Reduction Of Surgical Site Infections Research Articles

Minimally invasive versus open pancreatic surgery: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Widespread implementation of the minimally invasive technique in pancreatic surgery has proven to be challenging. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) pancreatic surgery with open pancreatic surgery using data obtained from RCTs. A literature search was done using Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, and Web of Science; all available RCTs comparing minimally invasive pancreatic surgery and open pancreatic surgery in adults requiring elective distal pancreatectomy or partial pancreatoduodenectomy were included. Outcomes were mortality rate, general and pancreatic surgery specific morbidity rate, and length of hospital stay. Six RCTs with 984 patients were included; 99.0 per cent (486) of minimally invasive procedures were performed laparoscopically and 1.0 per cent (five) robotically. In minimally invasive pancreatic surgery, length of hospital stay (-1.3 days, -2 to -0.5, P = 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss (-137 ml, -182 to -92, P < 0.001) were reduced. In the subgroup analysis, reduction in length of hospital stay was only present for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (-2 days, -2.3 to -1.7, P < 0.001). A minimally invasive approach showed reductions in surgical site infections (OR 0.4, 0.1 to 0.96, P = 0.040) and intraoperative blood loss (-131 ml, -173 to -89, P < 0.001) with a 75 min longer duration of surgery (42 to 108 min, P < 0.001) only in partial pancreatoduodenectomy. No significant differences were found with regards to mortality rate and postoperative complications. This meta-analysis presents level 1 evidence of reduced length of hospital stay and intraoperative blood loss in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery compared with open pancreatic surgery. Morbidity rate and mortality rate were comparable, but longer duration of surgery in minimally invasive partial pancreatoduodenectomy hints that this technique in partial pancreatoduodenectomy is technically more challenging than in distal pancreatectomy.

Reduction of Surgical Site Infection After Trauma Laparotomy Through Use of a Specific Protocol for Antibiotic Prophylaxis.

Background: Emergency laparotomy for abdominal trauma is associated with high rates of surgical site infection (SSI). A protocol for antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) for trauma laparotomy was implemented to determine whether SSI could be reduced by adhering to established principles of AMP. Patients and Methods: A protocol utilizing ertapenem administered immediately before initiation of trauma laparotomy was adopted. Compliance with measures of adequate AMP were determined before and after protocol implementation, as were rates of SSI and other infections related to abdominal trauma. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine risk factors for development of infection related to trauma laparotomy. Results: Over a four-year period, 320 patient operations were reviewed. Ertapenem use for prophylaxis increased to 54% in the post-intervention cohort. Compliance with individual measures of appropriate AMP improved modestly. Overall, infections related to trauma laparotomy decreased by 46% (absolute decrease of 13%) in the post-intervention cohort. Multivariable analysis confirmed that treatment during the post-intervention phase was associated with this decrease, with a separate analysis suggesting that ertapenem use was an important factor in this decrease. Conclusions: Development of a standardized protocol for AMP in trauma laparotomy led to decreases in infectious complications after that procedure.

Drain Placement After Pancreatic Resection: Friend or Foe For Surgical Site Infections?

BackgroundDespite multiple studies and randomized trials, there remains controversy over whether drains should be placed, and if so for how long, after pancreas resection. The aim was to determine if post-pancreatectomy drain placement and timing of drain removal were associated with differences in infectious outcomes and, if so, which specific procedures and infectious sites were most at risk. MethodsThe ACS-NSQIP targeted pancreatectomy database was utilized to identify patients who underwent pancreatectomies between 2015 and 2020 with postoperative drain placement for retrospective cohort analysis. A propensity score matching analyses was conducted to determine associations between drain placement and surgical site infections (SSI). ResultsOf 39,057 pancreatic resections, 66.4% were proximal pancreatectomies, and 33.6% were distal pancreatectomies. After propensity score matching, drain placement was not associated with significantly lower rates of superficial SSI (7% vs 9%, p = 0.755) or organ/space SSI (17% vs 16%, p = 0.647) after proximal pancreatectomy. After distal pancreatectomy, drain placement was associated with higher rates of organ/space SSI (12% vs 9%, p = 0.010). Drain removal on or after postoperative day 3 was significantly associated with higher rates of SSI in both proximal and distal pancreatectomy. ConclusionsDrain placement is associated with an increased rate of organ/space SSI after distal pancreatectomy and not after pancreaticoduodenectomy. When drains are utilized, early removal is associated with a reduction of SSI after all types of pancreatectomy. In surgical units where post-pancreatectomy SSI is a concern, selective drain placement for high-risk glands or after distal pancreatectomy, combined with early drain removal, may be considered.

INTRA-WOUND ANTIBIOTIC POWDER TO REDUCE DEEP SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS IN LOWER LIMB AND PELVIC TRAUMA

Surgical site infections following orthopaedic surgery are a serious complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Intra-wound antibiotic powder may be able to provide infection prophylaxis locally with less systemic adverse effects, and promising results have been reported in systematic reviews of its use in spine surgery. This study aims to analyse the efficacy and adverse effect profile of intra-wound antibiotics in reducing surgical site infections in orthopaedic surgery for traumatic pelvic and lower limb fractures.A systematic review was conducted for studies reporting on the incidence of surgical site infections following administration of intra-wound antibiotic powder in pelvic and lower limb trauma surgery. Randomised controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies were included. A meta-analysis was conducted for deep surgical site infections.Seven studies were included in the systematic review including six retrospective case-control studies and one randomised controlled trial. Results of the meta-analysis suggest a potential 23% reduction in the odds of developing a deep surgical site infection in patients treated with intra-operative antibiotic powder compared with those managed with intravenous antibiotics alone (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.52 – 1.13), although the results did not reach statistical significance.Notable selective bias against intra-wound antibiotics and suboptimal study design were found in the retrospective studies, however the randomised controlled trial reported a significant reduction in deep surgical site infections with intra-wound vancomycin powder. There were no reports of systemic adverse outcomes and minimal risk of wound complications with the use of intra-wound antibiotics.This review suggests the use of intra-wound antibiotic powder in pelvic and lower limb trauma surgery may reduce the incidence of deep surgical site infections. Further powered studies including randomised controlled trials are required to confirm the results highlighted in this study.

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 measures on patient samples and complication rates in spine surgery - A single center analysis.

Over the past two years during the pandemic, the German health system has taken drastic measures, like the continuous use of face masks for all staff, restrictions of hospital visits as well as cancellation of elective surgical procedures. As a potential side effect of these measures, a significant reduction of surgical site infections was reported for neurosurgical patients. The purpose of our study was to analyze the impact of these measures on spinal surgery. We performed a retrospective analysis to compare patient samples, procedures and infection rates before (January 2019 - March 2020) and during (April 2020 - June 2021) the pandemic to evaluate the impact of the measures mentioned above. Demographic and clinical data were collected and correlated with the occurrence of postoperative complications, especially infection. Our analysis showed no relevant decrease of spine surgeries (838 surgeries in non-pandemic group vs. 831 surgeries pandemic group). The most common postoperative complication was wound infection in both groups, followed by urinary tract infection and pneumonia. In both patient groups, infections were more prevalent in surgeries of multilevel posterior instrumentation. Comparing the two groups of patients, a slight, non-significant (0.5%) reduction of overall postoperative complications in the pandemic group was observed. However, the number of spinal surgeries classified as emergencies in our institution increased by 10.2% during the last 15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In line with this finding the urgent transfer of patients from smaller hospitals increased by 14.2%, compared to previous years. The volume of spinal surgeries remained high and complication rates stable during the pandemic. A reason why complication rates did not drop as reported previously might be a significant change in patient sample due to the increase of emergency surgeries. A decrease of complication rates, especially infections by the measures of infection prevention for the pandemic was not observed.

Proven Impact of an Advanced Air Purification System in the Reduction of Infectious Airborne and Surface Pathogens, Concomitant Reduction of Hospital-acquired Infections and Length of Stay, and Improvement in Health-care Economics.

Proven Impact of an Advanced Air Purification System in the Reduction of Infectious Airborne and Surface Pathogens, Concomitant Reduction of Hospital-acquired Infections and Length of Stay, and Improvement in Health-care Economics.

Operating room environmental improvements with Venturi valves and Environmental Quality Indicator risk prediction may help reduce Surgical Site Infections

Introduction: There is mounting evidence supporting the connection of the operating room airborne environment to Surgical Site Infections (SSI). Environmental Quality Indicators (EQI) can be measured to determine the risk of microbial contamination in the OR by room sector. This risk picture is used to inform educated improvements to the aseptic environment. When improvements based on the EQI risk picture are combined with precise control of the airborne environment using Venturi technology, the asepsis of the OR is maintained and the risk of contamination is lower. This study sought to determine if precisely maintained asepsis in the OR based on EQI risk picture lowered the SSI rate. Methods: The environmental quality indicators in a Craniotomy OR were measured and a risk picture, by room sector, was created. The EQIs measured included air change rates, humidity, temperature, pressure, particle counts, occupancy, traffic patterns, air flow and directionality, and door openings, among others. Improvements to the OR performance were made based on the risk picture and Venturi technology was used to precisely control the airborne environment. SSIs were tracked for 17 months prior to improvements and then for 10 months following the improvements. Results: The asepsis of the OR airborne environment was improved and an EQI risk picture was developed following improvements to document improvement. In the 17 months prior to improvements to the OR, there were 14 SSIs out of 430 total surgeries and the SSI rate was 3.9%. In the 10 months following the improvements, there was 1 SSI out of 180 surgeries, and the SSI rate was 0.5%. The reduction in SSIs was statistically significant at p=.0377 following improvements. Conclusion: Improvement of the airborne environment in ORs improves the asepsis and may help reduce SSI.

Meta-analysis of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy for surgical site infections (SSI) in caesarean section surgery.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) and wound complications across various surgical categories. SSIs are a common post-surgical complication following caesarean section (CS) births, making it necessary to use prophylactic interventions to reduce SSI and wound complication incidences. To conduct an updated meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SSI incidence and wound complications in women undergoing C-sections receiving NPWT or standard dressings after wound closure. A systematic literature review was conducted using MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases, and clinical trial registries for RCTs that involved NPWT versus standard dressings in participants undergoing C-section procedures. The primary outcome was surgical site infection (SSI) and other wound complications (haematoma, dehiscence, seroma. A total of 11 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis with information from 5,693 patients. A reduction in overall SSI incidence (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66-0.95, p = 0.01, I2 = 0%) and wound complication rate (RR = 0.86, 0.75 to 0.98, p = 0.02, I2 = 5%) was found with all studies pooled together. Subgroup analyses showed that NPWT did not significantly reduce SSI incidence when stratified by the type of C-section (emergency/elective) whereas the type of NPWT device had a differential effect on SSI reduction, with PICO NPWT systems showing a beneficial effect (RR = 0.72, 0.58 to 0.91, p = 0.006, I2 = 0%) in comparison to the PREVENA closed-incision device (RR = 0.94, 0.68 to 1.29, p = 0.73, I2 = 0%). Prophylactic NPWT is useful in reducing the incidence of SSIs in women undergoing C-sections based on synthesis of results from RCTs in obese women (BMI > 30 kg/m2).

A Health Economic Analysis Exploring the Cost Consequence of Using a Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle for Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Germany.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, surgical site infections (SSIs) constitute over 50% of all hospital-acquired infections. Reducing SSIs can enhance healthcare efficiency. This study explores the cost consequences of implementing an SSI prevention bundle (SPB) in total hip and knee arthroplasty (THKA). A health-economic model followed a cohort of THKA patients from admission to 90 days postdischarge. The perioperative process was modeled using a decision tree, and postoperative recovery and potential SSI evaluated using a Markov model. The model reflects the hospital payers' perspective in Germany. The SPB includes antimicrobial incision drapes, patient warming, and negative pressure wound therapy in high-risk patients. SSI reduction associated with these interventions was sourced from published meta-analyses. An effectiveness factor of 70% was introduced to account for potential overlap of effectiveness when interventions are used in combination. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of model outcomes. The cost with the SPB was €4274.32 per patient, €98.27, or 2.25%, lower than that of the standard of care (€4372.59). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings, indicating a median saving of 2.22% (95% credible interval: 1.00%-3.79%]). The SPB also reduced inpatient SSI incidence from 2.96% to 0.91%. The break-even point for the SPB was found when the standard of care had an SSI incidence of 0.938%. Major cost drivers were the cost of inpatient SSI care, general ward, and operating room, and the increased risk of an SSI associated with unintended, intraoperative hypothermia. Varying the effectiveness factor from 10% to 130% did not substantially impact model outcomes. Introducing the SPB is expected to reduce care costs if the inpatient SSI rate (superficial and deep combined) in THKA procedures exceeds 1%. Research into how bundles of measures perform together is required to further inform the results of this computational analysis.

Use of Ozonized Water in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Children Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery.

Since the reduction of healthcare-associated infections has been a focus for quality patient care, this study aimed to evaluate the surgical site infection rate of children who underwent cardiovascular surgery after implementation of ozonized water system for hand and body hygiene allied to previously implemented preventive measures. Two uniformly comparable groups of pediatric patients underwent cardiovascular surgery. Group A (187) patients were operated prior to installation of ozonized water system (March 1 to August 31, 2019), and group B (214) patients were operated after installation of ozonized water system (October 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020). Ozonized water was used for professional hand hygiene and patient body hygiene. There was statistical significance for surgical site infection reduction in group B (P=0.0289), with a relative risk of 0.560 (95% confidence interval = 0.298 to 0.920), inferring the risk of being diagnosed with surgical site infections in group B was 44% less than in group A. There was no statistical significance regarding mechanical ventilation time (P=0.1998) or mortality (P=0.4457). Ozonized water for professional hand hygiene and patient body hygiene was an adjuvant combined with traditional preventive methods to reduce the risk of surgical site infection, although no impact on hospital stay or mortality was observed.

The efficacy of multifaceted versus single anesthesia work area infection control measures and the importance of surgical site infection follow-up duration

BackgroundEarlier a randomized trial showed efficacy of a multifaceted intervention approach for reducing surgical site infection: hand hygiene, vascular care, environmental cleaning, patient decolonization (nasal povidone iodine, chlorhexidine wipes), with feedback on pathogen transmission. The follow-up prospective observational study showed effectiveness when applied to all operating rooms of an inpatient surgical suite. In practice, many organizations will at baseline not be using conditions equivalent to the control groups but instead functionally have had ongoing a single intervention for infection control (e.g., encouraging better hand hygiene). Organizations also differ in how well and long they survey every surgical patient for postoperative surgical site infection. Thus, estimation of the expected net cost savings from implementing multifaceted intervention depends on the relative efficacy of multifaceted approach versus single intervention approaches and on the incidence of surgical site infection, the latter depending itself on the monitoring period for infection development. MethodsThe retrospective cohort analysis included 4865 patients from two single intervention and two multifaceted studies, each of the four studies with matched control groups. We used Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate the relative risk reduction in surgical site infections for the multifaceted approach versus single interventions and, with 30-day follow-up versus ≥60-day follow-up for infection. ResultsThe multifaceted approach was associated with an estimated 68% reduction in postoperative surgical site infections relative to single interventions (risk ratio 0.32, 97.5% confidence interval 0.15–0.70, P = 0.001). There were approximately 2.61-fold more surgical site infections detected with follow-up for at least 60 days of medical records relative to 30 days of records reviewed (97.5% CI 1.62 to 4.21, P < 0.001). ConclusionsAn evidence-based, multifaceted approach to anesthesia work area infection control can generate substantial reductions in surgical site infections. A follow-up period of at least 60-days is indicated for infection detection.

Double blind randomized controlled trial for subjects undergoing surgery receiving surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis at tertiary hospital: the clinical pharmacist's interventions.

A surgical site infection (SSI) has significant clinical, humanistic and economic consequences. Surgical antimicrobials prophylaxis (SAP) is a reliable standard to prevent SSIs. The objective was to test that the clinical pharmacist's interventions may facilitate the implementation of SAP protocol and subsequent reduction of SSIs. This was double blinded randomized controlled interventional hospital-based-study at Khartoum State-Sudan. A total of 226 subjects underwent general surgeries at four surgical units. Subjects were randomized to interventions and controls in a (1:1) ratio where patient, assessors and physician were blinded. The surgical team has received structured educational and behavioral SAP protocol mini courses by way of directed lecturers, workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns delivered by the clinical pharmacist. The clinical pharmacist provided SAP protocol to the interventions group. The outcome measure was the primary reduction in SSIs. There were (51.8%, 117/226) females, (61/113 interventions versus 56/113 controls), and (48.2%, 109/226) males (52 interventions and 57 controls). The overall rate of SSIs was assessed during 14 days post-operatively and was documented in (35.4%, 80/226). The difference in adherence to locally developed SAP protocol regarding the recommended antimicrobial was significant (P <0.001) between the interventions group (78, 69%) and the controls group (59, 52.2%). The clinical pharmacist's implementation of the SAP protocol revealed significant differences in SSIs with reduction in SSIs from 42.5% to 25.7% versus the controls group from 57.5% to 44.2% respectively, P = 0.001 between the interventions group and the controls group respectively. The clinical pharmacist's interventions were very effective in sustainable adherence to SAP protocol and subsequent reduction in SSIs within the interventions group.

AUDIT FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE FULFILLMENT OF CARDIAC ERAS GUIDELINES IN LOW EURO-SCORE II CARDIAC SURGICAL PATIENTS IN THE FREEMAN HOSPITAL.

<h3>Introduction</h3> Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal, transdisciplinary care improvement initiative to promote recovery of patients undergoing surgery throughout their entire perioperative journey. These programs aim to reduce complications and promote an earlier return to normal activities. <h3>Aim</h3> Investigate the fulfilment of cardiac ERAS guidelines in low euro-score II cardiac surgical patients in the Freeman hospital in 2020. <h3>Patients & Methods</h3> A retrospective investigation of fulfillment of ERACS recommendations in patients with low euro-score II. - Data collected from the surgical data-base in 2020 and patients e-records. - The recommendations from the ERACS 2019 guidelines were used as a reference. Audit Results: The ERACS guidelines investigated included: - Preoperative data: - ALL patients had Pre-operative Albumin level done. - None of the patients had initiation of Preoperative multimodal analgesic. - None of the patients stopped smoking & hazardous alcohol 4 week before elective surgery. - None had preoperative CHO Loading. - Preoperative HbA1c in 69% of patients. - Clear liquids continued up to 2 to 4 hours before GA in 51% of patients. - Intraoperative data: - In ALL patients Hyperthermia was avoided while rewarming on CPB. - In ALL patients Tranexamic acid was given during on-pump. - Postoperative data: - All patients had Perioperative glycemic control. - ALL patients had an insulin infusion for hyperglycemia postoperatively. - In ALL patients a postoperative delirium screening tool used at least once per nursing shift . - In All patients persistent hypothermia after CPB was avoided. - The peri-operative, multimodal, opioid-sparing, pain management plan: Paracetamol: ALL Tramadol: None Dexmedetomidine: None Gabapentin: None Regional anaesthesia: None - ALL had thromboprophylaxis after surgery . - None had early detection of AKI. - All patients had early postoperative enteral feeding and mobilization. - 76% were extubated within 6 hrs. Audit Recommendations: - Initiate our own ERAS cardiac program. - Add engagement tools in pre-operative education. - Pre-habilitation and optimization for patients with multiple comorbidities. - Smoking and alcohol cessation. - Pre-operative HbA1C in all cases. - Preoperatrive correction of nutritional deficiency . - Clear liquids continued up to 2 to 4 hours before GA. - Oral CHO 2-4 h before surgery. - Pre-operative multimodal analgesic (Gabapentin 300 mg and Paracetamol 1000 mg given orally in preoperative holding area). - Minimal anxiolytics before surgery - Surgical site infection reduction care bundle. - Rigid sternal fixation. - Intraoperative multimodal analgesia. - Strategies to ensure early extubation within 6 h of surgery. - Avoid stripping or breaking the sterile field of chest tubes to remove clots. - Early detection of kidney stress - Goal-directed fluid therapy: - Early removal of Lines and drains - Management of pre-operative anaemia. - Goal directed perfusion strategies. - A protective lung ventilation strategy. ASSESSMENT OF THE FULFILLMENT OF CARDIAC ERAS GUIDELINES IN LOW EURO-SCORE II (<3) CARDIAC SURGICAL PATIENTS IN THE FREEMAN HOSPITAL, IN CALENDAR YEAR 2020.

Reduction in surgical site infections by localized administration with D-PLEX100 in patients with multiple risk factors undergoing colorectal surgery

BackgroundD-PLEX100 is a novel drug-eluting lipid polymer matrix that supplies a high, local concentration of doxycycline for approximately 30 days. The objective of this post-hoc analysis was to assess the efficacy of D-PLEX100 in preventing superficial and deep SSIs in patients with ≥2 risk factors. Patients and methodsA post-hoc analysis of a previously reported prospective randomized trial assessing D-PLEX100 plus Standard of Care (SOC) versus SOC alone in colorectal surgery was performed to assess SSI rate in patients with ≥2 risk factors. ResultsThe overall incidence of SSI was significantly lower for the D-PLEX100 arm (9.9%) versus SOC (21%), p = 0.033. Patients with ≥2 risk factors, SSI incidence was 37.5% for SOC and 15.8% in D-PLEX100 treated patients. ConclusionsD-PLEX100 reduces the incidence of SSIs beyond benefits associated with SOC treatment alone and including patients with ≥2 risk factors. D-PLEX100 may be a promising addition to established SSI prophylaxis bundles.

Surgical Site Infections in Colorectal Resections: What is the Cost?

IntroductionAlthough surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with colectomy are tracked by the National Healthcare Safety Network/Center for Disease Control, untracked codes, mainly related to patients undergoing proctectomy, are not. These untracked codes are performed less often yet they may be at a greater risk of SSI due to their greater complexity. Determining the impact and predictors of SSI are critical in the development of quality improvement initiatives. MethodsFollowing an institutional review board approval, National Surgery Quality Improvement Program, institutional National Surgery Quality Improvement Program, and financial databases were queried for tracked colorectal resections and untracked colorectal resections (UCR). National data were obtained for January 2019-December 2019, and local procedures were identified between January 2013 and December 2019. Data were analyzed for preoperative SSI predictors, operative characteristics, outcomes, and 30-day postdischarge costs (30dPDC). ResultsNationally, 71,705 colorectal resections were identified, and institutionally, 2233 patients were identified. UCR accounted for 7.9% nationally and 11.8% of all colorectal resections institutionally. Tracked colorectal resection patients had a higher incidence of SSI predictors including sepsis, hypoalbuminemia, coagulopathy, hypertension, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class. UCR patients had a higher rate of SSIs [12.9% (P < 0.001), 15.2% (P = 0.064)], readmission, and unplanned return to the operating room. Index hospitalization and 30dPDC were significantly higher in patients experiencing an SSI. ConclusionsSSI was associated with nearly a two-fold increase in index hospitalization costs and six-fold in 30dPDC. These data suggest opportunities to improve hospitalization costs and outcomes for patients undergoing UCR through protocols for SSI reduction and preventing readmissions.

Sustaining Improvements of Surgical Site Infections by Six Sigma DMAIC Approach.

SSIs (surgical site infections) are associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. The traditional quality improvement strategies focusing on individual performance did not achieve sustainable improvement. This study aimed to implement the Six Sigma DMAIC method to reduce SSIs and to sustain improvements in surgical quality. The surgical procedures, clinical data, and surgical site infections were collected among 42,233 hospitalized surgical patients from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. Following strengthening leadership and empowering a multidisciplinary SSI prevention team, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) was used as the performance improvement model. An evidence-based prevention bundle for reduction of SSI was adopted as performance measures. Environmental monitoring and antimicrobial stewardship programs were strengthened to prevent the transmission of multi-drug resistant microorganisms. Process change was integrated into a clinical pathway information system. Improvement cycles by corrective actions for the risk events of SSIs were implemented to ensure sustaining improvements. We have reached the targets of the prevention bundle elements in the post-intervention period in 2020. The carbapenem resistance rates of Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa were lower than 10%. A significant 22.2% decline in SSI rates has been achieved, from 0.9% for the pre-intervention period in 2019 to 0.7% for the post-intervention period in 2020 (p = 0.004). Application of the Six Sigma DMAIC approach could significantly reduce the SSI rates. It also could help hospital administrators and quality management personnel to create a culture of patient safety.

Trends in mortality associated with surgical site infections: a cohort study in Italy, 2009-2019

Abstract Background Surveillance programs have proven to be effective in reducing surgical site infection (SSI) rates. In 2008 Piedmont joined the Italian national surveillance system. The aim of this study was to evaluate mortality rates and trends associated with SSIs in Piedmont from 2009 to 2019 for the two most frequently performed surgical procedures, hip arthroplasty (HPRO) and colon surgery (COLO). Methods Data were collected through the national surveillance system, which includes 42 hospitals in Piedmont who participated in the surveillance program from 2009 to 2019. Procedure-specific SSI rates, overall mortality rates and case fatality rates (CFR) associated with SSIs were calculated, overall and per year. Trends were evaluated using the chi-squared test for trends. Analyses were performed using Epi Info v. 7.2. Results A total of 33438 surgical procedures (21645 HPRO, 11793 COLO) were monitored over the study period from the hospitals participating in the network. 1215 SSIs (293 HPRO, 922 COLO) were observed and 617 deaths were registered (222 HPRO, 395 COLO). For HPRO procedures, an overall SSI rate of 1.35% was found, with an overall mortality of 1.03% and a CFR of 3.75%. No significant trend was observed. Considering COLO interventions, an overall SSI rate of 7.82% was found, with an overall mortality of 3.35% and a CFR of 6.94%. There was a statistically significant downward trend in SSI and overall mortality rates (p = 0.046 and 0.005, respectively). Conclusions Considering HPRO, it is possible that the lack of significant trends could be due to the already low SSI and overall mortality rates, with the protective effect of surveillance having reached a plateau. Regarding COLO procedures, a significant reduction in SSI and overall mortality rates was observed during the study period. The reduction in mortality could be due to the decrease in SSI rates, however other factors not analysed in our study could have contributed. Key messages • This study brings further evidence to the protective effect of surveillance, attributable to an improvement in healthcare quality and patients’ safety. • A significant decrease in COLO mortality rates was observed, which could be due to the decreasing trend in SSI rates.

Improving quality of surgical and anaesthesia care in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of hospital-based quality improvement interventions

ObjectivesTo systematically review existing literature on hospital-based quality improvement studies in sub-Saharan Africa that aim to improve surgical and anaesthesia care, capturing clinical, process and implementation outcomes in order to...

Reduction of healthcare-associated and surgical site infection with an ERAS program in colorectal surgery

Objectives: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and surgical site infection (SSI) are among the first causes of morbidity and mortality in colorectal surgery. Up to 20-30% of the HAIs and 50% of the SSI are preventable.

Reduction of early surgical site and other care related infections in 3553 hip fracture patients: lessons learned from the 5-year Safe Hands project

BackgroundSurgical site infection (SSI) after acute hip fracture surgery is a devastating complication associated with increased suffering and mortality. The aim of the study was to investigate early SSI, sepsis, pneumonia and urinary tract infections over five years, before and after the implementation of the Safe Hands project.MethodsThis was a single-centre observational study with a 5-year longitudinal design, investigating the effects of an infection-prevention intervention targeting the clinical care pathway of individuals with acute hip fracture. Statistical analyses were based on routinely collected patient outcome data comprising 3553 patients. The study conforms to the criteria of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).ResultsThe incidence of early SSIs decreased from 2.5% in years 1–2 to 1.1% in years 4–5. Similar results were observed for sepsis (2.7% to 1.3%) and urinary tract infections (14.2% to 4.2%). The multivariable regression results suggest that, for every observed year, the odds of early SSIs decreased. Male gender, procedure time, sepsis and preoperative skin damage increased the odds significantly.ConclusionsOur preventive bundle, based on partnership between researchers, managers and clinicians and a strong commitment to change from the involved professions, appear to be effective in reducing the frequency of potentially devastating SSIs and other hospital acquired infections after hip fracture surgery. The use of external and internal facilitators was crucial to enable individual and organisational learning and overcoming barriers to improvements.Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT02983136 Registered 6 December 2016—Retrospectively registered.