Superficial Surgical Site Infection Rates Research Articles

Utility of Preoperative Hypoalbuminemia as Independent Predictor of Post-Conversion and Revisional Bariatric Surgery Outcomes: MBSAQIP Registry Analysis.

Anastomotic conversions and revisions remain crucial in addressing complications or sub-optimal outcomes following primary bariatric procedures. Preoperative malnutrition, proxied by hypoalbuminemia, has traditionally been considered a risk factor for postoperative morbidity. This study investigates the validity of this association in revisional and conversion metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS). A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 58,327 MBS revisions and anastomotic conversions from the 2020-2022 MBSAQIP registry. Approximately all cases studied were performed laparoscopically (98.8%). A preoperative albumin level of 3.5 g/dL was used as a threshold to identify patients with hypoalbuminemia. We utilized descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariable logistic regression, and 1:1 nearest neighbor matching in complete-case analyses to explore the relationship between albumin levels and postoperative outcomes. While univariate analyses illustrate an association between hypoalbuminemia and postoperative morbidity, multivariable regression and 1:1 matched analysis showed hypoalbuminemia is not an independently significant driver of 30-day overall postoperative complications (including leaks), reoperation, or reintervention. However, 1:1 matched analysis demonstrated significantly increased odds of 30-day postoperative superficial surgical site infection (SSI) (OR 8.138, p=0.049) and readmission (OR 1.75, p=0.045) associated with albumin levels lower than 3.5 g/dL. Following adjustment for confounding patient factors, hypoalbuminemia alone did not arise as an independent predictive factor for the 30-day major complications such as leak, reoperation, or re-intervention after revisional and anastomotic conversion MBS, although there maybe increase in SSI and readmission rates.

Impact of Routine and Selective Preoperative Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography with Stent Placement on Postoperative and Oncologic Outcomes Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Background: According to current guidelines, preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary stenting (ERCP/stenting) is often necessary in patients with obstructive jaundice due to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), including severe jaundice (bilirubin > 250 umol/l), pruritus, cholangitis, cholestatic liver dysfunction, renal failure, severe malnutrition, or delayed surgery for tumors requiring neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We aimed to investigate the impact of preoperative ERCP/stenting on postoperative and long-term outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC. Methods: Clinicopathological data of patients who underwent partial/total PD for PDAC between 2012 and 2019 in two hepato-pancreato-biliary centers in Germany and Switzerland were assessed. We compared patients treated with preoperative ERCP/stenting with those directly undergoing surgery according to postoperative morbidity, postoperative mortality, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: During the study period, 192 patients underwent partial/total PD for PDAC. ERCP/stenting was performed in 105 patients, and 87 patients underwent resection without prior intervention. Postoperative 90-day overall morbidity rate (71% vs. 56%, p = 0.029) and superficial surgical site infection (SSI) rate (39% vs. 17%, p < 0.001) were significantly worse following preoperative ERCP/stenting. Major postoperative morbidity rate (18% vs. 21%, p = 0.650), organ/space SSI rate (7% vs. 14%, p = 0.100), and 90-day postoperative mortality rate (4% vs. 2%, p = 0.549) did not significantly differ between the two groups. After excluding 44 patients for whom the indication for ERCP/stenting was not consistent with current guidelines, ERCP/stenting was associated with a higher superficial SSI rate (36% vs. 17%, p = 0.009) and shorter length of stay (12 vs. 16 days, p = 0.004). Median OS (ERCP/stenting: 18 months vs. no ERCP/stenting: 23 months, p = 0.490) and median DFS (ERCP/stenting: 14 months vs. no ERCP/stenting: 18 months, p = 0.645) were independent from the utilization of ERCP/stenting. Conclusions: Preoperative ERCP/stenting in patients with PDAC can be performed without increasing organ/space SSI, major perioperative morbidity, and mortality rates and without worsening oncologic outcomes. However, it is associated with higher superficial SSI rates. If ERCP/stenting is not performed routinely but according to current guidelines, it is also associated with a shorter length of hospital stay. Further refinement of the indications for preoperative ERCP/stenting may reduce superficial SSI rates.

Reducing Surgical Site Infections With Silver Impregnated Dressings in Lower Extremity Bypass Patients.

Surgical site infection (SSI) after lower extremity (LE) bypass surgery is associated with longer length of stay, higher hospital cost, increased morbidity, and even graft loss. Silver impregnated dressings have been used by other surgical subspecialties to decrease SSI with reported success. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) published a national expected rate of 7.9% for SSI after open LE bypass surgery in 2018. Our institutional SSI rate in 2018 was 12.8%. In order to reduce this rate, we transitioned to silver impregnated dressings for all LE bypass procedures and studied any subsequent changes in rates of SSI. We used NSQIP data to retrospectively study two consecutive cohorts of vascular surgery patients at a single institution who underwent LE bypasses. Inclusion criteria were open infrainguinal LE bypass patients who were selected via Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients in 2019 who underwent LE bypass received dry sterile dressing (DSD) postoperatively. Patients in 2020 who underwent LE bypass were treated with silver impregnated dressings postoperatively. NSQIP criteria were used to determine if patients in both cohorts developed SSIs within 30d of surgery. Fischer's exact and Χ2 test were used to compare groups before and after the intervention. Placement of silver dressings in the intervention cohort was confirmed using review of the medical chart and operative billing reports. A total of 282 patients who underwent LE bypass in 2019 and 2020 met inclusion criteria. The standard of care cohort had 168 patients with DSD, while the cohort after intervention had 114 patients with silver impregnated dressings. The groups were similar in terms of demographics and comorbidities (Table1). There was a statistically significant reduction in superficial SSI in the silver dressing group compared to the DSD group (9.6% versus 20.8%, P=0.014, Table2). There was a 63% compliance with silver dressing placement in the intervention group. This subset of patients with confirmed dressing placement was similar in terms of demographics and comorbidities (Table3). Superficial SSI in this patient cohort was decreased from 20.8 to 12.5% (P=0.15, Table4). There was no observed difference in deep or organ space infections, wound dehiscence, readmission, and return to operating room between both groups. This study demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the rate of superficial SSI in patients undergoing open LE bypass with the use of a silver impregnated dressing when compared to a sterile gauze dressing. Although our study does not demonstrate a causal relationship, this relatively inexpensive and low-risk intervention's association with a significant decrease in an otherwise very serious postoperative complication argues for a change in clinical practice or prospective confirmatory studies to optimize patient outcomes after LE bypass.

Effect of Time to Surgery on Surgical Site Infection in Open Distal Radius Fractures: A Review of the ACS Trauma Quality Improvement Program Database

Introduction: Managing open distal radius fractures (DRFs) poses challenges. While preventing surgical site infection (SSI) involves prompt antibiotic administration and thorough irrigation and debridement, the impact of urgent intervention on reducing postoperative infection rates is debated. We hypothesize that timing of surgery does not significantly affect the incidence of SSI in open DRF treated within or after 24 hours from time of injury. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program from 2011 to 2021. We focused on outcome variables, including superficial SSI and deep SSI or osteomyelitis. To evaluate the relationship between time to operative intervention and SSI rates, we employed least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate regression models, adjusting for patient-specific factors and injury severity. Results: A total of 14 486 patients were included. Regression modeling demonstrated a 23% increase in the odds of deep SSI with each 1-day delay in surgery ( P = .010). However, no association was found between time to surgery and superficial SSI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96, P = .768). Injury severity score (ISS) was associated with increased odds of superficial SSI (OR = 1.06, P < .001) and deep SSI (OR = 1.06, P < .001) while diabetes (OR = 3.56, P = .013) was significantly associated with increased rates of superficial SSI. Conclusions: Extended time to surgery correlates with a modest rise in deep SSI incidence in open DRF. However, there was no heightened risk of superficial SSI in patients with delayed surgery. Polytrauma, alcohol use disorder, and diabetes were linked to elevated SSI rates in open DRF.

Does time to operating room affect outcomes after pediatric blunt hollow viscus injury? A Trauma Quality Improvement Program analysis.

Blunt hollow viscus injuries (HVIs) are relatively rare and difficult to diagnose. Whether a delay in operative intervention impacts outcomes for pediatric patients with blunt HVI has not been investigated via analysis of multicenter databases. We queried the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database from 2016 to 2020 for patients younger than 18 years who underwent an operation of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, or rectum within 72 hours of emergency department arrival after blunt injury. We excluded patients with solid organ injury and additional extra-intestinal abdominal or thoracic operations. Patients were categorized by the time from emergency department presentation to operating room arrival: 1 to 5, 5 to 12, 12 to 24, and 24 to 72 hours. We analyzed baseline characteristics and outcomes between groups. We identified 1,700 patients, including 147 (9%) who were operated on >24 hours after arrival. Patients with delayed operations demonstrated higher Injury Severity Scores and higher Abbreviated Injury Scale scores for the head, face, and upper extremities and were more likely to require an orthopedic operation. Patients who received a delayed operation were less likely to have full-thickness injury noted in the operating room and demonstrated longer hospital and intensive care unit stays. However, there was no difference in superficial surgical site infection (SSI), deep SSI, organ space SSI, severe sepsis, or mortality between groups. Diagnosis and operative intervention for blunt HVI may be delayed in the presence of distracting injuries and in the absence of full-thickness perforation. While these patients typically have a more severe injury profile and require longer hospital stays, they do not appear to have increased rates of SSI, sepsis, or mortality. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure for complicated diverticulitis is associated with lower superficial surgical site infections compared to open surgery with similar other outcomes: a NSQIP-based, propensity score matched analysis.

Open Hartmann's procedure has traditionally been the procedure of choice to treat complicated diverticulitis. We analyzed the ACS-NSQIP database to compare outcomes in patients who underwent emergent laparoscopic Hartmann's procedure (LHP) to those who had an open Hartmann's procedure (OHP). Data analyzed from 2015 to 2019 using ICD-10 codes. Patients were matched on several important covariates using a propensity score matching method (PSM). Patients were matched in a 4:1 ratio of controls to cases based on the propensity score. We identified 5026, of which 456 had LHP and 4570 had OHP. PSM analysis yielded 369 LHP and 1476 OHP patients. LHP had lower rates of superficial surgical site infection (SSSI) compared to OHP (2.44% vs. 5.89%, p = 0.007). LHP had similar post-operative outcomes compared to OHP, including 30-day mortality (5.15% vs. 2.98%, p = 0.060), organ space surgical site infection (OSSSI) (14.36% vs. 12.60%, p = 0.161), wound disruption (1.36% vs. 2.44%, p = 0.349), median LOS (8 vs. 9 days, p = 0.252), readmission within 30 days (11.92% vs. 8.67%, p = 0.176), rate of reoperation (6.0 vs. 6.5%, p = 0.897), and discharge to home (76% vs. 77%, p = 0.992). LHP had longer operative times compared to OHP (median 129 vs. 118min, p < 0.0001). The LHP is associated with lower rates of SSSI. However, it is not associated with lower rates of mortality, OSSSI, readmissions and reoperations within 30 days. Surgical times are longer in LHP. More studies are needed to determine whether LHP offers advantages in the long-term, particularly in rates of incisional hernia and colostomy closure.

Demographic Disparities in 30-Day Outcomes Following Achilles Tendon Repair

Category: Sports; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: With more people participating in sporting activities, the occurrence of Achilles tendon rupture is increasing in the USA. Specific risk factors for Achilles tendon repair complications such as tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, steroid use, and obesity, have been well-reviewed in current literature. However, the impact of demographic disparities such as race and gender on the 30-day postoperative surgical complication of an Achilles tendon repair has not been extensively reported. Accordingly, we sought to investigate whether demographic disparities in 30-day postoperative Achilles repair outcomes exist and to what extent. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database was queried for all patients undergoing surgical repair of Achilles tendon rupture from 2012 to 2021. Patients were identified using the common procedure terminology (CPT) codes 27650 and 27652. Patients were evaluated according to race and gender. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted for each complication to evaluate whether demographic factors independently were associated with complications after adjusting for various variables (age, obesity rate, diabetic/nondiabetic, smoker/nonsmoker, ASA class). Medical complications included rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), superficial surgical site infection (SSI), deep SSI (dSSI), wound disruption after surgery/dehiscence, readmission rate and reoperation rate. Results: A total of 6333 patients who underwent Achilles tendon were included in the study, 25% (N =1607) were women, 49.0% (N =3101) reported as White, 21.1% (N =1336) as Black/African American and 29.9% (N =1896) as Other. In our unadjusted analysis, there was a higher prevalence of DVT in white patients. Following a multivariate analysis, neither race or gender of the patient were associated with a difference in rates of all complications, wound, dSSI, wound disruption after surgery, readmission rate and reoperation rate. Only race demonstrated a significant difference in the rate of superficial SSI (χ2 = 7.21; p=.0272) following multivariate analysis. Conclusion: When adjusted for age, smoking, diabetes, obesity and ASA class, there was a statistically significant although clinically insignificant difference in superficial surgical site infection rate between white patients, black patients, and patients of other races not seen in any other post-operative outcome. In our unadjusted analysis, there was a higher prevalence of DVT in white patients possibly because these patients were generally older and DVTs are more common in elderly patients. This study highlights advancements in the delivery of equitable care, but we recognize that there continues to be disparities in surgical care which requires strong and worthwhile solutions.

Predictors and Risk Factors of Wound Complications in Diabetic Patients Post Lower Limb Amputation: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background Despite advances in limb-salvage surgery, lower extremity amputation is still commonly required as an end result of the progression of arterial occlusive disease or failed arterial reconstruction. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of diabetes has led to the appearance of more patients with foot complications leading to eventual lower extremity amputation. Objective To investigate the predictors and risk factors associated with wound complications after lower limb amputations in diabetic patients. Methods This is a prospective study, in which we follow up diabetic patients who went for lower limb amputation (AKA or BKA) and record the incidence of post operative wound complications. The study included 30 diabetic patients undergoing lower limb amputation in Ain Shams University hospitals, with postoperative follow up for 24 weeks, and the outcome measured is the incidence of post operative complication in relation to preoperative risk factors and predictors. Results Regarding the comparison between AKA and BKA it was found that patients who had BKA had higher rates of superficial SSI which were statistically significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05). While patients who had AKA had higher rates of pneumonia and mortality but not statistically significant (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Wound disruption, pulmonary embolism and MI were higher in patients who had BKA but was not statistically significant (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Regarding assessing predictors and risk factors for assessing post operative complications it was found that female gender, smoking and obesity (BMI &amp;gt;30) was statistically significant in assessing the risk factors (P value &amp;lt;0.05). Also regarding other predictors and risk factors of postoperative complication after the end of the study duration it was found that lower HGb levels (Anemia), Hct, ESR and CRP are considered predicators (P-value &amp;lt; 0.05). Other factors such as preoperative sepsis, emergency status and presence of infection were strongly related to post operative complication P-value 0.003 each (P-value &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion Surgical site infections (SSIs) following lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are a major cause of patient morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to investigate the incidence of SSI and other wound complications after LEA in diabetic patients and to assess risk factors associated with SSI. This study found that below-the-knee amputation, smoking, obesity, emergency status, anemia, lower hematocrit and preoperative sepsis to be associated with SSIs.

Wound healing after intracutaneous vs. staple-assisted skin closure in lumbar, non-instrumented spine surgery: a multicenter prospective randomized trial.

Superficial surgical site infection (SSSI) is a prominent problem in spine surgery. Intracutaneous sutures and staple-assisted closure are two widely used surgical techniques for skin closure. Yet, their comparative impact on wound healing and infection rates is underexplored. Our goal was to address this gap and compare wound healing between these two techniques. This study was a multicenter international prospective randomized trial. Patient data were prospectively collected at three large academic centers, patients who underwent non-instrumented lumbar primary spine surgery were included. Patients were intraoperatively randomized to either intracutaneous suture or staple-assisted closure cohorts. The primary endpoint was SSSI within 30days after surgery according to the wound infection Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classification system. Of 207 patients, 110 were randomized to intracutaneous sutures and 97 to staple-assisted closure. Both groups were homogenous with respect to epidemiological as well as surgical parameters. Two patients (one of each group) suffered from an A1 wound infection at the 30-day follow up. Median skin closure time was faster in the staple-assisted closure group (198s vs. 13s, p < 0,001). This study showed an overall low superficial surgical site infection rate in both patient cohorts in primary non instrumented spine surgery.

Risk of surgical site infection after hip hemiarthroplasty of femoral neck fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major complication following hemiarthroplasty surgery for displaced neck of femur fractures. Our aim is to systematically analyse relevant peer-reviewed studies for recent clinical information on the quantitative risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after hemiarthroplasty (HA) of hip fracture patients and on the factors which influence the SSI rates. A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane) was performed for clinical articles published between 2005 and 2023 and systematically reviewed with a defined list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodology was undertaken and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement checklist, while the detailed search strings and study protocol were published in PROSPERO (CRD42023458150). The pooled risks of SSIs were calculated in both primary and subgroup analyses. The primary analysis showed a pooled superficial SSI rate after hemiarthroplasty of 1.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71; 2.04) from 17 studies with 29,288 patients and a deep SSI rate of 2.14% (1.87; 2.42) from 29 studies with 192,392 patients. Higher infection rates were observed with longer follow-up periods for deep SSI: pooled rates increased from 1.24% (0.73; 1.87) at 1 month to 2.64% (2.03; 3.31) at 12 months. Additionally, studies using defined criteria for infection diagnosis reported higher rates compared to undefined criteria: pooled deep SSI rates were 2.91% (1.40; 4.92) vs. 0.62% (0.34; 0.96) for defined vs. undefined criteria respectively, and 3.18% (2.23; 4.29) vs. 1.7% (1.44; 1.99) for superficial SSI. The results of this study demonstrate a substantial SSI risk and a high variability of the infection rates following hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture patients. A standardization of infection criteria and an extended follow-up period are advisable and should be considered in guidelines aimed at improving the standard of care for these patients.

The utility of intraperitoneal drain placement after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis in postoperative intraperitoneal abscess prevention.

Perforated appendicitis is associated with postoperative development of intraperitoneal abscess. Intraperitoneal drain placement during appendectomy is thought to reduce the risk of developing postoperative intraperitoneal abscess. The aim of this study was to determine whether intraperitoneal drainage could reduce the incidence of intraperitoneal abscess formation after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis. This is a retrospective study of all patients (aged 7 and above) who were diagnosed with perforated appendicitis and subsequently underwent laparoscopic appendectomy between January 2018 and December 2022 at two government hospitals in the state of Kuwait. Demographic, clinical, and perioperative characteristics were compared between patients who underwent intraoperative intraperitoneal drain placement and those who did not. The primary outcome was the development of postoperative intraperitoneal abscess. Secondary outcomes included overall postoperative complications, superficial surgical site infection (SSI), length of stay (LOS), readmission and postoperative percutaneous drainage. A total of 511 patients met the inclusion criteria between 2018 and 2022. Of these, 307 (60.1%) underwent intraoperative intraperitoneal drain placement. Patients with and without drains were similar regarding age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (Table1). The overall rate of postoperative intraperitoneal abscess was 6.1%. Postoperatively, there was no difference in postoperative intraperitoneal abscess formation between patients who underwent intraperitoneal drain placement and those who did not (6.5% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.707). Patients with intraperitoneal drains had a longer LOS (4 [4, 6] vs. 3 [2, 5] days, p < 0.001). There was no difference in the overall complication (18.6% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.065), superficial SSI (2.9% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.791) or readmission rate (4.9% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.835). Following laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis, intraperitoneal drain placement appears to confer no additional benefit and may prolong hospital stay.

Obesity Portends Increasing Rates of Superficial Surgical Site Infection Following Pediatric Reduction Mammoplasty: A National Surgical Database Analysis.

Pediatric reduction mammoplasty has become increasingly common due to the obesity epidemic. While obesity remains the leading cause of macromastia leading to surgery, it may also be a risk factor for postoperative complications. This study examines the safety of pediatric reduction mammoplasty and the risk of obesity for complications following this procedure. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatrics was queried to obtain all reduction mammoplasty cases from 2012 to 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses controlling for confounders were carried out to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and rates of complication. One thousand five hundred eighty-nine patients with the primary Current Procedural Terminology code 19318 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 16.6 (SD, 1.1) years, and the mean BMI was 30.5 (SD, 6.2) lb/in2. Notably, 49% of the patients were obese, and 31% were overweight, while only 0.4% were underweight. Forty-three patients (2.7%) sustained a superficial surgical site infection (SSI) postoperatively. Other complications were less prevalent, including deep SSI (4 patients, 0.3%), dehiscence (11, 0.7%), reoperation (21, 1%), and readmission (26, 1.6%).Independent variables analyzed included age, sex, BMI, diabetes mellitus, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and operative time, of which only BMI and ASA class were found to be significantly associated with SSI on univariate analysis. On multivariate logistic regression while controlling for ASA class and the false discovery rate, there was a strong association between increasing rates of superficial SSI and increasing BMI (unit odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, [1.01, 1.09]; P = 0.02). The OR indicates that for each 1-unit increase in BMI, the odds of SSI increase by 5%. Complications following pediatric reduction mammoplasty are uncommon, demonstrating the safety of this procedure. High BMI was found to have a significantly higher risk for superficial SSI. Increased caution and infection prophylaxis should be taken when performing this operation on obese patients.

A Randomized Trial of Ionic Silver Dressing to Reduce Surgical Site Infection After Gastrointestinal Surgery.

To determine whether Aquacel Ag Hydrofiber dressings containing ionic silver are superior to film dressings for preventing superficial surgical site infections (SSI) in patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. Multiple clinical trials have assessed the effectiveness of silver-containing wound dressings; however, systematic reviews failed to find any advantages of these dressings and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to indicate that they prevented wound infections. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aquacel Ag Hydrofiber dressings for preventing superficial SSIs in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery were randomly assigned to receive either Aquacel Ag Hydrofiber (study group) or film dressings (control group). The primary end point was superficial SSI within 30 days after surgery (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry ID: 000043081). A total of 865 patients (427 study group, 438 control group) were qualified for primary end-point analysis. The overall rate of superficial SSIs was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (6.8% vs 11.4%, P = 0.019). There was no significant difference in superficial SSI rates between the groups in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal surgery; however, the rate was significantly lower in the study group in patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal surgery (P = 0.042). Multivariate analysis identified Aquacel Ag Hydrofiber dressings as an independent factor for reducing superficial SSIs (odds ratio, 0.602; 95% confidence interval, 0.367-0.986; P = 0.044). Aquacel Ag Hydrofiber dressings can reduce superficial SSIs compared to film dressings in patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery, especially lower gastrointestinal surgery.

Psoriasis Is a Risk Factor for Surgical Site Infection After Primary TKA.

The relationship between psoriasis and complications after primary TKA is not well defined. Current studies are limited to small, single-center studies evaluating fewer than 150 patients with psoriasis, with some studies reporting an increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI) and another reporting no associated risk. There is a need to reevaluate the risk of psoriasis and postoperative complications, including SSI, to better risk-stratify and guide practice in this patient population. (1) Compared with patients without psoriasis, after accounting for potential confounders such as age, insurance, and comorbidities, do patients with psoriasis have a higher odds of superficial SSI after primary TKA? (2) Do patients with psoriasis have a higher odds of deep SSI after primary TKA? Patients 18 years or older who underwent unilateral, primary TKA between 2015 and 2019 were identified in the PearlDiver database (n = 490,722). Patients with rheumatoid, septic, or posttraumatic arthritis were excluded, as well as patients with bone neoplasias (n = 188,557). Additionally, patients with less than 2 years of follow-up (n = 53,673) were excluded. In all, 248,492 patients were included in this study; 0.4% (1078) were in the psoriasis group and 99% (247,414) were in the control group. Overall 2-year superficial and deep SSI rates were stratified and compared between patients with psoriasis and a control group of patients who did not have psoriasis as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the odds of undergoing an aseptic revision or manipulation under anesthesia. In the multivariable analysis, which controlled for potential confounders such as age, sex, Elixhauser comorbidity index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and liver disease, the odds of SSI-either superficial or deep-remained higher for patients with psoriasis (OR 1.74 [95% confidence interval 1.03 to 2.96]; p = 0.04). When focusing on superficial infections in the multivariable analysis, patients with psoriasis had a higher odds of superficial SSI than those in the control group (OR 2.83 [95% CI 1.26 to 6.34]; p = 0.01). The odds of deep SSI were not different between the two cohorts in our multivariable analysis (OR 1.32 [95% CI 0.66 to 2.66]; p = 0.43). Patients with psoriasis did not have an increased odds of undergoing an aseptic revision (OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.48 to 1.32]; p = 0.38) or manipulation under anesthesia (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.52 to 1.06]; p = 0.10). Patients with psoriasis had higher overall rates of SSI at 2 years of follow-up than patients without psoriasis. Our findings suggest that psoriasis is a risk factor for superficial SSI after primary TKA and is an important comorbidity for surgeons to consider before surgery. Further research is needed to assess the role of adjunctive interventions in patients with psoriasis to mitigate the elevated odds of superficial SSI. Level II, prognostic study.

Comparison of Early Complication Rates After High Tibial Osteotomy Versus Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty for Knee Osteoarthritis.

Although both high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) can be utilized to treat unicompartmental osteoarthritis (OA) in select patients, the early complication rates between the 2 procedures are not well understood. Understanding of the complication profiles for both procedures would help clinicians counsel patients with unicompartmental knee OA who may be eligible for either treatment option. To compare the 30-day complication rates after HTO versus UKA for the treatment of knee OA using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. NSQIP registries between 2006 and 2019 were queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify patients undergoing HTO and UKA for knee OA. Patients >60 years of age were excluded. Patient demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and intraoperative data were collected. Postoperative 30-day complications, including venous thromboembolism (VTE), urinary tract infection (UTI), transfusion, surgical-site infection (SSI), and reoperations were recorded. Complication rates between treatment groups were compared using a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, steroid use, respiratory status (smoking/dyspnea/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, and hypertension. A total of 156 patients treated with HTO and 4755 patients treated with UKA for knee OA were identified. Mean patient ages were 46 years for the HTO group and 53.4 years for the UKA group. Operative time was significantly longer in the HTO group versus the UKA group (112 minutes vs 90 minutes; P < .001). Multivariate analyses found no significant differences in VTE (1.3% vs 0.6%), UTI (0.6% vs 0.3%), transfusion (0.6% vs 0.2%), deep SSI (0.6% vs 0.1%), and reoperation (1.3% vs 1%) rates between HTO and UKA groups. The HTO group had a higher rate of superficial SSI compared with the UKA group (2.6% vs 0.6%; P = .006) (adjusted odds ratio, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4-12.5; P = .01). There were no differences in 30-day VTE, UTI, transfusion, deep SSI, and reoperation rates for HTO versus UKA in the treatment of knee OA. HTO was associated with a higher rate of superficial SSI compared with UKA. These findings serve to guide clinicians in counseling patients regarding the early risks after HTO and UKA.

Recent evidence for subcutaneous drains to prevent surgical site infections after abdominal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) increase mortality, hospital stays, additional medical treatment, and medical costs. Subcutaneous drains prevent SSIs in gynecological and breast surgeries; however, their clinical impact in abdominal surgery remains unclear. To investigate whether subcutaneous drains were beneficial in abdominal surgery using a systematic review and meta-analysis. The database search used PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library. The following inclusion criteria were set for the systematic review: (1) Randomized controlled trial studies comparing SSIs after abdominal surgery with or without subcutaneous drains; and (2) Studies that described clinical outcomes, such as SSIs, seroma formation, the length of hospital stays, and mortality. Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. The rate of total SSIs was significantly lower in the drained group (54/771, 7.0%) than in the control group (89/759, 11.7%), particularly in gastrointestinal surgery. Furthermore, the rate of superficial SSIs was slightly lower in the drained group (31/517, 6.0%) than in the control group (49/521, 9.4%). No significant differences were observed in seroma formation between the groups. Hospital stays were shorter in the drained group than in the control group. Subcutaneous drains after abdominal surgery prevented SSIs and reduced hospital stays but did not significantly affect seroma formation. The timing of drain removal needs to be reconsidered in future studies.

Addition of gentamicin for antibiotic prophylaxis in hip hemiarthroplasty does not decrease the rate of surgical site infection.

The addition of Gram-negative coverage to antibiotic prophylaxis protocols prior to elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been reported to reduce periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, it is unknown whether adding a Gram-negative-targeted antibiotic agent improves outcomes in the trauma population. This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of a single, pre-operative dose of Gentamicin is associated with lower rates of PJI in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty (HA) as treatment for a hip fracture. We retrospectively reviewed cases of patients who underwent HA as treatment for a hip fracture from January 2011 to January 2022, and had a minimum 1-year of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups based on the antibiotic prophylaxis they received during surgery: cefazolin (control group) or cefazolin with addition of Gentamicin (case group). The primary outcome was the rate of surgical site infections (SSI), and secondary outcomes included rates of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and superficial SSIs. The final study population consisted of 1521 patients. 336 patients (22.1%) were in the case group and 1185 (77.9%) patients were in the control group. Rates of SSI were comparable between the groups (3.8% for the case group vs. 2.8% in the control group, p = 0.34). This held true for both PJIs (3.5 vs. 2.5%, p = 0.3) and superficial SSIs (0.29 vs. 0.33%, p = 0.91). The distribution of the causing pathogen was similar between the groups (p = 0.84). Gentamicin susceptibility rates of the Gram-negative bacteria associated with PJI were similar between the cohorts (p = 0.51). The addition of a single, pre-operative dose of Gentamicin to the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol of patients undergoing HA as treatment for a hip fracture was not associated with lower rates of SSI, PJI or superficial SSI. The findings of this study indicate that the prophylactic benefits of Gentamicin may not apply to HA as they do to THA.

0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Irrigation in Trauma/Emergency General Surgical Laparotomy Wounds Closure: A Pilot Study

IntroductionPatients who undergo exploratory laparotomy (EL) in an emergent setting are at higher risk for surgical site infections (SSIs) compared to the elective setting. Packaged Food and Drug Administration–approved 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) irrigation solution reduces SSI rates in nonemergency settings. We hypothesize that the use of 0.05% CHG irrigation solution prior to closure of emergent EL incisions will be associated with lower rates of superficial SSI and allows for increased rates of primary skin closure. MethodsA retrospective observational study of all emergent EL whose subcutaneous tissue were irrigated with 0.05% CHG solution to achieve primary wound closure from March 2021 to June 2022 were performed. Patients with active soft-tissue infection of the abdominal wall were excluded. Our primary outcome is rate of primary skin closure following laparotomy. Descriptive statistics, including t-test and chi-square test, were used to compare groups as appropriate. A P value <0.05 was statistically significant. ResultsSixty-six patients with a median age of 51 y (18-92 y) underwent emergent EL. Primary wound closure is achieved in 98.5% of patients (65/66). Bedside removal of some staples and conversion to wet-to-dry packing changes was required in 27.3% of patients (18/66). We found that most of these were due to fat necrosis. We report no cases of fascial dehiscence. ConclusionsIn patients undergoing EL, intraoperative irrigation of the subcutaneous tissue with 0.05% CHG solution is a viable option for primary skin closure. Further studies are needed to prospectively evaluate our findings.

A Self-Sustaining Antibiotic Prophylaxis Program to Reduce Surgical Site Infections.

Background: Our multi-institutional healthcare system had a higher-than-expected surgical site infection (SSI) rate. We aimed to improve our peri-operative antibiotic administration process. Gap analysis identified three opportunities for process improvement: standardized antibiotic selection, standardized second-line antibiotic agents for patients with allergies, and feedback regarding antibiotic administration compliance. Hypothesis: Implementation of a multifaceted quality improvement initiative including a near-real-time pre-operative antibiotic compliance feedback tool will improve compliance with antibiotic administration protocols, subsequently lowering SSI rate. Methods: A compliance feedback tool designed to provide monthly reports to all anesthesia and surgical personnel was implemented at two facilities, in September 2017 and December 2018. Internal case data were tracked for antibiotic compliance through June 2021, and these data were merged with American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) data at the case level to provide process and outcome measures for SSIs. Implementation success was evaluated by comparing protocol compliance and risk-adjusted rates of superficial and deep SSI before and after the quality improvement implementation. Results: A total of 20,385 patients were included in this study; 11,548 patients in the pre-implementation and 8,837 in the post-implementation groups. Baseline patient and operative characteristics were similar between groups, except the post-implementation group had a higher median expected SSI rate (2.2% vs. 1.6%). Post-implementation, antibiotic protocol compliance increased from 86.3% to 97.6%, and superficial and deep SSIs decreased from 2.8% to 1.9% (p < 0.001). The odds of superficial and deep SSI in patients in the post-implementation group was 0.69 (0.57, 0.83) times the odds of superficial and deep SSI in pre-implementation patients while adjusting for age, gender, diabetes mellitus, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA) classification, wound class, smoking, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Observed-to-expected ratios of superficial and deep SSI decreased from 0.82 to 0.48 after the intervention. Conclusions: Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis standardization and providing near-real-time individualized feedback resulted in sustained improvement in peri-operative antibiotic compliance rates and reduced superficial and deep SSIs.

Effectiveness of chlorhexidine versus povidone-iodine for preventing surgical site wound infection: A meta-analysis.

A systematic evaluation was conducted to assess the efficacy of two disinfectants, chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine, as primary components in preventing surgical site infection (SSI). A comprehensive computerised search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine disinfection for the prevention of SSI from inception until July 2023. Two independent researchers completed literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. Ultimately, 20 RCTs were included, which included 13 133 patients, with 6460 patients in the chlorhexidine group and 6673 patients in the povidone-iodine group. The meta-analysis results revealed that the incidence rate of surgical site wound infections [odds ratio (OR): 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58-0.78, p < 0.001)], superficial SSI rate (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46-0.75, p < 0.001) and deep SSI rate (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.31-0.79, p = 0.003) were all lower in patients subjected to chlorhexidine disinfection compared to those patients receiving povidone-iodine disinfection. Existing evidence suggests that chlorhexidine is more effective than povidone-iodine at preventing SSI. However, owing to the potential quality limitations of the included studies, further validation through high-quality large-scale RCTs is warranted.