Significant Risk Factors For Surgical Site Infection Research Articles

Prediction of surgical site infection after colorectal surgery

Surgical site infection (SSI) after colorectal surgery is a frequent complication associated with substantial morbidity. Our objective was to identify surgical predictors of SSI in patients undergoing colorectal surgery using a retrospective case-control design. Randomly selected patients from all those undergoing colorectal surgery (2007-2013). Cases were patients who developed SSI within 30 days. Controls were patients who did not develop SSI within 30 days. Patients undergoing multiple procedures during a single surgical intervention were excluded. SSI was diagnosed according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions. The main outcome measures were SSI, surgical variables, and cumulative survival (Kaplan-Meier method). Variables considered predictors were compared using log-rank test. Of 911 patients undergoing colorectal surgery, 221 developed SSI (24.3%; 95% confidence interval, 24.0-24.6). On univariate analysis, significant risk factors for SSI were: female sex (P = .02), >72 hours preoperative stay (P = .04), open surgery (P = .08), incision class: contaminated and dirty (P = .001), and emergency procedures (P = .006). On multivariate analysis, significant independent predictors of SSI and survival were dirty surgery (hazard ratio [HR], 2.12; P = .015), contaminated surgery (HR, 1.74; P = .009), female sex (HR, 1.58; P = .003), open surgery, (HR, 1.51; P = .015) and >72 hours preoperative stay (HR, 1.48; P = .024). Dirty or contaminated surgery, female sex, open surgery, and >72 hours preoperative stay were significant predictors of SSI.

Surgical Site Infections in Treatment of Musculoskeletal Tumors: Experience from a Single Oncologic Orthopedic Institution

Objective: Limb-sparing surgery is the mainstay treatment for musculoskeletal tumors thanks to advances in surgical techniques, imaging modalities and multimodal therapies. As patients survive longer, plastic reconstructive procedures and revision surgery are increasingly required after tumor excision. Infection rate is reported to be up to 20% after prosthetic replacement and 30-44% after pelvic resection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs), identifying the causative microrganisms related to specific surgical procedures and significant risk factors for SSIs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 723 interventions performed between 2009 and 2015 for oncological conditions. Non neoplastic lesions, aseptic wound complications, non-skeletally mature patients were excluded. Standardised antibiotic prophylaxis was used for different surgical procedures and maintained until removal of surgical drains. Results: Without considering tumor types and surgical sites, the overall infection rate was 8.7% (63/724). Infection occurred in prosthetic reconstruction with an incidence rate of 7.8%, whereas almost half of patients having undergone pelvic surgery got infected and about 20% of patients with spinal surgery and amputations were infected. Pelvic location, malignancy and radiotherapy were related to a major risk of SSI. The causative pathogens were detected in all examined cases. The most frequent pathogens detected by culture included Staphylococcus aureus (27 cases, 47.4%) and S. epidermidis (10 cases, 17.5%). Among the S. aureus cases, 10/27 cases (37%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Sixty-three out of 130 microbial isolations (47.7%) were nosocomial ALERT organisms. Conclusion: Oncologic orthopedic surgery is burdened by frequent and challenging SSIs because of extensive soft tissues dissection, long operative times and poor skin conditions. Patients are immunosuppressed and often have concomitant comorbidities predisposing to SSIs. Monitoring of local bacterial aetiology of SSIs could help orthopedic oncologic specialized centres in achieving the optimisation of antibiotic prophylactic regimens.

Surgical site infection in posterior spine surgery.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) in spine surgery remain a significant cause of morbidity and prolonged hospitalization. Factors affecting SSI includes patient's comorbidities, duration of surgery, type and indication for surgery among others. We intend to document our experience in our center and highlight possible factors influencing SSI in posterior spine surgery. All consecutive patients who had posterior spine surgeries between January 2012 and July 2014 were recruited into the study. All patients who had wound infection were noted and culture sensitivities were documented as well. Results were analysed to get the infection rate, reasons for prolonged stay on admission as well as possible contributing factors to wound infections. A total of 62 patients' records were reviewed with 34 males and 28 females (male:female = 1.2:1). SSI was classified as deep or superficial to the fascia. Ten (16.1%) patients were found to have an SSI with 7 (11.3%) patients having deep infections and 3 (4.8%) had superficial infection. Vertebral level operated, etiology, and diagnosis were not statistically significant for SSI. However, spinal instrumentation, surgery on cervical region and wound inspection on or before postoperative day 5 were associated with an increase in the rate of SSI. Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and anemia were significant risk factors. The organisms cultured were Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus species. Wound infection is a significant complication of posterior spine surgery. This causes distress for both patient and surgeons alike. Uncontrolled diabetes, spine instrumentation and long duration of surgery are significant risk factors for SSI. Practices of early wound inspection, frequent wound dressing changes and not keeping to nontouch technique for changing and removing dressings are important risk factors for SSI in posterior spine surgeries that need to be changed to reduce the burden of SSI.

Surgical site infection in orthopedic trauma: A case-control study evaluating risk factors and cost.

With the shift of our healthcare system toward a value-based system of reimbursement, complications such as surgical site infections (SSI) may not be reimbursed. The purpose of our study was to investigate the costs and risk factors of SSI for orthopedic trauma patients. Through retrospective analysis, 1819 patients with isolated fractures were identified. Of those, 78 patients who developed SSIs were compared to 78 uninfected control patients. Patients were matched by fracture location, type of fracture, duration of surgery, and as close as possible to age, year of surgery, and type of procedure. Costs for treatment during primary hospitalization and initial readmission were determined and potential risk factors were collected from patient charts. A Wilcoxon test was used to compare the overall costs of treatment for case and control patients. Costs were further broken down into professional fees and technical charges for analysis. Risk factors for SSIs were analyzed through a chi-squared analysis. Median cost for treatment for patients with SSIs was $108,782 compared to $57,418 for uninfected patients (p<0.001). Professional fees and technical charges were found to be significantly higher for infected patients. No significant risk factors for SSIs were determined. Our findings indicate the potential for financial losses in our new healthcare system due to uncompensated care. SSIs nearly double the cost of treatment for orthopedic trauma patients. There is no single driver of these costs. Reducing postoperative stay may be one method for reducing the cost of treating SSIs, whereas quality management programs may decrease risk of infection.

Perioperative risk factors for surgical site infection in tibial tuberosity advancement: 224 stifles.

To examine perioperative factors affecting surgical site infection (SSI) rate following tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Retrospective case series. 224 stifles in 186 dogs. Medical records of dogs that underwent TTA in a single institution were reviewed. Information on signalment, anaesthetic and surgical parameters, as well as occurrence of SSI was recorded. Dogs were followed for a minimum of three months postoperatively. The association between perioperative factors and SSI was assessed using Chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression. The prevalence of SSI was 5.3% (12/224 TTA). Surgical time (p = 0.02) and anaesthesia time (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with SSI. For every minute increase in surgical time and anaesthesia time, the likelihood of developing SSI increased by seven percent and four percent respectively. The use of postoperative antimicrobial therapy was not significantly associated with lower SSI (p = 0.719). Implants were removed in 1.3% of cases (3/224 TTA). The findings of this study suggest that increased surgical and anaesthesia times are significant risk factors for SSI in TTA, and that there is no evidence that postoperative prophylactic antimicrobial therapy is associated with SSI rate.

Dialkylcarbamoyl chloride-impregnated dressing for the prevention of surgical site infection in women undergoing cesarean section: a pilot study.

IntroductionIncisional surgical site infections (SSIs) occur in approximately 1.8–9.2% of patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) and contribute to prolonged hospitalization time and increased treatment costs. Dressings impregnated with dialkylcarbamoyl chloride (DACC) are an innovative approach to wound treatment based on a solely physical mechanism of action, and therefore can be used safely and without time restrictions in women during the puerperal and lactation period.Material and methodsA single-blinded randomized, controlled pilot study was conducted at the Mazovian Bródno Hospital, a tertiary care hospital, between December 2013 and March 2014, and it evaluated the presence of superficial and deep SSIs in patients during the first 14 days after a CS. Patients were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either a DACC dressing or a standard surgical dressing.ResultsOne hundred and forty-two patients after planned or emergency CS were enrolled in the study. No significant differences between the groups were observed with regard to patients’ basic demographic and perioperative characteristics. The rate of superficial and deep SSIs was 2.8% in the group of patients who received a DACC dressing compared to 9.8% in the group with a standard surgical dressing (p = 0.08). Patients with SSIs who received a standard surgical dressing required systemic antibiotic therapy significantly more frequently (p = 0.03). Based on the logistic regression model developed, the pre-pregnancy body mass index was the only statistically significant risk factor for SSI (p = 0.015).ConclusionsThe results of the pilot study indicate a decreasing tendency of the SSI rate in patients after a CS who received DACC impregnated dressings.

Risk of surgical site infection in older patients in a cohort survey: targets for quality improvement in antibiotic prophylaxis.

The aims of the present study were to: (1) assess surgical site infection (SSI) incidence in a cohort of surgical patients and (2) estimate the compliance with national guidelines for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP). SSIs, among the most common health care-associated infections, are an important target for surveillance and an official priority in several European countries. SSI commonly complicates surgical procedures in older people and is associated with substantial attributable mortality and costs. The implementation of PAP guidelines is difficult among surgeons, and failure to comply with the standard of care has been widely reported. A 12-month prospective survey was performed in accordance with the methods, protocols, and definitions of the Hospital in Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance (HELICS) protocol. The compliance of the current PAP practices with the published national guidelines was assessed. A total of 249 patients were enrolled. The cumulative SSI incidence was 3.2 per 100 operative procedures. Cumulative compliance for PAP was 12.4%. Overall, only infection risk index ≥ 1 was confirmed as a significant risk factor for SSI (odds ratio, 6.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-42.59; P = 0.045). When only older patients (age >65 years) were considered, no significant risk factors for SSI were identified. Our study indicates an overall inadequate compliance with PAP recommendations, thus highlighting the need to develop multimodal and targeted intervention programs to improve compliance with PAP guidelines.

Decolonisation of MRSA and its effect on surgical site infections--a study in a tertiary care institute.

Two-thirds of surgical site infections (SSI) because of Staphylococcus aureus are caused by Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study was done to assess the efficacy of topical 2% mupirocin with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate body wash in decolonizing MRSA and its impact in preventing SSI because of MRSA. The various risk factors associated with MRSA carriers and SSI were also studied because of paucity of data in the developing world. We did a non-randomised interventional trial in 602 patients undergoing elective general surgical operations. All patients in case (297) group were screened for MRSA and those positive were decolonised with topical 2% mupirocin calcium ointment and daily baths with 2% chlorhexidine antiseptic solution for 5 days. Control (305) group patients underwent surgery without decolonisation. Postoperatively, all patients were followed up for SSI for 30 days. Prevalence of MRSA carriers was 7.5% with decolonisation rate of 95.2%. The SSI incidence was 21.3%. The significant risk factors for SSI were type of anaesthesia (p = 0.002), duration of surgery (p = 0.001) and preoperative hospital stay (p = 0.001). There was a significant association between MRSA carrier positivity at the time of surgery and SSI (p = 0.041). There was no reduction in rate of SSI or other nosocomial infections in patients undergoing elective general surgical operations following preoperative MRSA decolonisation with 2% mupirocin and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in MRSA carriers. MRSA carrier status was a significant risk factor for SSI but not for other nosocomial infections.

Surgical Site and Early Urinary Tract Infections in 1000 Kidney Transplants With Antimicrobial Perioperative Prophylaxis

Surgical site infections (SSIs) and early urinary tract infections (UTIs) are well recognized postoperative kidney transplant complications. These complications seldom lead to graft loss, although they may result in significant morbidity with prolonged hospitalization. Thus, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) has traditionally been used in this setting. Between April 1988 and December 2012, we identified 1000 kidney transplant recipients (33 from living donors) who underwent prophylaxis with ceftriaxone before the surgical procedure. A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate both the incidence rate and outcome of SSIs and UTIs. Recipients who developed SSIs were also assessed to identify risk factors and potential correlations with different immunosuppressive regimens. A total of 20 SSIs (2%) and 93 UTIs (9.3%) were observed. The most significant risk factor for SSIs was urine leak (15.38%; odds ratio [OR], 12.3; P < .0001) followed by sirolimus-based maintenance immunosuppression therapy (5%; OR, 2.97; P = .04) and induction therapy with either antithymocyte globulin or basiliximab (3.18%; OR, 3.45; P = .01). Sex was identified as the only risk factor for UTI (female vs male, 17.1% vs 4.6%; P < .0001). We believe universal ceftriaxone-based prophylaxis is useful for preventing SSIs and UTIs, considering its effectiveness and safety profile.

Statistical Analysis of Surgical Site Infection After Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery

Surgical site infections (SSIs) occur at a rate exceeding 40 % after head and neck reconstruction and are due in part to the clean-contaminated surgical field, in which cutaneous fields interact with oral or pharyngeal fields. The aim of this study was to clarify the most important risk factors for SSI and to identify effective strategies for preventing SSI. In 2011 and 2012, 197 patients who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery were studied at National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan. The SSI rate, risk factors for SSI, and biological aspects of SSI were evaluated prospectively. A total of 42 patients (21.3 %) had SSIs, and 62 bacterial species were identified at infection sites. Significant risk factors for SSI identified with multivariate analysis were hypoalbuminemia [P = 0.002, odds ratio (OR) = 3.37], reconstruction with vascularized bone transfer (P = 0.006, OR = 3.99), and a poor American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status score (P = 0.041, OR = 3.00). Most bacteria identified were species that persist around cutaneous and pharyngeal fields, but multidrug-resistant bacteria were rare. The SSI rate at our hospital is lower than rates in previous studies. To minimize SSI, intervention to improve the patient's perisurgical nutritional status and a more appropriate mandible reconstructive strategy should be considered.

Does delay in appendectomy affect surgical site infection in children with appendicitis?

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the association between time from diagnosis to operation and surgical site infection (SSI) in children undergoing appendectomy. MethodsPediatric patients undergoing appendectomy in 2010–2012 were included. We collected data on patient demographics; length of symptoms; times of presentation, admission and surgery; antibiotic administration; operative findings; and occurrence of SSI. Results1388 patients were analyzed. SSI occurred in 5.1% of all patients, 1.4% of simple appendicitis (SA) patients, and 12.4% of complex appendicitis (CA) patients. SSI did not increase significantly as the length of time between ED triage and operation increased (all patients, p=0.51; SA patients, p=0.91; CA patients, p=0.44) or with increased time from admission to operation (all patients, p=0.997; SA patients, p=0.69; CA patients, p=0.96). However, greater length of symptoms was associated with an increased risk of SSI (p<0.05 for all, SA and CA patients). In univariable analysis, obesity, and increased admission WBC count were each associated with significantly increased SSI. In multivariable analysis, only CA was a significant risk factor for SSI (p<0.0001). ConclusionWe found no significant increase in the risk of SSI related to delay in appendectomy. A future multi-institutional study is planned to confirm these results.

Comparative analysis of the incidence of surgical site infections in patients with liver resection for colorectal hepatic metastases after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) and postoperative complications, as defined by the Clavien–Dindo classification, after hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer in patients with and without associated neoadjuvant chemotherapy. MethodsA total of 181 patients were studied retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: the first group comprised patients with associated neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic treatment for liver metastases with a latency time <8 wk and the second group comprised patients without associated neoadjuvant chemotherapy. ResultsVariables of duration of liver surgery, length of total hospital stay, and length of postoperative hospital stay seem to be correlated with SSIs and postoperative complications, P < 0.005 and P < 0.0001, respectively. Duration of surgery is a risk factor for SSIs, with an odds ratio of 1.15, and for complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, with an odds ratio of 1.35. ConclusionsNeoadjuvant chemotherapy was not a significant risk factor for SSIs, whereas the total length of hospital stay, length of postoperative hospital stay, and duration of surgery were independent predictors of SSIs and complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification.

Continuation of TNF blockade in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease. An observational study on surgical site infections in 1,596 elective orthopedic and hand surgery procedures

Background Increased infection risk in inflammatory rheumatic diseases may be due to inflammation or immunosuppressive treatment. The influence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors on the risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs) is not fully known. We compared the incidence of SSI after elective orthopedic surgery or hand surgery in patients with a rheumatic disease when TNF inhibitors were continued or discontinued perioperatively.Patients and methods We included 1,551 patients admitted for elective orthopedic surgery or hand surgery between January 1, 2003 and September 30, 2009. Patient demographic data, previous and current treatment, and factors related to disease severity were collected. Surgical procedures were grouped as hand surgery, foot surgery, implant-related surgery, and other surgery. Infections were recorded and defined according to the 1992 Centers for Disease Control definitions for SSI. In 2003–2005, TNF inhibitors were discontinued perioperatively (group A) but not during 2006–2009 (group B).Results In group A, there were 28 cases of infection in 870 procedures (3.2%) and in group B, there were 35 infections in 681 procedures (5.1%) (p = < 0.05). Only foot surgery had significantly more SSIs in group B, with very low rates in group A. In multivariable analysis with groups A and B merged, only age was predictive of SSI in a statistically significant manner.Interpretation Overall, the SSI rates were higher after abolishing the discontinuation of anti-TNF perioperatively, possibly due to unusually low rates in the comparator group. None of the medical treatments analyzed, e.g. methotrexate or TNF inhibitors, were significant risk factors for SSI. Continuation of TNF blockade perioperatively remains a routine at our center.

Incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection in general surgery in a developing country

To investigate the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) according to risk factors, etiological agents, antimicrobial resistance rates of pathogens, and antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) in a developing country. Prospective surveillance of SSIs was carried out in general surgery (GS) units between May 2005 and April 2009. SSI was diagnosed in 415 (10.8%) patients. Cefazolin was used as AMP in 780 (49%) operations, whereas broad-spectrum antibiotics were used in the remaining operations. AMP was administered for >24 h in 69 and 64% of the GS patients. The most significant risk factors for SSI after GS were total parenteral nutrition, transfusion, and a drainage catheter. The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli, but all the isolated pathogens were multiresistant. AMP is effective for reducing the risk of SSI; however, the prolonged use of AMP and broad-spectrum antibiotics may be associated with the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.

Deprivation Is a Risk Factor for Surgical Site Infection

Surgical site infections (SSIs), the second most common cause of nosocomial infection cause approximately 17% of all healthcare-acquired infections. Patients with SSIs may have prolonged hospitalization, rehospitalization or additional surgery. Material, social, and mental health deprivation has been linked to poor health behaviors and outcomes in a number of studies but the impact of deprivation on risk of SSI remains poorly understood. An increase in the rate of serious SSIs at our VA hospital identified a high level of deprivation among case patients. Based on these anecdotal findings, we sought to examine whether material, social and mental health deprivation was a significant risk factor for SSI among patients undergoing surgery at our facility.

2012 Young Investigator Award Winner

A retrospective review. The purpose of this study was to determine the role in body habitus and weight distribution on developing a surgical site infection (SSI). SSI after lumbar spine surgery remains a significant cause of morbidity. The literature demonstrates an increased risk of postoperative infections associated with obesity, diabetes, and multilevel surgeries. A retrospective review was performed on a consecutive cohort of 298 adult patients who underwent lumbar spine fusion surgeries between 2006 and 2008 at the Duke University Medical Center. Previously identified risk factors (i.e., number of levels, diabetes, body mass index [BMI]) were collected, as well as the horizontal distance from the lamina to the skin surface (measured at L4) and thickness of subcutaneous fat at the surgical site. Among the 298 patients, 24 (8%) had postoperative infections. Of the previously identified risk factors, number of levels (P = 0.0078) was found to be significantly associated with infections, whereas BMI (P = 0.16) and diabetes (P = 0.13) were found not to be statistically significant. Obesity (BMI ≥30) (P = 0.025), skin to lamina distance (P = 0.046), and thickness of the subcutaneous fat (P = 0.035) were found to be significant risk factors for SSI. Our findings suggest that in obese patients, the distribution of body mass is more predictive of SSI than the absolute BMI and deserves attention in preoperative evaluation.

The Incidence of Infection after Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A 10 Year Review

Background The incidence of infection after posterior cervical spine surgery ranges from 0 to 18%. Higher rates have been reported after posterior procedures compared with anterior procedures, but these studies have been for small series. We report on our rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after posterior cervical spine surgery and the risk factors that influence these infections. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 90 consecutive patients who underwent posterior cervical spine procedures at a major spinal referral center between 1998 and 2007. The main indications for surgery were trauma and degenerative conditions. Tumors and primary infections were excluded. Medical records of these patients were examined for evidence of SSI as diagnosed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Results Using stringent criteria for diagnosing SSI, we found 15 infected patients (16.67%). The postoperative use of a Philadelphia hard collar was found to be a significant risk factor for SSI with a relative risk of 15.30 (95% confidence interval 2.10 to 111.52). Almost half of infected patients (47%) required reoperation for wound debridement, with four requiring skin flap closure. All 15 patients had successful outcomes with complete resolution of their infection. Conclusions This study confirms a high incidence of SSI after posterior cervical surgery. The most significant risk factors for SSI were found to be a traumatic etiology and postoperative use of a collar. We believe it is important to develop strategies to minimize the risk of infection after posterior cervical surgery, which include questioning the postoperative use of collars.

Prevalence of surgical site infections before and after the implementation of a multimodal infection control programme

In order to assess the prevalence of surgical site infections (SSIs) before and after the implementation of a multimodal infection control programme including the realization of a campaign to increase compliance with guidelines for antimicrobial prophylaxis, we designed and conducted the present study involving all 20 of the surgical departments of a large teaching hospital in Catania, Italy. SSI definitions of the Hospital in Europe Link for Infection Control through Surveillance (HELICS) protocol were used in four 1 day point-prevalence surveys. After the first survey, an infection control programme was implemented involving the active commitment of surgeons and infection control staff. Overall, a total of 600 surgical patients were enrolled. A significant decreasing trend in the SSI rate (from 16.4 to 8.2 per 100 surgical patients, P=0.018) was shown. After multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for SSI were identified: age >31 years, kidney insufficiency and infection at admission. Taking into account the indication and the timing of administration of antibiotic prophylaxis, in the four surveys prophylaxis was administered inappropriately in 55.3% of surgical procedures. The approach used in this study remains a feasible method of evaluating the burden of SSIs using repeated prevalence surveys. The results provide evidence of a significant decreasing trend in the SSI rate following the infection control intervention. Furthermore, our study underlines the need to develop evidence-based guidelines in collaboration with surgeons, to achieve consensus before implementation in order to improve compliance with antimicrobial prophylaxis and, finally, decrease SSI rates.

Operation time and body mass index are significant risk factors for surgical site infection in laparoscopic sigmoid resection: a multicenter study

Surgical site infection (SSI) in patients who underwent colorectal surgery is a common complication associated with increased morbidity and costs. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for SSI in laparoscopic sigmoid resection for benign disease. Using a multicenter database of the Swiss Association of Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery, we prospectively identified 4,488 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery between 1995 and 2008; of these, 2,571 patients who underwent sigmoid resection for benign disease were included. Uni- and multivariate analyses were used to determine risk factors for SSI. The incidence of SSI was 3.5% (90/2,571). Among SSI patients, incisional superficial infections were found in 71%, incisional deep infections in 22%, and organ-space infections in 7%. Patients' age, underlying disease, and surgeons' experience had no impact on SSI. Multivariate analyses showed that operation time >240 min (odds ratio [OR] 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-2.8), BMI ≥ 27 kg/m(2) (OR 2.3 [1.3-4.5]), organ lesions (OR 7.9 [2.0-31.8]), and male gender (OR 2.3 [1.2-4.5]) were significant risk factors for SSI. Reoperations in the SSI group were significantly more frequent than in the Non-SSI group (30% vs. 3%; p < 0.001). SSI was associated with a significantly longer median hospital stay (15 days, range = 2-69 vs. 8 days, range = 1-69; p < 0.001) and higher mortality rate (2.2% vs. 0.4%; p = 0.019). Significant risk factors for SSI were operation time > 240 min, BMI ≥ 27 kg/m(2), organ lesions, and male gender. SSI was significantly associated with more reoperations, longer hospital stay, and higher mortality rate.

Surgical site infection associated with the use of bovine serum albumine-glutaraldehyde surgical adhesive (BioGlue®) in cranial surgery: a case–control study

To enhance the water tightness of dura mater closure in cranial surgery, an organic glue called BioGlue was used in our neurosurgical department between January 2006 and June 2007. During this period of time, we noticed an important increase in the surgical site infection (SSI) incidence. We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for these infections. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that BioGlue was one of the risk factors. Cases with infection were defined retrospectively. We included two controls per case. Study data were age, sex, time of year, in stay hospital preoperative time, length of surgery, type of surgery, surgeon, use of BioGlue, and use of duraplasty. We first performed a univariate analysis and then the significant variables were introduced in a logistic regression model. Thirty patients were defined as cases (60 controls). In multivariate analysis, risk factors were young age (p = 0.04), extended operative length (p = 0.02) and the use of BioGlue (p = 0.007). The combined use of BioGlue and Neuropatch appeared to be a significant risk factor for SSI (p = 0.002). BioGlue seems to increase the risk of SSI for patients who underwent craniotomy, especially when associated with synthetic dural graft. BioGlue triggers an intense inflammatory response, which causes wound breaches allowing bacteria to spread down in the wound, and then creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth.