Surgical Site Skin Research Articles

Medical Device-Associated Infections Caused by Biofilm-Forming Microbial Pathogens and Controlling Strategies.

Hospital-acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections, include bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections. According to reports, Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria account for up to 70% of nosocomial infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Biofilm production is a main virulence mechanism and a distinguishing feature of bacterial pathogens. Most bacterial pathogens develop biofilms at the solid-liquid and air-liquid interfaces. An essential requirement for biofilm production is the presence of a conditioning film. A conditioning film provides the first surface on which bacteria can adhere and fosters the growth of biofilms by creating a favorable environment. The conditioning film improves microbial adherence by delivering chemical signals or generating microenvironments. Microorganisms use this coating as a nutrient source. The film gathers both inorganic and organic substances from its surroundings, or these substances are generated by microbes in the film. These nutrients boost the initial growth of the adhering bacteria and facilitate biofilm formation by acting as a food source. Coatings with combined antibacterial efficacy and antifouling properties provide further benefits by preventing dead cells and debris from adhering to the surfaces. In the present review, we address numerous pathogenic microbes that form biofilms on the surfaces of biomedical devices. In addition, we explore several efficient smart antiadhesive coatings on the surfaces of biomedical device-relevant materials that manage nosocomial infections caused by biofilm-forming microbial pathogens.

Cyclic cryotherapy with vitamin D facilitates early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cyclic cryotherapy and vitamin D administration on early rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), as its efficacy remains unclear. We divided 150 patients (three groups) who underwent TKA into those treated with or without cyclic cryotherapy and vitamin D. Compared with patients who did not receive cyclic cryotherapy, those who received postoperative cyclic cryotherapy and vitamin D supplementation had significantly higher American Knee Society Scores (AKSS) on postoperative day (POD) 7 and at 1 month postoperatively; higher visual analogue scale (VAS) values on POD1-3 and POD7; reduced thigh swelling on POD3 and POD7; increased range of motion (ROM) on POD3, POD7, and at 1 month postoperatively; and reduced postoperative length of stay (PLOS). However, no significant difference in patient satisfaction was observed between the patient groups. At 1 and 3 months postoperatively, patients administered cyclic cryotherapy and vitamin D had significantly higher AKSS, ROM, and vitamin D levels than those who did not receive vitamin D. No perioperative complications such as surgical site infection, skin frostbite, or vitamin D intoxication were observed. Cyclic cryotherapy post-TKA had short-term advantages in terms of AKSS, VAS, thigh swelling, ROM, PLOS, and accelerated rehabilitation, but did not improve patient satisfaction. Cyclic cryotherapy combined with vitamin D improved AKSS and ROM at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

Single Surgeon Comparison of Midline Versus Overlapping Locoregional Flap Closure Following Spinal Instrumentation

BackgroundTwo techniques for paraspinous muscle flap closure of spine surgeries have been described: one with tension-free mobilization of the muscle flaps approximated at the midline and one with perforators more aggressively dissected to allow for overlapping of the flaps. We seek to compare the surgical outcomes in patients who underwent either type of complex spinal closure as no investigation has yet evaluated a superior technique. MethodsAn IRB-approved retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent spine surgery followed by locoregional muscle flap complex closure performed by a single plastic surgeon between January 2016 and July 2021. Patients were divided into two groups based on which closure method was employed. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed by multivariable logistic regression with Firth’s correction. Results110 patients with similar baseline demographics were included. There were significantly more smokers (15% vs. 0%, p = 0.02) and a significantly greater rate of post-operative radiation (40% vs. 17%, p = 0.009) in the overlapping group. After controlling for smoking and post-operative radiation, the incidence of surgical site infection, skin necrosis, dehiscence, hematoma, and seroma did not differ between the groups. The procedure length per centimeter of closure was shorter in the midline approximation group, although this data fell just short of significance (3.2 vs. 3.8 minutes/cm, p = 0.08). ConclusionThe present study demonstrates that both the overlapping and midline approximation of muscle flaps are equally safe and effective strategies for locoregional closure of spinal wounds.

Traumatic degloving injuries: a prospective study to assess injury patterns, management, and outcomes at a single center in northern India.

This study investigated the epidemiology, management, outcomes, and postoperative disabilities of degloving soft tissue injuries (DSTIs) treated at a tertiary care center in northern India. A prospective study of patients with DSTIs was conducted over 15 months. The type of degloving injury, the mechanism of injury, and any associated injuries were analyzed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 along with the management, outcomes, and disabilities at a 3-month follow-up. Among 75 patients with DSTIs, the average age was 27.5 years, 80.0% were male, and 76.0% had been injured in traffic accidents. The majority (93.3%) were open degloving injuries. Lower limbs were affected most often (62.7%), followed by upper limbs (32.0%). Fractures were the most commonly associated injuries (72.0%). Most patients required more than two procedures, including secondary debridement (41.3%), split skin grafting (80.0%), flap coverage (12.0%), or vacuum-assisted closure (24.0%), while five patients underwent conservative management for closed degloving injuries. Postoperative complications included surgical site infections (14.7%) and skin necrosis (10.7%). Two patients died due to septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The mean length of hospital stay was 11.5±8.1 days, with injuries affecting the lower limbs and perineum requiring longer hospital stays. The mean WHODAS 2.0 disability score at 3 months was 19. Most patients had mild disabilities. Time away from work depended largely upon the site and severity of the injury. Approximately 75% of patients resumed their previous job or study, 14% changed their job, and 8% stopped working completely due to residual disability. DSTIs are common injuries in trauma and management is challenging. Although open DSTI are clinically evident at secondary survey, closed degloving injuries may be missed in the primary survey, necessitating a high index of suspicion, thorough clinical examination, and protocol-based management. Primary preventive strategies (e.g., road safety protocols, preplacement training, and proper protective equipment in industries) are also needed to reduce the incidence of these injuries.

Pull-Through for Hirschsprung’s Disease: Insights for Limited-Resource Settings From Mbarara

IntroductionIn many resource-limited settings, patients with Hirschsprung’s Disease (HD) undergo initial diverting colostomy, followed by pull-through, and finally, colostomy closure. This approach allows for decompression of dilated and thickened bowel and improved patient nutritional status. However, this three-stage approach prolongs treatment duration, with significant stoma morbidity, costs, and impact on quality of life. Our aim was to determine whether pull-through for HD can safely be performed with simultaneous stoma closure, reducing treatment approach from three to two stages. MethodsChildren with HD and diverting colostomy were prospectively followed as they underwent pull-through with simultaneous stoma closure. Their in-hospital course and 3-mo outpatient course were assessed for postoperative complications. Patients with total colonic HD, redo pull-through, and residual dilated colon were excluded from the study. ResultsOf the 20 children, 17 were male (n = 17, 85%). All patients had rectosigmoid HD. The median weight, age at colostomy formation, and age at pull-through were 11.05 kg (interquartile range [IQR] 10-12.75), 0.9 y (IQR 0.25-2.8), and 2.08 y (IQR 1.28-2.75), respectively. Mean duration with colostomy before pull-through was 1.1 y (standard deviation 1.51). Median hospital length of stay was 6 d (IQR 5-7). Early complications included anastomotic leak (n = 1), perianal skin excoriation (n = 2), surgical site skin infection (n = 3), and fascial dehiscence (n = 1). Longer-term complications included stricture (n = 1, 5%) and enterocolitis (n = 2, 10%). ConclusionsIn this small case series, we have demonstrated that pull-through with simultaneous stoma closure can be safely performed in resource-constrained settings. Further studies are needed to understand the quality of life and economic impact of this change in management for HD patients.

Primary Ear Reconstruction Using Cadaveric Costal Cartilage.

Allogeneic cadaveric costal cartilage is commonly used for grafts in nasal reconstruction surgery; however, limited information exists on its use in total ear reconstruction for microtia. In this case series, we describe the novel use of cadaveric cartilage for auricular framework construction in ear reconstruction and review preliminary histologic findings. Patients requiring primary complete reconstruction of the auricle from August 2020 to December 2021 were eligible and underwent ear reconstruction using cadaveric costal cartilage. Patients were evaluated for surgical site infection, skin necrosis, cartilage resorption, and cartilage exposure during regular follow-up visits. Two cartilage samples were taken after 2 separate second-stage surgeries done 52 weeks after first-stage reconstruction. These samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin as well as safranin-O and examined under light microscopy. A total of 12 ear reconstruction procedures using cadaveric costal cartilage were performed across 11 patients; 10 of 12 ears had type III microtia and 2 of 12 ears had type IV microtia. Patients ranged from 4 to 25 years old at the time of surgery, with an average age of 10.7 years. Follow-up time ranged from 1.6 to 25.4 months, with a mean follow-up time of 11.2 months. No patients experienced any visibly significant cartilage warping. Two patients experienced minor construct exposure, which were successfully salvaged. Two patients experienced surgical site infections, one lead to resorption requiring framework replacement. Preliminary histologic analysis of the 2 samples taken 1 year after implantation showed viable chondrocytes with no evidence of immunologic rejection or any local inflammation or host foreign body response. Cadaveric costal cartilage serves as a viable alternative to autologous cartilage and other alloplastic biomaterials for construction of auricular frameworks in primary microtia reconstruction. Resorption secondary to infection and construct exposure remain potential risks. Longer follow-up times and a larger sample size are needed for assessment of long-term efficacy.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy versus Standard of Care in Reduction of Surgical Site Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

A systematic literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and QUOSA was performed for publications written in English, comparing ciNPT to standard-of-care dressings between January 2005 and August 2021. Study participant characteristics, surgical procedure, dressings used, treatment duration, postsurgical outcomes, and follow-up data were extracted. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. Risk ratios summarized dichotomous outcomes. Difference in means or standardized difference in means was used to assess continuous variables reported on the same scale or outcomes reported on different scales/measurement instruments. The literature search identified 84 studies for analysis. Significant reductions in surgical site complication (SSC), surgical site infection (SSI), superficial SSI, deep SSI, seroma, dehiscence, skin necrosis, and prolonged incisional drainage were associated with ciNPT use (P < 0.05). Reduced readmissions and reoperations were significant in favor of ciNPT (P < 0.05). Patients receiving ciNPT had a 0.9-day shorter hospital stay (P < 0.0001). Differences in postoperative pain scores and reported amounts of opioid usage were significant in favor of ciNPT use (P < 0.05). Scar evaluations demonstrated improved scarring in favor of ciNPT (P < 0.05). For these meta-analyses, ciNPT use was associated with statistically significant reduction in SSCs, SSIs, seroma, dehiscence, and skin necrosis incidence. Reduced readmissions, reoperation, length of hospital stay, decreased pain scores and opioid use, and improved scarring were also observed in ciNPT patients.

Impact of Intraoperative Hypothermia on Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Studies have identified perioperative hypothermia as a risk factor for impaired wound healing, increased hospital length of stay, and surgical site infection. This study examines the effect of intraoperative hypothermia on postoperative outcomes in autologous microvascular free flap breast reconstruction. This was a retrospective review of 55 patients who experienced intraoperative hypothermia, defined as less than 35.0°C core body temperature and 99 normothermic patients who underwent autologous-based microvascular free flap breast reconstruction from 2013 to 2021. Demographics, comorbidities, smoking status, intraoperative warming devices, type of autologous reconstruction, hypothermia (and its duration), and length of surgery were collected. The outcomes assessed were infection rate, reoperation within 90 days, skin necrosis, wound healing complications, hematoma, seroma, and readmission within 90 days. In the study population of 154 consecutive patients, 8.4% had type 1 or type 2 diabetes and 3.2% were current smokers. A total of 90.3% of patients (139) underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction, 7.1% (11) superficial inferior epigastric artery flap reconstruction, and 4 (2.6%) another free flap type. A total of 35.7% of the patients (55) experienced intraoperative hypothermia defined as less than 35.0°C. In the hypothermic group, a higher proportion of patients had wound healing complications (52.7% vs 29.3%, P < 0.05), hematoma (16.4% vs 5.1%, P < 0.05), and readmission for postoperative complications (34.5% vs 14.1%, P < 0.05). There was also a trend toward higher incidence of seroma (7.3% vs 5.1%), surgical site infection (12.7% vs 9.1%), skin necrosis (12.7% vs 9.1%), and unplanned reoperation within 90 days (10.9% vs 7.1%). Further analysis via Firth logistic regression demonstrated intraoperative hypothermia predicted postoperative hematoma (odds ratio [OR], 3.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-11.60; P < 0.05), readmission within 90 days (OR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.45-7.08; P < 0.05), and wound healing complications (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.36-5.33; P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that intraoperative hypothermia is a significant risk factor for postoperative wound healing complications, hematoma, and readmission within 90 days in autologous breast reconstruction. Because of a finite amount of donor sites, it is important to find ways to minimize the risk of postoperative complications. Our results support that maintaining strict normothermia during autologous breast reconstruction can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity.

Effect of a real-time automatic nosocomial infection surveillance system on hospital-acquired infection prevention and control

BackgroundThe systematic collection of valid data related to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is considered effective for nosocomial infection prevention and control programs. New strategies to reduce HAIs have recently fueled the adoption of real-time automatic nosocomial infection surveillance systems (RT-NISSs). Although RT-NISSs have been implemented in some hospitals for several years, the effect of RT-NISS on HAI prevention and control needs to be further explored.MethodsA retrospective, descriptive analysis of inpatients from January 2017 to December 2019 was performed. We collected hospital-acquired infection (HAI) cases and multidrug resistant organism (MDRO) infection cases by traditional surveillance in period 1 (from January 2017 to December 2017), and these cases were collected in period 2 (from January 2018 to December 2018) and period 3 (from January 2019 to December 2019) using a real-time nosocomial infection surveillance system (RT-NISS). The accuracy of MDRO infection surveillance results over the 3 periods was examined. The trends of antibiotic utilization rates and pathogen culture rates in periods 2 and 3 were also analysed.ResultsA total of 114,647 inpatients, including 2242 HAI cases, were analysed. The incidence of HAIs in period 2 was significantly greater than that in period 1 (2.28% vs. 1.48%, χ2 = 61.963, p < 0.001) and period 3 (2.28% vs. 2.05%, χ2 = 4.767, p = 0.029). The incidence of five HAI sites, including respiratory infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), surgical site infection (SSI), bloodstream infection (BSI) and skin and soft tissue infection, was significantly greater in period 2 compared with period 1 (both p < 0.05) but was not significantly different from that in period 3. The incidence of hospital-acquired MDRO infections in period 3 was lower than that in period 2. The identification of MDRO infection cases using the RT-NISS achieved a high level of sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), especially in period 3 (Se = 100%, Sp = 100%, PPV = 100% and NPV = 100%).ConclusionThe adoption of a RT-NISS to adequately and accurately collect HAI cases is useful to prevent and control HAIs. Furthermore, RT-NISSs improve accuracy in MDRO infection case reporting, which can timely and accurately guide and supervise clinicians in implementing MDRO infection prevention and control measures.

Auricular Framework Construction Using Cadaveric Costal Cartilage in Type III Microtia: Preliminary Results.

Non/minimally irradiated Cadaveric Costal Cartilage (NCCC) is commonly used for grafts in nasal reconstruction; however, no information exists on its use in total ear reconstruction for type III microtia. In this case series we describe preliminary results from the novel use of NCCC for auricular framework construction in 7 ear reconstructions. Patients requiring total ear reconstruction from August 2020 to October 2021 were eligible and underwent ear reconstruction using NCCC from MTF Biologics (Edison, NJ). Patients were evaluated for surgical site infection, skin necrosis, cartilage exposure, warping, and resorption during regular follow up visits. Seven ears were reconstructed using NCCC across 5 patients with type III microtia. Patients ranged from 5 to 51 years old at the time of surgery. Follow up time ranged from 12 to 78 weeks (mean: 46wk). No patients experienced surgical site infections or significant cartilage resorption. All procedures were done outpatient, total time under anesthesia was <90 minutes in 5/7 cases and postoperative narcotics for pain management were not needed in 5/7 cases. Complications included minor skin necrosis that was repaired via primary closure, construct exposure in the immediate postoperative period, which was successfully salvaged with a local flap, and explantation of one construct after reconstruction for a complicated revision surgery involving a previous temporoparietal fascial flap. NCCC serves as an immediately available alternative to alloplastic and autologous materials for construction of auricular frameworks during ear reconstruction. Longer follow up times and a larger sample size will further elucidate long-term efficacy.

Temporizing cast immobilization is a safe alternative to external fixation in ankle fracture-dislocation while posterior malleolar fragment size predicts loss of reduction: a case control study

BackgroundTo determine if temporizing cast immobilization is a safe alternative to external fixator (ex-fix) in ankle fracture-dislocations with delayed surgery or moderate soft-tissue injury, we analysed the early complications and re-dislocation rates of cast immobilization in relation to ex-fix in patients sustaining these injuries.MethodsAll skeletally mature patients with a closed ankle fracture-dislocation and a minimum 6-months follow-up treated between 2007 and 2017 were included. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, injury description, treatment history and complications were assessed.ResultsIn 160 patients (94 female; mean age 50 years) with 162 ankle fracture-dislocations, 35 underwent primary ex-fix and 127 temporizing cast immobilizations. Loss of reduction (LOR) was observed in 25 cases (19.7%) and 19 (15.0%) were converted to ex-fix. The rate of surgical site infections (ex-fix: 11.1% vs cast: 4.6%) and skin necrosis (ex-fix: 7.4% vs cast: 6.5%) did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.122 and p = 0.825). Temporizing cast immobilization led to an on average 2.7 days earlier definite surgery and 5.0 days shorter hospitalization when compared to ex-fix (p < 0.001). Posterior malleolus fragment (PMF) size predicted LOR with ≥ 22.5% being the threshold for critical PMF-size (p < 0.001).ConclusionTemporizing cast immobilization was a safe option for those ankle fracture-dislocations in which immediate definite treatment was not possible. Those temporized in a cast underwent definite fixation earlier than those with a fix-ex and had a complication rate no worse than the ex-fix patients. PMF-size was an important predictor for LOR. Primary ex-fix seems appropriate for those with ≥ 22.5% PMF-size.Trial registrationThe study does not meet the criteria of a prospective, clinical trial. There was no registration.

Xenograft Skin Model to Manipulate Human Immune Responses In Vivo.

The human skin xenograft model, in which human donor skin is transplanted onto an immunodeficient mouse host, is an important option for translational research in skin immunology. Murine and human skin differ substantially in anatomy and immune cell composition. Therefore, traditional mouse models have limitations for dermatological research and drug discovery. However, successful xenotransplants are technically challenging and require optimal specimen and mouse graft site preparation for graft and host survival. The present protocol provides an optimized technique for transplanting human skin onto mice and discusses necessary considerations for downstream experimental aims. This report describes the appropriate preparation of a human donor skin sample, assembly of a surgical setup, mouse and surgical site preparation, skin transplantation, and post-surgical monitoring. Adherence to these methods allows for maintenance of xenografts for over 6 weeks post-surgery. The techniques outlined below allow maximum grafting efficiency due to the development of engineering controls, sterile technique, and pre- and post-surgical conditioning. Appropriate performance of the xenograft model results in long-lived human skin graft samples for experimental characterization of human skin and preclinical testing of compounds in vivo.

Surgical solutions for preoperative skin preparation in total hip arthroplasty: A cost-effectiveness analysis of Betadine® and Chloraprep™

ObjectiveThe purpose of our study was to compare the cost of surgical site skin preparation using ChloraPrep™ (2% chlorhexidine gluconate [CHG] and 70% isopropyl alcohol [IPA]) with skin cleansing using Betadine® Surgical Scrub and Betadine® 5% solution (povidone-iodine [PVI]) in total hip arthroplasty (THA). HypothesisThe hypothesis was that the ChloraPrep™ skin disinfection protocol reduces the cost of perioperative antisepsis. MethodsA prospective database was created for all THAs performed at our university hospital between November 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2020. Each surgeon was randomly assigned one type of antiseptic prior to the start of the study: one surgeon to the ChloraPrep™ group and one to the Betadine® group. In both groups, the enrollment stopped at the 15th patient. The costs related to consumables, waste disposal, and operating room occupancy time of each protocol were then assessed for each patient. ResultsThe mean duration of the ChloraPrep™ protocol was 3.5±0.3minutes compared to 13.5±0.9minutes for the Betadine® protocol. The overall cost of a surgical site skin preparation involving all three steps was on average €46.8±4.2 for the ChloraPrep™ group compared to €155±10.9 for the Betadine® group (p<0.0001). DiscussionNot only is the effectiveness of ChloraPrep™ already recognized but it also appears to have health economic benefits. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding. Level of evidenceIII, case control study.

Effect of Mastectomy Flap Fixation on Post-operative Fluid Drainage and Seroma Formation in Breast Cancer Patients A Double-blinded Randomised Control Trial.

&lt;b&gt; Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Post-operative seroma formation is one of the most common complications following modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Quilting is a technique where the mastectomy flaps are sutured to the underlying chest wall muscles with sutures, obliterating the dead space. The authors hypothesised that post-mastectomy dead space obliteration by intermittent mastectomy flap fixation leads to decreased drain output and seroma formation. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt; Material and methods: &lt;/b&gt; A double-blinded randomised control trial with two arms was conducted from November 2019 to March 2021 in our institute located in India. Patients with non metastatic breast carcinoma planned for MRM were randomly categorised into two groups of 35 patients each. In the test group, each flap was fixed to the underlying muscle using four intermittent 3-0 polyglactin sutures, which was followed by skin closure, and only skin closure was done in the control group. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The test and control groups did not differ significantly with respect to demographic and tumour characteristics. The average drain output of the test group (155.43 ml) was significantly less than of the control group (206.29 ml). The overall incidence of seroma formation is lower in the test group (5.7%) when compared to the control group (28.6%). The duration of hospital stay in the test group (4.63 days) was significantly shorter when compared to the control group (6.66 days). There was no significant increase in the overall operating time or complications like surgical site infection or skin dimpling due to flap fixation. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Fixation of MRM flaps is associated with better post-operative outcomes related to drain output and seroma formation without a significant increase in other morbidities or usage of resources.

A comparative study of two robotic thyroidectomy procedures: transoral vestibular versus bilateral axillary-breast approach

ObjectiveTo compare the surgical outcomes between the transoral-vestibular robotic thyroidectomy (TOVRT) and bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy (BABART).MethodsA total of 99 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma but no distant metastasis were enrolled in this study from May 2020 to April 2021. Lobectomy or total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection were performed in all cases. All 99 patients were received an ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy prior to surgical intervention, out of which 49 patients underwent TOVRT, while rest 50 patients underwent BABART. During the procedure, intraoperative neuromonitoring system was used and all recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs) were preserved, additionally for TOVRT procedure, three intraoral ports or right axillary fold incision was used to allow for fine countertraction of tissue for radical oncological dissection. The clinical data including age, gender, height, weight, BMI, primary tumor size, number of central lymph node removed, central lymph node metastasis, operating time, total hospital stays, postoperative hospital stays, total postoperative drainage volume, postoperative pain score, cosmetic effect and complications were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThere were no significant differences in gender, height, weight, BMI and removed central lymph nodes between the two groups (P > 0.05). Patients accepted TOVRT were younger and had smaller primary tumor size than those who accepted BABART. The TOVRT group had a longer surgical time than the BABART group, but with smaller postoperative drainage volume and superior cosmetic effect (under visual analogue scale, VAS) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in lymph node metastasis, hospital stay and postoperative pain score (under numerical rating scale, NRS) between the two groups (P > 0.05). Last but not least, certain peculiar complications were observed in TOVRT group: paresthesia of the lower lip and the chin (one case), surgical site infection (one case) and skin burn (one case).ConclusionTransoral-vestibular robotic thyroidectomy is safe and feasible for certain patients, which could be considered an alternative approach for patients who require no scarring on their neck.

141. Effectiveness of a Multipronged Approach to Improve Prophylactic Antibiotic Prescribing in Patients Undergoing Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization

BackgroundIn our institution, the significant use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) in trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) was operator dependent and not evidence based. Hence, an AP guideline was developed with the Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology and launched in May 2019, following department roadshows and creation of user-friendly electronic AP order sets. We analyzed the effectiveness and outcomes of our multipronged approach towards improving the standardization of AP prescribing.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of TACE procedures from November 2018 to March 2020, pre and post guideline implementation (Figure 1). Single IV cefazolin 2g dose (or IV clindamycin 600mg in the setting of β-lactam allergy) before TACE in patients with an uncompromised sphincter of Oddi was recommended. Patients with active infections prior to TACE were excluded. AP was deemed inappropriate if it deviated from guidelines (antibiotic choice and/or duration). Primary outcome was AP appropriateness and 30-day TACE related infections.Figure 1. Timeline of our multipronged approach ResultsSeventy patients were included. There were no differences in baseline demographics pre and post implementation (Table 1). Following guideline implementation, there was a significant improvement in AP used for TACE. AP appropriateness pre-implementation and post-implementation was 14/31 (45.2%) and 37/39 (94.9%) respectively (p< 0.001). Guideline compliant antibiotics were selected more frequently (14 [45.2%] vs 38 [97.4%], p< 0.001), and more patients received single dose AP (22 [71.0%] vs 38 [97.4%], p=0.004). Of the 18 patients who did not receive guideline recommended AP, 16 (88.9%) received IV ceftriaxone and metronidazole, 1 (5.6%) IV amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and 1 (5.6%) IV ciprofloxacin. Ten patients received a prolonged course of AP with a median duration of 6 days (IQR 4.3, 6.5). There were no significant differences in 30-day TACE related infections (1 [3.2%] vs 2 [5.1%], p=1.000) and 30-day mortality (1 [3.2%] vs 1 [2.6%], p=1.000). No patient had surgical site skin infection. ConclusionOur multipronged approach improved AP prescribing in patients undergoing TACE. Single dose IV cefazolin prophylaxis for TACE did not compromise safety outcomes in the post implementation review.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Cutaneous Metastasis in a Previously Known Case of Ovarian Dysgerminoma: A Case Report

Introduction: Cutaneous metastasis is an uncommon manifestation that mostly occurs in patients with previous gastrointestinal or gynecological malignancies. Local recurrence usually can be seen in surgical incisions. Dysgerminomas are rare ovarian tumors that usually have local invasions, but metastases are infrequent. Here, we described a case of dysgerminoma and cutaneous metastasis in the surgical incision. Case Presentation: The patient was a 39-year-old woman previously known as ovarian dysgerminoma, who had undergone surgery one year ago. Ultrasound examination a year after surgery showed a 35 × 33 millimeters hypoechoic solid tumor in the left ovary and another 3 masses with similar echo pattern and vascularity were found in the surgical incision. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were compatible with cutaneous metastasis of pervious dysgerminoma. Pathologic evaluation and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed dysgerminoma's skin metastasis. She received chemotherapy due to the recurrence of malignancy. Conclusions: Local recurrence and metastases (even in the skin) should be kept in mind and the clinician must examine the surgical site skin in patients with a history of malignancy.

A guide to caesarean wound healing

A guide to caesarean wound healing

Duration of post-operative antibiotic treatment in acute complicated appendicitis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Appendicitis is the most frequent aetiology of acute abdominal pain requiring surgical treatment, with an estimated lifetime risk between 7% and 8%. Antibiotics play a substantial role in treatment, and there is considerable debate regarding the duration of antibiotics in treating appendicitis. We searched multiple databases from inception until June 2019 for peer-reviewed studies that compared different durations of antibiotic treatment after appendicectomy for acute complicated appendicitis in adults. We dichotomized reported data into short- and extended-term antibiotic use and controlled for different definitional thresholds in the meta-analysis. We generated risk ratios using restricted maximum likelihood methods and mixed effects modelling for each outcome of interest. Four observational studies involving 847 participants were included in the meta-analysis. For the primary outcomes of intra-abdominal infection, we did not find a statistically significant difference between extended- and short-term antibiotic strategies for intra-abdominal infection (Risk ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-1.74). Three randomized controlled trials involving 291 participants were included in a separate meta-analysis. We found that extended antibiotic usage was not associated with a statistically significant reduced risk for intra-abdominal infection (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.21-1.29) or surgical site skin infection (RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.43-4.81). This systematic review and meta-analysis found that extended post-operative antibiotic treatment may not be associated with a reduced risk of intra-abdominal infection; however, meta-analysis was significantly limited by heterogeneity between studies and underpowered trials. Further large randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Randomised Controlled Trials of Alcohol-Based Surgical Site Skin Preparation for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Surgical site skin preparation is an important approach to prevent postoperative wound infections. International guidelines recommend that alcohol-based combinations be used, however, the optimal combination remains uncertain. This study compares the effectiveness of alcohol-based chlorhexidine and alcohol-based iodophor for surgical site skin preparation for prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs). (2) Methods: Randomised controlled trials comparing alcohol-based interventions for surgical site skin preparation were included. The proportion of SSIs was compared using risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The meta-analysis was performed with a fixed effect model using Mantel-Haenszel methods. As an a priori subgroup analysis SSI risk was examined according to different surgical procedural groups. (3) Results: Thirteen studies were included (n = 6023 participants). The use of chlorhexidine-alcohol was associated with a reduction in risk of SSIs compared with iodophor-alcohol (RR 0.790; 95% CI 0.669, 0.932). On sub-group analysis, chlorhexidine-alcohol was associated with a reduction in SSIs in caesarean surgery (RR 0.614; 95% CI 0.453, 0.831) however, chlorhexidine-alcohol was associated with an increased risk of SSI in bone and joint surgery (RR 2.667; 95% CI 1.051, 6.765). When excluding studies at high risk of bias on sensitivity analysis, this difference in alcohol-based combinations for bone and joint surgery was no longer observed (RR 2.636; 95% CI 0.995, 6.983). (4) Conclusions: The use of chlorhexidine-alcohol skin preparations was associated with a reduced risk of SSI compared to iodophor-alcohol agents. However, the efficacy of alcohol-based preparation agents may differ according to the surgical procedure group. This difference must be interpreted with caution given the low number of studies and potential for bias, however, it warrants further investigation into the potential biological and clinical validity of these findings.