appendectomy should be performed as early as possible for patients not indicated for NOM.

Validation of appendiceal stump invagination in laparoscopic appendectomy.

There are various methods for appendiceal stump dissection, but the necessity for stump invagination remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of appendiceal stump invagination in patients with acute appendicitis after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). We enrolled 327 patients with acute appendicitis who underwent LA between 2012 and 2020. Perioperative variables and surgical outcomes were analyzed between the invagination of the appendiceal stump and noninvagination groups. Propensity score-matched analysis (PSM) was performed. More patients experienced severe inflammation and severe intra-abdominal contamination in the noninvagination group than in the invagination group. Patients in the noninvagination group had an older age, higher body mass index, and poorer American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status than the invagination group. Severe inflammation in the noninvagination group was associated with longer hospital stays and poorer postoperative complications than in the invagination group. PSM analysis was performed to minimize bias in the two groups. After PSM analysis, there were no significant differences in surgical site infection, postoperative intra-abdominal abscess, Clavien-Dindo class ≥IIIa, or postoperative stay between the two groups. During the follow-up period, the postoperative adhesive ileus was not significantly different between the invagination and noninvagination groups. Invagination of the appendiceal stump during LA is not necessary to prevent short- and long-term complications. Even in cases dissected using a laparoscopic endostapler, the appendiceal stump per se is not related to postoperative adhesive ileus.

AbcApp: incidence of intra-abdominal ABsCesses following laparoscopic vs. open APPendectomy in complicated appendicitis

BackgroundPatients with complicated appendicitis are more at risk for the occurrence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses than patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. Studies comparing laparoscopic and open appendectomy showed limitations and contradictory findings on the incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses after appendicitis, as most of these studies analysed both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis as one group. The aim of the present study is to investigate the incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses after laparoscopic versus open appendectomy for complicated appendicitis.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed over the period January 2009 till May 2020. All patients who had an intra-operative diagnosis of complicated appendicitis (e.g. perforation, necrosis) were included. The outcome measure was the occurrence of intra-abdominal abscesses with a postoperative follow-up of 30 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed including adjustments for significant confounders.ResultsA total of 900 patients had undergone appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. The majority was operated laparoscopically (78%, n = 705). The incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess was 12.3% in both laparoscopic and open appendectomy groups. On univariable analysis, the postoperative rates of intra-abdominal abscesses between laparoscopic and open appendectomy were not significantly different (odds ratio 1.11, 95% CI [0.67–1.84], p = 0.681).ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that, in current daily practice, intra-abdominal abscess formation remains a common postoperative complication for complicated appendicitis. Nonetheless, no significant difference was found with regard to intra-abdominal abscess formation when comparing laparoscopy with open surgery.

Effect of Plastic Bag Extraction in Minimally Invasive Appendectomy.

Evidence regarding the effects of plastic bag use for appendix removal during minimally invasive appendectomy remains scarce and conflicting. This study aimed to analyze the effects of plastic bag use during minimally invasive appendectomy on preoperative infection risk, morbidity and mortality. This retrospective analysis of the prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) cohort program. This study included data from the NSQIP database between the years of 2016 and 2019. Adult patients undergoing minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) without unplanned conversion to open surgery. Use of plastic bag for specimen removal during appendectomy. Risk ratios for the incidence of superficial surgical site infection, intra-abdominal abscess, overall medical morbidity, and overall mortality. There were 43783 cases of minimally invasive appendectomy in the NSQIP database between the years of 2016 and 2019. Among those who reported information regarding use of plastic bag, 28589 (91.87%) reported use of plastic bag for specimen removal. Use of plastic bag was associated with a significant decrease in superficial surgical site infection (RR .39 (95% CI: .31-.49), P < .001), and in the risk of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (RR: 0.66 (.57-.77), P < .001)). We also observed a robust reduction in overall medical-related morbidity and overall mortality, even after adjusting for multiple confounders. Observational nature of the study cannot exclude residual bias. Also, there was a significant rate of missing values for plastic bag use, which may bias results. In this global prospective cohort using NSQIP database, use of plastic bag for appendix removal during minimally invasive appendectomy was associated with a significant improvement in surgical related outcomes and reduction in morbidity and overall mortality.

Same-Day Discharge after Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Simple Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients-Is It Possible?

(1) Background: One-day surgery has been widely adopted for many elective laparoscopic procedures in pediatric patients. Recently, the same protocol has been investigated for some emergency procedures, such as laparoscopic appendectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of discharge from hospital within 24 h in pediatric patients who received laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. (2) Methods: From 1 March 2021 to 1 May 2022, a total of 180 pediatric patients who were discharged from hospital within 24 h after laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis were included in this prospective single-center study. The primary outcome of this study was the safety of discharge from hospital within 24 h after laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis, as well as the parental satisfaction with this protocol. Secondary outcomes included the rate of readmission or unplanned return to the operating room, the complication rate and a cost-effectiveness analysis. For each patient, demographic data, preoperative evaluation (physical examination, laboratory data, imaging), duration of surgery, intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and pain levels, as well as parental satisfaction with this protocol, were recorded. (3) Results: The median age was 11 years (interquartile range (IQR) 10, 14). The majority of the patients (63.8%) were males. The median length of hospital stay after surgery was 15 h (IQR 12, 19). The highest level of satisfaction, at discharge, was recorded in most of the respondents (n = 155, 86.1%), while the remaining 25 (13.9%) expressed moderate levels of satisfaction. The median pain levels according to a visual analogue scale for all postoperative days were low (range 0–4). In four patients (2.2%), unplanned readmission before the seventh postoperative day because of postoperative intraabdominal abscess was recorded. All patients with abscess formation were treated conservatively. The majority of the parents (n = 175; 97.2%) expressed the highest level of satisfaction during the outpatient follow-up examination on the seventh postoperative day. (4) Conclusions: Same-day discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy for simple appendicitis in pediatric patients was safe and feasible. Parental satisfaction with this protocol was very high. With the right protocol and parent education, pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy because of non-complicated acute appendicitis may be successfully treated in this way.

Impact on infectious outcomes during laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the use of home-made vs commercial gallbladder retrieval bag: a retrospective comparative study in a high-volume center.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most commonly performed emergency procedures, with approximately 600,000 patients undergoing the procedure every year in the United States. Although LC is associated with fewer complications when compared with open cholecystectomy, the risk for infectious complications, including surgical site infection and intra-abdominal abscess, remains a significant source of postoperative morbidity. The goal of this study is to determine whether the gallbladder retrieval technique during LC affects risk of infectious complications. We conducted a retrospective comparative study in a minimally invasive surgery high-volume center in Bogota, Colombia. Patients who underwent LC in 2018 to 2020 were identified. The patients were divided into three groups. One group of LC performed using home-made gallbladder retrieval bag (HMGRB), and another group of LC performed using commercial gallbladder retrieval bag (CGRB). The primary outcomes were infectious complications of superficial site infection and intra-abdominal abscess. A total of 68 (7.58%) patients underwent LC using an HMGRB, and 828 (92.41%) using a CGRB. There was no significant difference in preoperative sepsis, or sex distribution between patient groups. Using t test, we found differences on age distribution among groups (p < 0.01), surgical times (p < 0.01), and length of stay (p = 0.01). When using Chi square, we found differences in Tokyo and Parkland Grading Scale severity (p < 0.01), use of postoperative antibiotics (p < 0.01), and drain use (p < 0.01). Nonetheless, there was no difference in the rate of superficial surgical site infection (p = 0.92). HMGRB are not associated with increased risk of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess or superficial surgical site infection in comparison with CGRB but imply longer surgical times and length of stay. The use of HMGRB is safe, feasible, and has lower cost during LC.

The importance of microbiological results for the treatment of complicated appendicitis-a monocentric case-control study

Patients with complicated appendicitis frequently develop postoperative septic complications. There are no uniform standards for the choice of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and the duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between microbiological samples and postoperative complications. Patients with appendectomy and positive intraoperative swabs during 2013-2018 were included in this case-control study. Pathogen classes and their resistance patterns were evaluated in initial and follow-up swabs and compared in each of the groups with and without complications. Atotal of 870patients underwent surgery during the period studied. Pathogen detection succeeded in 102 of 210cases (48.6%) with suspected bacterial peritoneal contamination. Conversion from laparoscopic to open intra-abdominal perforation and the presence of an abscess were independent risk factors for wound infections in the multivariate analysis. The combination of different classes of pathogens resulted in significantly increased overall resistance to ampicillin/sulbactam in both the initial swabs (57%) and the follow-up swabs (73%). Resistant E.coli strains combined with certain anaerobes were also regularly detected in postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses. Piperacillin/tazobactam was effective against 83% of positive swabs in our resistance tests. Surgical treatment for complicated appendicitis remains the central therapeutic column. Aregular review of the existing resistance patterns in perforated appendicitis can help to adjust and improve antibiotic treatment. Piperacillin/tazobactam should be used cautiously as areserve antibiotic. Avalid alternative is second or third generation cephalosporins in combination with metronidazole.

Costs associated with postoperative intra-abdominal abscess in pediatric perforated appendicitis: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundIntra-abdominal abscess, the most common complication after perforated appendicitis, is associated with considerable economic burden. However, costs of intra-abdominal abscesses in children are unknown. We aimed to evaluate resource utilization and costs attributable to intra-abdominal abscess in pediatric perforated appendicitis. MethodsA single-center retrospective analysis was performed of children (<18 years) who underwent appendectomy for perforated appendicitis (2013–2019). Hospital costs incurred during the index admission and within 30 postoperative days were obtained from the hospital accounting system and inflated to 2019 USD. Generalized linear models were used to determine excess resource utilization and costs attributable to intra-abdominal abscess after adjusting for confounders. ResultsOf 763 patients, 153 (20%) developed intra-abdominal abscesses. Eighty-one patients with intra-abdominal abscesses (53%) underwent percutaneous abscess drainage. Intra-abdominal abscess was independently associated with a nearly 8-fold increased risk of 30-day readmission (adjusted risk ratio, 7.8 [95% confidence interval, 4.7–13.0]). Patients who developed an intra-abdominal abscess required 6.1 excess hospital bed days compared to patients without intra-abdominal abscess (95% confidence interval, 5.3–7.0). Adjusted mean hospital costs for patients with intra-abdominal abscess totaled $27,394 (95% confidence interval, $25,688–$29,101) versus $15,586 (95% confidence interval, $15,102–$16,069) for patients without intra-abdominal abscess. Intra-abdominal abscess was associated with an incremental cost of $11,809 (95% confidence interval, $10,029–$13,588). Hospital room costs accounted for 66% of excess costs. ConclusionPostoperative intra-abdominal abscess nearly doubled pediatric perforated appendicitis costs, primarily due to more hospital bed days and associated room costs. Intra-abdominal abscesses resulted in estimated excess costs of $1.8 million during the study period. Even small reductions in intra-abdominal abscess rates or hospital bed days could yield substantial health care savings.