Recent evidence for subcutaneous drains to prevent surgical site infections after abdominal surgery:A systematic review and metaanalysis

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

Incidence and Outcomes of Surgical Site Infections after Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Experience

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a challenging medical problem, especially in cardiac surgery patients. There is a lack of studies evaluating the rate of and outcomes of SSIs following cardiac surgeries in Saudi Arabia. Aims: This study aimed to determine the incidence of SSIs after adult cardiac surgeries that were done in Madinah Cardiac Center, Saudi Arabia. Further, to identify the outcomes and risk factors contributing to death among surgical site infection patients. Methods: This was a 6-year, single-center, retrospective cohort study that included 93 consecutive patients who underwent adult cardiac surgery between August 2016 and August 2022. All adult patients aged 18 years or older who had clinical evidence of postoperative surgical wound infection were included. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data (early and late) were collected from medical records. Microbiological culture reports and clinical outcomes were also recorded. Results: The study revealed a 9.1% (93/1021) incidence rate of SSIs. Of the 93 patients with SSIs, 60 had superficial incisional infections and 33 had deep infections with incidence rates of 5.9% and 3.2%, respectively. In-hospital mortality due to SSI was recorded in 4 out of 93 patients with an incidence rate of 4.3%. There was a significant association between the in-hospital mortality and the type of SSIs (p = 0.014). All non-survivors had deep SSIs. The type of cardiac surgery also showed a significant association with the in-hospital mortality (p = 0.017). Furthermore, the median duration of antibiotic administration was significantly longer in the non-survivors than in the survivors (72.5 vs 17, respectively, p Conclusions: In conclusion, the incidence of surgical wound infections following cardiac surgery is not low (9.1%);of which 3.2% were deep infections. The in-hospital mortality rate after treatment of SSIs was fortunately low (4.3%), and all non-survivors had deep SSIs. The non- survivors showed a significantly longer duration of antibiotics administration than survivors. Combined CABG and valve procedures showed a higher mortality rate (75%) than the isolated procedures.

Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections in Patients Operated at the University Clinic of Traumatology-Orthopedics and Restorative Surgery of the National Hospital and University Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou

Background: Operative site infections (ISO) are typically nosocomial. According to the WHO the incidence of ISO varies from 0.5% to 15% and exceeds 25% in developing countries. They result from the combined action of several factors and represent a concern for public health. To study the contributing factors of surgical site infections in patients operated at the University Clinic of Orthopedic Traumatology of CNHU-HKM of Cotonou. Method: This was an analytical cross-sectional study that involved 35 operated patients and ten nurses. Were included in our study: 1) All patients, without distinction of sex or age, having been operated on in the university clinic of orthopedic traumatology, during the survey period;2) Patients hospitalized for post-operative care during the survey period;3) The nursing staff on duty during our study period. The usual statistical measures were used according to the type of variables: means, standard deviations, percentages. Data analysis first involved calculating percentages for the qualitative variables and means followed by their standard deviations for the quantitative variables. Next, the Pearson Chi-square test was used to test the association between the dependent variable and the independent variables of interest. The significance level is set at p Results: The prevalence of surgical site infections was 28.58%. The main factors contributing to the occurrence of SSIs that were found were the patient’s level of education (p = 0.003) and the reuse of bandages used for dressing (p = 0.004). Other potential factors such as the economic status of the patient, the poor quality of technical dressings, and the preoperative stay were also highlighted. Conclusion: Surgical site infections remain a global concern. Risk factors were found on both the patient and nurse sides. It is urgent to address these various factors to minimize the occurrence of surgical site infections.

Surveillance of Surgical Site Infections: A Public Health Emergency in a Regional Hospital of Northern Benin. A Prospective Observational Pilot Study

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are considered as result of the healthcare quality in hospitals. Objective: to study SSI at Saint Jean de Dieu Hospital Tanguieta (SJDHT), prior to the implementation of a permanent monitoring system. Method: transversal, and descriptive study with prospective data collection was performed from 1 July to 31 janvier 2017 in the department of general surgery of SJDHT. The hospital lacks in a microbiology unit. All patients who underwent surgery during this period were included and the monitoring lasted one month. SSIs diagnostic was carried out according to WHO criteria as described in the Practical Guide for the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections published in 2002. Statistical tests (χ-square and Student’s t-test) were applied and p 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: Of 343 patients recorded, 105 (30.6%) had SSI. Their age averaged 40.3 years and the sex-ratio (men/women) was 2.8. The emergency surgery resulted in a 50.0% rate of SSI (p = 0.00). The SSI rate for clean and clean-contaminated surgery was 6.3% against 94.6% for infected surgery (p = 0.00). The SSI rates were 100% and 66.7% for NNISS = 2 and NNISS = 1 (p = 0.00), respectively. Superficial SSI rate was 13.3%, while deep SSI and organ/space SSI were 46.7% and 40%, respectively. The hospital stay of patients with SSI was three times longer than the length of patients without SSI (p = 0.00). Conclusion: SSIs are real burden at SJDHT. Appropriate measures must be adopted to reduce its prevalence.

Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns and Prevalence of Surgical Site Infections in Caesarean Section Deliveries at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: A caesarean section (CS) is one of the most frequently performed obstetric surgeries in the world and its use has increased dramatically in recent years. The number of caesarean section cases worldwide has been increasing each year, and the World Health Organization (WHO) reported an excess of 10% - 15% of CS procedures for all births. However, some women experience surgical site infections (SSIs) after undergoing CS delivery. This study investigated the prescribing patterns of antibiotics in CS deliveries and the prevalence of SSIs at two tertiary hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2020 at the Women and Newborn University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and the Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, in Lusaka, Zambia. Results: Of a total of 838 women who delivered via CS, more than half were aged between 21 and 25 years (n = 461, 55.0%), 56.3% were from low-cost residential areas, and 57% had emergency CS delivery. The prevalence of SSIs was 6.0%, with the level of education (OR 0.377, 95% CI 0.150 - 0.946), type of caesarean section (OR 6.253, 95% CI 2.833 - 13.803), and oral antibiotics post-caesarean (OR 0.218, 95% CI 0.049 - 0.963). The duration of IV antibiotic treatment significantly predicted SSI (p Conclusion: This study found that the third-generation cephalosporin (cefotaxime) and triple combination therapy (benzylpenicillin, gentamicin, and metronidazole) were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics before and after CS. The level of education, type of CS, oral antibiotics post-CS, facility, and duration of administering IV antibiotics were all predictors of SSIs.

Wound irrigation for preventing surgical site infections

Wound irrigation(i.e.washing out a wound before wound closure)aims to reduce the microbial burden by removing tissue debris,metabolic waste,and tissue exudate from the surgical field before site closure.Although it is a popular procedure in every day surgical practice,the lack of procedure standardization,leads to studies with high heterogeneity and often controversial results.Thus,there are studies that advocate its use,while others discourage its implementation in clinical practice to reduce the risk of surgical site infection.The present article reviews the current literature on wound irrigation for preventing surgical site infections.Several irrigants are presented.Chlorexidine is generally considered to be less effective than povidone-iodine,while antibiotics are not that common nowadays,as they require prolonged exposure with the target to act.Hydrogen peroxide has several potential complications,which eliminate its use.Any differences in the incidence of surgical site infections between different irrigants,especially between antibacterial and non-bacterial ones,should be viewed sceptically.More randomized controlled studies are needed to provide better quality of evidence regarding the irrigants'effectiveness and safety.

Research progress in the targeted monitoring of surgical site infections

Surgical treatment can decrease the pain burden of patients, as well as improve their quality of life and social satisfaction. However, postoperative infection and other complications may harm patients and may even cause surgical failure and death. This review describes the definition, classification, and status of surgical site infection(SSI). In addition, this review provides an analysis of the relevant risk factors that result in SSI, and proposes the corresponding preventative and control measures for each different risk factor.

The Impact of an Evidence-Based Bundle on Cesarean Section-Related Surgical Site Infections:A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective To compare the effectiveness of an evidence-based bundle in minimizing cesarean section(CS)-related surgical site infections(SSIs)with that of standard routine care.Methods This was a single-center,parallel,and randomized clinical trial conducted at KAHER’s Dr.Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital,Belagavi,India,from January 2021 to December 31,2021.Three hundred twenty women undergoing CS delivery were selected and allocated into two groups(1:1)using simple randomization with fixed allocation.An evidence-based surgical bundle(a combination of more than three perioperative interventions)was used for the intervention group,whereas the control group received routine standard perioperative care.The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI(superficial,deep,and organ or space SSIs)within 6 weeks postpartum in both groups.Categorical and continuous data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests with a significance threshold set at P<0.05.Results In this study,16 and 17 participants each from the control and intervention groups,respectively,were lost to follow-up,resulting in a total of 144 and 143 study participants included in the respective groups.Twenty-eight(19.4%)and 14(9.8%)women developed SSI in the control and intervention groups,respectively(P=0.02).Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common cause of SSI in both groups(63.6%(7/11)and 100%(3/3)in the control and intervention groups,respectively).Conclusion The use of the evidence-based bundle for CS-related SSI prevention effectively decreased the incidence of SSI by half compared to standard routine practice.Implementing the use of this bundle in routine perioperative care will reduce the cost of CS and improve health outcomes in CS.

Effect of weight-adjusted antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis on postoperative dosage and surgical site infection incidence in total joint arthroplasty

Surgical site infections(SSI)following total joint arthroplasty pose a significant concern for both providers and patients across the globe.Currently,administration of antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis is used throughout the world to reduce the incidence of SSI.However,the correct dosage and frequency of administration remains debatable.In this editorial,we emphasized the determination of the effect of administration of weight-adjusted antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis regime on the incidence of SSI and postoperative dosage reduction compared to the conventionally used regime during total joint arthroplasty.The results demonstrated similar efficacy between both regimes with respect to the incidence of SSI.In addition,weight-adjustment led to reduced postoperative dosage and has the potential to reduce chances of achieving lower therapeutic concentration,drug resistance,drug toxicity,and costs.

Incidence of surgical site infection in minimally invasive colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND Surgical site infection(SSI)is a common complication of colorectal surgery.Minimally invasive surgery notably reduces the incidence of SSI.This study aimed to compare the incidences of SSI after robot-assisted colorectal surgery(RACS)vs that after laparoscopic assisted colorectal surgery(LACS)and to analyze associated risk factors for SSI in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.AIM To compare the incidences of SSI after RACS and LACS,and to analyze the risk factors associated with SSI after minimally invasive colorectal surgery.METHODS Clinical data derived from patients who underwent minimally invasive colorectal surgery between October 2020 and October 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were collated.Differences in clinical characteristics and surgeryrelated information associated with RACS and LACS were compared,and possible risk factors for SSI were identified.RESULTS A total of 246 patients(112 LACS and 134 RACS)were included in the study.Fortythree(17.5%)developed SSI.The proportions of patients who developed SSI were similar in the two groups(17.9%vs 17.2%,P=0.887).Diabetes mellitus,intraoperative blood loss≥100 mL,and incision length were independent risk factors for SSI.Possible additional risk factors included neoadjuvant therapy,lesion site,and operation time.CONCLUSION There was no difference in SSI incidence in the RACS and LACS groups.Diabetes mellitus,intraoperative blood loss≥100 mL,and incision length were independent risk factors for postoperative SSI.

The Timing of Primary Neurosurgical Repair and Wound-Site Infection in Children with Myelomeningocele

Background: The optimal time to closure of a newborn with a myelomeningocele has been the focus of a number of evaluations. The Timing of primary surgery has received significant attention due to its relationship to repair-site infection that can lead to increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stays. It is on this basis that recommendations have utilized 48 - 72 hours post birth as ideal time of closure. This is not only prevent infection at the site but also prevent ventriculitis and neural structure damage. We therefore, hypothesized an increase in wound infection rates in those patients with delays in myelomeningocele repair. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 103 children with myelomeningocele treated between 2016 and 2023. At discharge the patients were followed up at the post-operative clinic visit 2 weeks later. Children were assigned to 1 of 2 groups, those who underwent primary neurosurgical repair within 72 hours of delivery (Group 1) and those undergoing repair after 72 hours (Group 2). We compared the infection rates. Results: 103 children who underwent myelomeningocele repair were identified, with a median time from birth to treatment of 1 day. Eight (7.8 %) patients were noted to have post-repair surgical site complications. There was no significant difference in rates of infection between Group 1 and Group 2 repair times. The presence of infection was associated increased length of stay when compared to neonates without infection. Conclusion: In children with myelomeningocele, the timing of primary neurosurgical repair appears not to have a significant impact on surgical site infection. Closure of the spinal lesion within the first 72 hours of life may be more favorable for neural damage prevention. These results suggest that early myelomeningocele repair may not impart significantly on the rate of wound-site infection.

Surgical site infections after elective craniotomy for brain tumor:a study on potential risk factors and related treatments

Background Surgical site infection(SSI)is a common complication following craniotomy that increases morbidity,mortality,and medical expenses.The objectives of this study were to determine the relevant risk factors associated with SSI after elective craniotomy for brain tumor and analyse the treatments for SSI.Methods A retrospective nested case-control study was conducted using data from patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor resection at the Neurosurgical Oncology Department No.6 of Beijing Tiantan Hospital,Capital Medical University,between January 2019 and December 2021.Risk factors for SSI were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.We analyzed microbiological and related treatment data for different SSI types.Results Among 2061 patients who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor,31 had SSI(1.50%).In the multivariate logistic regression analysis,body mass index(BMI)and operative duration were identified as independent risk factors for SSI.The most common microorganism isolated from SSIs was Staphylococcus epidermidis(22.9%),and drug sensitivity results showed that gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to linezolid,vancomycin and tigecycline,whereas gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to meropenem,cefepime and ceftazidime.Six of the seven patients who underwent bone flap removal due to osteomyelitis were infected with gram-negative bacteria.Conclusions BMI and operative duration were identified as independent risk factors for SSI.Diabetes mellitus,previous ratio therapy,type of incision,recurrence tumor and other risk factors were not found to be associated with the occurrence of SSI in this study.

Risk factors and prediction model for inpatient surgical site infection after elective abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND Surgical site infections(SSIs) are the commonest healthcare-associated infection. In addition to increasing mortality, it also lengthens the hospital stay and raises healthcare expenses. SSIs are challenging to predict, with most models having poor predictability. Therefore, we developed a prediction model for SSI after elective abdominal surgery by identifying risk factors.AIM To analyse the data on inpatients undergoing elective abdominal surgery to identify risk factors and develop predictive models that will help clinicians assess patients preoperatively.METHODS We retrospectively analysed the inpatient records of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital from January 1, 2018 to January 1, 2021. We included the demographic data of the patients and their haematological test results in our analysis. The attending physicians provided the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002(NRS 2002)scores. The surgeons and anaesthesiologists manually calculated the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance(NNIS) scores. Inpatient SSI risk factors were evaluated using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Nomograms were used in the predictive models. The receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve values were used to measure the specificity and accuracy of the model.RESULTS A total of 3018 patients met the inclusion criteria. The surgical sites included the uterus(42.2%), the liver(27.6%), the gastrointestinal tract(19.1%), the appendix(5.9%), the kidney(3.7%), and the groin area(1.4%). SSI occurred in 5% of the patients(n = 150). The risk factors associated with SSI were as follows: Age;gender;marital status;place of residence;history of diabetes;surgical season;surgical site;NRS 2002 score;preoperative white blood cell, procalcitonin(PCT), albumin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL) levels;preoperative antibiotic use;anaesthesia method;incision grade;NNIS score;intraoperative blood loss;intraoperative drainage tube placement;surgical operation items. Multivariate logistic regression revealed the following independent risk factors: A history of diabetes [odds ratio(OR) = 5.698, 95% confidence interval(CI): 3.305-9.825, P = 0.001], antibiotic use(OR = 14.977, 95%CI: 2.865-78.299, P = 0.001), an NRS 2002 score of ≥ 3(OR = 2.426, 95%CI: 1.199-4.909, P = 0.014), general anaesthesia(OR = 3.334, 95%CI: 1.134-9.806, P = 0.029), an NNIS score of ≥ 2(OR = 2.362, 95%CI: 1.019-5.476, P = 0.045), PCT ≥ 0.05 μg/L(OR = 1.687, 95%CI: 1.056-2.695, P = 0.029), LDL < 3.37 mmol/L(OR = 1.719, 95%CI: 1.039-2.842, P = 0.035), intraoperative blood loss ≥ 200 mL(OR = 29.026, 95%CI: 13.751-61.266, P < 0.001), surgical season(P < 0.05), surgical site(P < 0.05), and incision grade I or Ⅲ(P < 0.05). The overall area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the predictive model was 0.926, which is significantly higher than the NNIS score(0.662).CONCLUSION The patient’s condition and haematological test indicators form the bases of our prediction model. It is a novel, efficient, and highly accurate predictive model for preventing postoperative SSI, thereby improving the prognosis in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Antimicrobial approach of abdominal post-surgical infections

Abdominal surgical site infections(SSIs)are infections that occur after abdominal surgery.They can be superficial,involving the skin tissue only,or more profound,involving deeper skin tissues including organs and implanted materials.Currently,SSIs are large global health problem with an incidence that varies significantly depending on the United Nations’Human Development Index.The purpose of this review is to provide a practical update on the latest available literature on SSIs,focusing on causative pathogens and treatment with an overview of the ongoing studies of new therapeutic strategies.

Role of ablation therapy in conjunction with surgical resection for neuroendocrine tumors involving the liver

BACKGROUND Resection of hepatic metastasis from neuroendocrine tumors(NETs)improves quality of life and prolongs 5-year survival.Ablation can be utilized with surgery to achieve complete resection.Although several studies report long-term out-comes for patients undergoing ablation,none have explored perioperative effects of ablation in patients with metastatic NETs.AIM To determine if intra-operative ablation during hepatectomy increases risk of ad-verse outcomes such as surgical site infections(SSIs),bleeding,and bile leak.METHODS A retrospective analysis of the hepatectomy National Surgical Quality Impro-vement Program database from 2015-2019 was performed to determine the odds of SSIs,bile leaks,or bleeding in patients undergoing intraoperative ablation when compared to hepatectomy alone.RESULTS Of the 966 patients included in the study,298(30.9%)underwent ablation during hepatectomy.There were 78(11.7%)patients with SSIs in the hepatectomy alone group and 39(13.1%)patients with a SSIs in the hepatectomy with ablation group.Bile leak occurred in 41(6.2%)and 14(4.8%)patients in the two groups,respec-tively;bleeding occurred in 117(17.5%)and 33(11.1%),respectively.After con-trolling for confounding variables,ablation did not increase risk of SSI(P=0.63),bile leak(P=0.34)or bleeding(P=0.07)when compared to patients undergoing resection alone on multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION Intraoperative ablation with hepatic resection for NETs is safe in the perioperative period without significant increased risk of infection,bleeding,or bile leak.Surgeons should utilize this modality when appropriate to a-chieve optimal disease control and outcomes.

The Place of Nursing Theory in the Management of Post-Operative Infections in a Hospital Environment: Case of Cibitoke District Hospital

Introduction: Post-operative infections, such as surgical site infections (SSIs), are a significant concern in healthcare settings. Nurses play a crucial role in the prevention and management of these infections. The use of nursing theory could contribute to the prevention of SSIs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of nursing theory in the management of surgical site infections (SSIs) in a hospital environment. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using descriptive and analytical methods to assess the role of nursing theory in the management of Post-operative infections (POI) in a hospital setting in October 2023. The study population consisted of nurses working in the Surgery, Emergency, and Maternity units at Cibitoke District Hospital. A sample size of 71 nurses working full or part time in the Surgery were invited to participate in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data, and SPSS version 21.0 software was used for analysis. Results: The study found that nursing theory did not have any statistically significant place in the management of POI (p-value = 0.523). However, the results showed that experience was the only significant factor influencing the management of POI (p-value = 0.004). This is explained by the analysis of the net effects of the explanatory variable where we noticed that those who had more experience were more likely to manage post-operative infections. The participants’ knowledge regarding nursing theory in the management was poor as they scored less than 30% in all the variables used to measure their knowledge. Conclusion: The study revealed that nurses’ knowledge of nursing theories and their applications in the management of SSIs was poor. Continuing professional development, curriculum review, and in-service training were highly recommended.

Analysis of risk factors of surgical site infections in breast cancer

Background Adjuvant chemotherapy has become an important component of standard therapy for breast cancer. However, until now, there have been few reports on the surgical site infections （SSI） after breast cancer surgery, specially after adjuvent chemotherapy. To study the risk factors of SSI of breast cancer, we analyzed patients diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with surgery. Methods Fifty-five patients diagnosed with breast cancer and received breast conserving or modified radical operations in our hospital during January 2008 to March 2008 were selected. Factors （patients＇ age, body mass index （BMI）, diabetes mellitus, no or administered adjuvant chemotherapy, with or without onset of myelosuppression and the degree, surgical approaches, duration of operation, postoperative drainage duration and total drainage volume） associated with SSI were retrospectively reviewed and statistically analyzed by single factor analysis. Results Five patients suffered SSI （5/55, 9.1%）; nineteen receiving adjuvant chemotherapy experienced Grade III＋ myelosuppression, among which 4 had SSI; only 1 out of the remaining 36 patients without adjuvant chemotherapy had SSI. The difference between the two groups was significant （P=-0.043）. The incidence of SSI in patients with postoperative drainage tube indwelling longer than 10 days was 5/21, whereas no SSI occurred in that less than 10 days （P=0.009）. In our study, there was no significient difference in other associated factors. Conclusions Concurrent Grade III＋ myelosuppression after adjuvant chemotherapy is an important risk factor of SSI in breast cancer and needs further study. No SSI was detected with indwelling time of post operative drainage less than 10 days.

Assessment of the effectiveness of weight-adjusted antibiotic administration,for reduced duration,in surgical prophylaxis of primary hip and knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Prophylactic antibiotics have significantly led to a reduction in the risk of postoperative surgical site infections(SSI)in orthopaedic surgery.The aim of using antibiotics for this purpose is to achieve serum and tissue drug levels that exceed,for the duration of the operation,the minimum inhibitory concentration of the likely organisms that are encountered.Prophylactic antibiotics reduce the rate of SSIs in lower limb arthroplasty from between 4%and 8%to between 1%and 3%.Controversy,however,still surrounds the optimal frequency and dosing of antibiotic administration.AIM To evaluate the impact of introduction of a weight-adjusted antibiotic prophylaxis regime,combined with a reduction in the duration of administration of post-operative antibiotics on SSI incidence during the 2 years following primary elective total hip and knee arthroplasty METHODS Following ethical approval,patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty(THA)/total knee arthroplasty(TKA)with the old regime(OR)of a preoperative dose[cefazolin 2 g intravenously(IV)],and two subsequent doses(2 h and 8 h),were compared to those after a change to a new regime(NR)of a weight-adjusted preoperative dose(cefazolin 2 g IV for patients<120 kg;cefazolin 3g IV for patients>120 kg)and a post-operative dose at 2 h.The primary outcome in both groups was SSI rates during the 2 years post-operatively.RESULTS A total of n=1273 operations(THA n=534,TKA n=739)were performed in n=1264 patients.There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of deep(OR 0.74%(5/675)vs NR 0.50%(3/598);fishers exact test P=0.72),nor superficial SSIs(OR 2.07%(14/675)vs NR 1.50%(9/598);chi-squared test P=0.44)at 2 years postoperatively.With propensity score weighting and an interrupted time series analysis,there was also no difference in SSI rates between both groups[RR 0.88(95%CI 0.61 to 1.30)P=0.46].CONCLUSION A weight-adjusted regime,with a reduction in number of post-operative doses had no adverse impact on SSI incidence in this population.

Subcutaneous fat thickness and abdominal depth are risk factors for surgical site infection after gastric cancer surgery

BACKGROUND Surgical site infection(SSI)is one of the most common complications after gastric cancer(GC)surgery.The occurrence of SSI can lead to a prolonged postoperative hospital stay and increased medical expenses,and it can also affect postoperative rehabilitation and the quality of life of patients.Subcutaneous fat thickness(SFT)and abdominal depth(AD)can be used as predictors of SSI in patients undergoing radical resection of GC.AIM To explore the potential relationship between SFT or AD and SSI in patients undergoing elective radical resection of GC.METHODS Demographic,clinical,and pre-and intraoperative information of 355 patients who had undergone elective radical resection of GC were retrospectively collected from hospital electronic medical records.Univariate analysis was performed to screen out the significant parameters,which were subsequently analyzed using binary logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis.RESULTS The prevalence of SSI was 11.27%(40/355).Multivariate analyses revealed that SFT[odds ratio(OR)=1.150;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.090-1.214;P<0.001],AD(OR=1.024;95%CI:1.009-1.040;P=0.002),laparoscopic-assisted surgery(OR=0.286;95%CI:0.030-0.797;P=0.017),and operation time(OR=1.008;95%CI:1.001-1.015;P=0.030)were independently associated with the incidence of SSI after elective radical resection of GC.In addition,the product of SFT and AD was a better potential predictor of SSI in these patients than either SFT or AD alone.CONCLUSION SFT and AD are independent risk factors and can be used as predictors of SSI in patients undergoing radical resection of GC.

Preventing surgical site infection using operating room bundle of care in patients undergoing elective exploratory laparotomy cholecystectomy surgery

Objective:Surgical procedures manifest immense risks to patients.One of the adverse events that healthcare professionals see as a threat to the patient’s health is the development of complications known as surgical site infection(SSI).Although several effor ts are being under taken to determine the proper means to reduce such complications,there is still a high incidence of SSI worldwide.Surgery requires knowledge in infection control and high precision in maintaining a clean surgical site.This study tested the effectiveness of an operating room(OR)bundle of care in preventing SSI in patients undergoing elective exploratory laparotomy cholecystectomy surgery.Methods:A quasi-experimental pretest and posttest design was utilized to determine its effectiveness.The study was composed of 60 par ticipants divided into two groups:30 subjects were selected to receive the OR bundle of care,while the other 30 subjects received the usual care.The groupings were determined through a systematic random sampling technique.The OR bundle of care had three interventions,namely:(1)maintaining perioperative normothermia,(2)no pre-operative surgical site hair removal,and(3)changing gloves before abdominal wall closure.These patients were evaluated using the standard instrument,Bates–Jensen Wound Assessment Tool(BWAT)in the post-intervention phases of the wound healing process,which are as follows:hemostasis,inflammatory,and proliferative phases.To describe the difference in the patients’wound status after implementation of the OR bundle of care in each post-intervention phase,Friedman’s test was used.To describe the difference in the patients’wound status in both groups after implementation of the OR bundle of care,the Mann–Whitney U test was used.Results:The patient’s wound status was lower,indicating a more healing process.Differences between the wound status of the control and the experimental group were observed on the third postoperative day.This indicates that the experimental group’s wound status healed much faster and more effectively than the control group based on the BWAT scoring severity scoring.A significant difference in the patient’s wound status from the hemostasis phase compared with the proliferative phase was observed.Conclusions:The OR bundle of care has been shown to be effective in preventing SSI in patients who had undergone exploratory laparotomy cholecystectomy surgery in the selected hospital,if there is uniform and consistent implementation of the said intervention.