Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection after Vascular Surgery with Inguinal Incisions: Rationale and Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial (INVIPS-Trial)

Background/Aims: Inguinal incisions are a common route of access in vascular surgery. Due to anatomical challenges and a diverse bacterial flora in this area, surgical site infections (SSI) represent a common, debilitating and sometimes life-threatening complication. The INVIPS-Trial evaluates the role of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) on closed inguinal incisions in elective vascular surgery to prevent SSI and other wound complications. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01913132) compares the effects of a NPWT dressing (PICO, Smith & Nephew, UK) and the center’s standard wound dressing (Vitri Pad, ViTri Medical, Sweden) on postoperative wound complications, especially SSI. The study includes two distinct vascular procedures with different SSI risk profiles: endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and open surgical approaches involving the common femoral artery (OPEN). Results: Four hundred ninety-five groin incisions in both treatment arms are anticipated to be included in the EVAR group and 147 inguinal incisions in both treatment arms in the OPEN group. Since a large percentage of inguinal vascular procedures in both groups but especially in the EVAR group are performed bilaterally, many patients can serve as their own control by randomly receiving NPWT on one and the standard dressing on the contralateral inguinal incision. Conclusions: This ongoing RCT attempts to elucidate the potential benefit of NPWT on closed inguinal incisions after different vascular procedures. Outcome and conclusions of this trial could have implications on postoperative wound care of patients in both vascular surgery and other surgical specialties.

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.

Surgical Site Infection Prevention Practices and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in Government Hospitals of Harari Regional State and Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern Ethiopia

Background:Surgical site infections are the most frequent type of preventable hospital acquired infections with a serious and undesirable outcome of surgery associated with increase morbidity,mortality rate,hospital stay,readmission and excess cost.Surgical site infection prevention is one of the most important challenge in delivering optimal nursing care.Studies suggest that the nurses’practices of surgical site infection prevention is not well addressed.Moreover,there is clearly paucity of information,in Africa including the study area.Objective:The aim of this study was to assess surgical site infection prevention practices and associated factors among nurses working in government hospitals of Harari Regional State and Dire Dawa City Administration,Eastern Ethiopia from March 01 to 28,2019.Method and Materials:An institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed for a total of 515 nurses.Simple random sampling method was used to select study participants.Data were collected using pretested structured self-administered questionnaire supplemented by observation.Data were checked,coded,entered and cleaned using Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis.Bivariate and multivariate analysis were undertaken and P values less than 0.05 at 95%confidence interval were considered as statistically significant.Result:The overall self-reported level of SSI prevention practice was found to be 40.8%(95%CI:36.9%,45.4%).Nurses with BSc and above[Adjusted odds ratio(AOR)=2.52,95%CI(1.14,5.54)],trained on infection prevention[AOR=2.22,95%CI(1.29,3.82)],good knowledge[AOR=2.21,95%CI(1.32,3.71)],good attitude[AOR=5.11,95%CI(3.05,8.57)],got supply of personal protective equipment[AOR=2.57,95%CI(1.46,4.49)],had management support[AOR=3.41,95%CI(1.90,6.12)],experience of 5 to 10 years[AOR=5.38,95%CI(2.82,10.27)]and≥11 years[AOR=3.48,95%CI(1.47,8.25)],were found to be statistically and positively associated with nurses SSI prevention practice.Conclusion:In this study,the level of surgical site infection prevention practice was poor.Being BSc and above,being knowledgeable and good attitude,got personal protective equipment,had management support,serving for≥5 years and trained on infection prevention were found to be significantly associated with surgical site infection prevention practice.Updating knowledge and practice of nurses through in-service education and training on latest evidence-based practice,regularly supplying of personal protective equipment,developing hospital policy and procedures for surgical site infection prevention practice is recommended.

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.

Jordanian Nurses’ Knowledge of Preventing Surgical Site Infections in Acute Care Settings

Background: Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is one of the most common healthcare-associated infections, its account for up to 16% of all healthcare-associated infections worldwide. The SSIs can contribute to post-operative morbidity, prolonged recovery, delayed discharge and increasing cost. Nurses’ knowledge of the evidence-based recommendations is necessary to provide high-quality nursing care. Aims: To assess the level of Jordanian nurses’ knowledge regarding evidence based guidelines for the prevention of SSIs, to describe the relationship between nurses’ knowledge and selected sociodemographics, to examine the differences in nurses’ knowledge with respect to selected dichotomized variables, and to identify the most significant predictors of Jordanian nurses’ knowledge regarding evidence based guidelines for the prevention of SSIs. Design: Cross-sectional design. Sample: Two hundred registered nurses at four targeted hospitals were recruited conveniently. Results: The mean of the total knowledge scores of the sample was 3.28 out of nine (SD = 1.72, range = 0 - 7), the median was 3 out of nine. There were a statistically significant correlation between all tested continuous sociodemographics variables and the total knowledge score (p > 0.05). There is a significant difference in nurses’ knowledge between those who are attending to special surgical related training course and who are not. The most significant predictors of Jordanian nurses’ knowledge were: the number of credit hours attended by nurses for surgical-related training courses and the total years of work experience in nursing. These variables explained 16.7% of variance. Conclusion: The results of this study shed light on the obstacles that hampers the Jordanian nurses’ knowledge regarding evidence based guidelines for the prevention of SSIs in acute care settings. However, the successful implementation of infection control measures, particularly SSIs prevention measures, and well-structured continuing education programs are considered as a substantial element that would improve nurses’ knowledge.

An Observational Study of Midline Abdominal Wound Closure Using Small Tissue Bites versus Large Tissue Bites with Reference to Surgical Site Infections and Wound Dehiscence

Background: Midline incisions have advantage of rapid and wide access to the abdominal cavity with minimal damage to muscles, nerves and the vascular supply of the abdominal wall, hence causing minimal long term morbidity. The techniques of wound closure after midline laparotomy differ among operating surgeons and institutions. Faulty techniques and suture materials used play a crucial role in post-operative wound complications like stich abscess, surgical site infections, wound burst and incisional hernia. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the outcome of midline abdominal wound closure using small tissue bites versus large tissue bites with reference to surgical site infection and wound dehiscence. Materials and methods: The study is the prospective observational study conducted in the department of general surgery Government Medical College Srinagar. A total of 100 cases were enrolled and studied who underwent midline laparotomy in the elective as well as emergency settings from 2015 to 2018. In 50 patients midline incisions were closed with large tissue bites placed at least 10 mm from the wound edge and 10 mm apart and in another 50 patients small tissue bites were used placed 5 - 7 mm from the wound edge and 5 - 7 mm apart and included only the aponeurosis in the stitches without peritoneum. Results: In all, 100 patients, 50 patients were subjected to large tissue bites and another 50 patients to small tissue bites. 15 patients out of 50 patients (30%) in large tissue bites group and 10 patients (20%) in small tissue bites developed surgical site infection. 8 patients out of 50 patients (16%) in large tissue bites group and 4 patients (8%) in small tissue bites developed wound dehiscence. Conclusion: A total of 100 patients who underwent abdominal surgery through midline incision were divided into two groups. In 50 patients midline wound was closed using large tissue bites and in other 50 patients;small tissue bites was used to close midline incision including only aponeurosis. The research findings show that the small stitch length between 5 to 7 mm depending on the wound site is the ideal stitch length to close a midline incision. However, there was no statistical deference seen in both groups with reference to surgical site infection and wound dehiscence.

Micro-power negative pressure wound technique reduces risk of incision infection following loop ileostomy closure

BACKGROUND Prophylactic loop ileostomy is an effective way to reduce the clinical severity of anastomotic leakage following radical resection of rectal cancer.Incisional surgical site infection(SSI)is a common complication after ileostomy closure.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the micro-power negative pressure wound technique(MPNPWT)in preventing incisional SSI.METHODS This was a prospective,randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at a single center.A total of 101 consecutive patients who underwent ileostomy closure after rectal cancer surgery with a prophylactic ileostomy were enrolled from January 2019 to December 2021.Patients were randomly allocated into an MPNPWT group and a control group.The MPNPWT group underwent intermittent suturing of the surgical incision with 2-0 Prolene and was covered with a micro-power negative pressure dressing.The surgical outcomes were compared between the MPNPWT(n=50)and control(n=51)groups.Risk factors for incisional SSI were identified using logistic regression.RESULTS There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the MPNPWT(n=50)and control groups(n=51).The incisional SSI rate was significantly higher in the control group than in the MPNPWT group(15.7%vs 2.0%,P=0.031).However,MPNPWT did not affect other surgical outcomes,including intra-abdominal complications,operative time,and blood loss.Postoperative hospital stay length and hospitalization costs did not differ significantly between the two groups(P=0.069 and 0.843,respectively).None of the patients experienced adverse effects of MPNPWT,including skin allergy,dermatitis,and pain.MPNPWT also helped heal the infected incision.Our study indicated that MPNPWT was an independent protective factor[odds ratio(OR)=0.005,P=0.025)]and diabetes was a risk factor(OR=26.575,P=0.029)for incisional SSI.CONCLUSION MPNPWT is an effective and safe way to prevent incisional SSI after loop ileostomy closure.

Vancomycin lavage for the incidence of acute surgical site infection following primary total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Surgical site infection is a rare but serious complication associated with total joint arthroplasty(TJA).There are limited data on the effectiveness of intrawound irrigation with vancomycin solution(1000 mg/L;2 L)before wound closure for preventing acute surgical site infection following primary total hip arthroplasty(THA)and total knee arthroplasty(TKA).AIM To investigate the effectiveness of prophylactic intraoperative application of vancomycin(1000 mg/L;2 L)solution vs.plain irrigation in reducing the incidence of acute surgical site infection following primary THA and TKA.METHODS A retrospective review of 2725 consecutive patients undergoing THA or TKA from January 2012–December 2019 was performed.These patients received either intrawound irrigation with normal saline before wound closure between January 2012 and December 2015(group 1,1018 patients;453 undergoing THA and 565 undergoing TKA)or intrawound irrigation with vancomycin solution(1000 mg/L)before wound closure between January 2016 and December 2019(group 2,1175 patients;512 undergoing THA and 663 undergoing TKA).The outcomes were the incidences of postoperative surgical site infection and wound healing complications within 3 mo of primary TJA.RESULTS There were no significant demographic differences between the 2 groups.There was a significantly higher incidence of acute infection at the surgical site in patients who received intrawound irrigation with normal saline before wound closure than in those who received intrawound irrigation with vancomycin solution(1000 mg/L;2 L)before wound closure(overall incidence of infection:group 1,2.46%vs group 2,0.09%,P<0.001).There was no significant difference in the incidence of wound healing complications between the two groups.CONCLUSION Prophylactic irrigation with vancomycin solution(1000 mg/L;2 L)significantly decreases the incidence of acute surgical site infection after primary TJA.This strategy is a safe,efficacious,and inexpensive method for reducing the incidence of acute surgical site infection after TJA.

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.

Observations on the Preventive Effects of Anti-infective Treatment on Wound Infection in Emergency Surgery

Objective:To explore the preventive effects of anti-infective treatment on wound infection in emergency surgical trauma.Methods:180 patients in our hospital from 2019 to June to May 2020 were selected as subjects.The 180 patients were randomly divided into two groups.The control group had 90 cases and adopted the conventional treatment method,and the experimental group received anti-infective treatment.The wound healing,infection status,and patient satisfaction of the two groups of patients were analyzed.Results:The wound healing,infection status,and patient satisfaction of the experimental group were better than those of the control group.Conclusion:The application of anti-infective treatment to the prevention of wound infection in emergency surgical trauma can reduce the infection rate of the patients'incision and promote the recovery of patients.It is suitable for clinical applications.

Intraoperative vs 24-Hour Administration of Cefamandole to Prevent Deep Sternal Wound Infection and Endocarditis after Adult Cardiac Surgery

Background and Objectives: Duration of antibiotic prophylaxis for cardiac surgery is still debated and controversial. International guidelines are vague: French guidelines recommend an intraoperative administration, while the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ guidelines suggest that optimal postoperative prophylactic antibiotics be given for 48 hours or less. Very few studies have compared the same antibiotic with 2 different administration durations. The study was designed to compare the efficacy of 24-hour administration of cefamandole vs intraoperative cefamandole to prevent deep sternal wound infection and endocarditis after cardiac surgery. Methods: This retrospective and observational study compared the rates of severe surgical site infections (deep sternal wound infection, endocarditis) after cardiac surgery between period 1, 01/01/2008-31/08/2008, with 24-hour administration of cefamandole, and period 2, 01/09/2008-30/04/2009 with intraoperative cefamandole. Results: Among 933 patients, 14 patients (1.5%) developed surgical site infection during the 16-month study: 1.3% during the first period and 1.7% during the second (ns). The populations (470 patients in period 1 and 463 in period 2) were homogeneous and comparable for pre-, intra- and postoperative characteristics. Surgical site infection characteristics (pathogens involved, time to diagnosis) and consequences (longer hospital stay, outcomes) were comparable in the 2 groups. Conclusions: Intraoperative cefamandole was as safe as its 24-hour administration to prevent deep sternal wound infection and endocarditis after adult cardiac surgery.

Effects of high-quality nursing on surgical site wound infections after colostomy in patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colostomy is important in the treatment of colorectal cancer.However,surgical site wound infections after colostomy seriously affect patients’physical recovery and quality of life.AIM To investigate the ability of high-quality nursing care to prevent surgical site wound infections and reduce post-colostomy complications in patients with co-lorectal cancer.METHODS Eighty patients with colorectal cancer who underwent colostomy at our hospital between January 2023 and January 2024 were selected as research subjects.The random number table method was used to divide the participants into control and research groups(n=40 each).The control group received routine nursing care,while the research group received high-quality nursing care.The differences in indicators were compared between groups.RESULTS The baseline characteristics did not differ between the research(n=40)and control(n=40)groups(P>0.05).The incidences of wound infection,inflam-mation,and delayed wound healing were significantly lower in the research(5.00%)vs control(25.00%)group(P=0.028).The incidence of postoperative complications,including fistula stenosis,fistula hemorrhage,fistula prolapse,peristome dermatitis,urinary retention,pulmonary infection,and intestinal ob-struction,was significantly lower in the research(5.00%)vs control(27.50%)group(P=0.015).In addition,the time to first exhaust(51.40±2.22 vs 63.80±2.66,respectively;P<0.001),time to first bowel movement(61.30±2.21 vs 71.80±2.74,respectively;P<0.001),and average hospital stay(7.94±0.77 vs 10.44±0.63,respectively;P<0.001)were significantly shorter in the research vs control group.The mean Newcastle satisfaction with nursing scale score was also significantly higher in the research(91.22±0.96)vs control(71.13±1.52)group(P<0.001).CONCLUSION High-quality nursing interventions can effectively reduce the risk of wound infections and complications in patients undergoing colostomy,promote their postoperative recovery,and improve their satisfaction with the nursing care received.

Analysis of a ten step protocol to decrease postoperative spinal wound infections

AIM To define a ten-step protocol that reduced the incidence of surgical site infection in the spine surgery practice of the senior author and evaluate the support for each step based on current literature.METHODS In response to unexplained increased infection rates at our institution following spine surgery,a ten-step protocol was implemented:(1) preoperative glycemic management based on hemoglobin A1 c(HbA1 c);(2) skin site preoperative preparation with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate disposable cloths;(3) limit operating room traffic;(4) cut the number of personnel in the room to the minimum required;(5) absolutely no flash sterilization of equipment;(6) double-gloving with frequent changing of outer gloves;(7) local application of vancomycin powder;(8) re-dosing antibiotic every 4 h for prolonged procedures and extending postoperative coverage to 72 h for high-risk patients;(9) irrigation of subcutaneous tissue with diluted povidone-iodine solution after deep fascial closure; and(10) use of Dura Prep skin preparation at the end of a case before skin closure. Through an extensive literature review,the current data available for each of the ten steps was evaluated.RESULTS Use of vancomycin powder in surgical wounds,routine irrigation of surgical site,and frequent changing of surgical gloves are strongly supported by the literature. Preoperative skin preparation with chlorhexidine wipes is similarly supported. The majority of current literature supports control of HbA1 c preoperatively to reduce risk of infection. Limiting the use of flash sterilization is supported,but has not been evaluated in spine-specific surgery. Limiting OR traffic and number of personnel in the OR are supported although without level 1 evidence. Prolonged use of antibiotics postoperativelyis not supported by the literature. Intraoperative use of Dura Prep prior to skin closure is not yet explored.CONCLUSION The ten-step protocol defined herein has significantly helped in decreasing surgical site infection rate. Several of the steps have already been shown in the literature to have significant effect on infection rates. As several measures are required to prevent infection,instituting a standard protocol for all the described steps appears beneficial.

Risk Factors for Wound Infection Following Caesarean Section: A Case Control Study from Sir Salimullah Medical College &Mitford Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Post caesarean section (CS) wound infection or surgical site infection is a leading cause of prolonged hospital stay or readmission. An understanding of its risk factors is important. Methods: A case control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, in Dhaka, Bangladesh from January to June 2014 to evaluate the risk factors of postoperative surgical site infection following CS. One hundred patients were studied. Results: Fifty patients of post CS wound infection (surgical site infection: SSI) were selected as cases. Body mass index > 25 (kg/m2), anemia (p = 0.001), prolonged rupture of membrane (p = 0.005), prolonged operation time (p = 0.019), and junior surgeons performing the operation (p = 0.011) were the risk factors for CS-SSI. Conclusions: Pre- and postoperative care and surgical training of junior doctors should be directed to these risk factors.

Reconstruction of the lower back wound with delayed infection after spinal surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND Orthopedic surgeries after device implantation are susceptible to infections and may require device removal in the worst cases.For this reason,many efforts are being made to control infections after spinal surgery;however,the number of infec-tion cases is increasing owing to the increasing number of elderly citizens.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old male with a chronic spinal defect due to previous spine surgery underwent reconstruction using a perforator-based island flap.After bursectomy and confirmation that there was no connection with the deep tissue,reconstruction was performed.However,wound disruption occurred with abscess formation on postoperative day 29,which led to an imaging workup revealing delayed deep tissue infection.CONCLUSION Infection is one of the most common causes of surgical wound dehiscence and is associated with devastating results if not controlled promptly and definitively.Surgeons should always suspect delayed infections when reconstructing chronic soft tissue defects.

Ultrastable in-situ silver nanoparticle dressing for effective prevention and treatment of wound infection in emergency

The use of antibacterial dressings is crucial in the prevention and treatment of wound infection in emergency sit-uations.However,the efficacy of dressings is compromised by long-term storage or exposure to harsh conditions.Here,an ultrastable in-situ silver nanoparticle dressing(AgSNP@CD)was prepared for effective prevention and treatment of wound infection in emergency.The fabrication process of AgSNP@CD is simple,suitable for large-scale production.Due to the strong interaction between the in-situ synthesized AgNPs and the cotton fabric,AgSNP@CD owned remarkable stability,thus retaining its antimicrobial efficacy even after long-term storage(up to 2 years)and under extreme conditions(damp heat,low temperatures,low-oxygen,water immersion,acid-alkali erosion).Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated the extraordinary antibacterial efficacy and stability of AgSNP@CD,facilitating infection prevention and wound healing in extreme conditions.In particular,AgSNP@CD exhibited a superior treatment effect on severe bacteria-infected trauma and can prevent the occur-rence of sepsis effectively.The exceptional stability and antibacterial efficacy of AgSNP@CD under complex and extreme conditions make it a well-suited dressing strategy for the prevention and treatment of wound infection in emergency.

Systematic review of absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures used for the closure of surgical incisions

AIM: To report a systematic review of published randomized controlled trials(RCTs) investigating the role of absorbable suture(AS) against non-AS(NAS) used for the closure of surgical incisions.METHODS: RCTs investigating the use of AS vs NAS for the closure of surgical incisions were statistically analysed based upon the principles of meta-analysis and the summated outcomes were represented as OR.RESULTS: The systematic search of medical literature yielded 10 RCTs on 1354 patients. Prevalence of wound infection(OR = 0.97; 95%CI: 0.56, 1.69; Z = 0.11; P = 0.92) and operative morbidity(P = 0.45) was comparable in both groups. Nonetheless, the use of AS lead to lower risk of wound break-down(OR = 0.12; 95%CI: 0.04, 0.39; Z = 3.52; P 【 0.0004).CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis of 10 RCTs demonstrates that the use of AS is similar to NAS for skin closure for surgical site infection and other operative morbidities. AS do not increase the risk of skin wound dehiscence,rather lead to a reduced risk of wound dehiscence compared to NAS.

Postpartum Infection in Morbidly Obese Women after Caesarean Section: Does Early Prophylactic Oral Antibiotic Use Make a Difference?

The rising prevalence of morbid obesity particularly in women coupled with a higher likelihood of having a caesarean section (C-section) birth and an increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI) places wound management among priority areas in maternity care. There is ambiguity about the efficacy of routine preventative care pathways particularly in morbid obese women with regards to SSI after caesarean section. A pilot study was therefore undertaken to explore the number of women with a C-section infection in a cohort of morbidly obese women during six weeks postpartum against a protocol of standard care of early antibiotic prophylaxis and skin closure practice. A short questionnaire was sent to 59 women with an early pregnancy BMI ≥ 40 who gave birth?via?C-section in a large maternity unit in Sheffield, UK. Data were collated from 39 women with 20 (51%) developing a post-operative wound infection within 6 weeks postpartum. Infections were higher in the women who had emergency C-section births (14/24, 60%). There was no significant difference in wound infection risk with respect to wound closure material (Chi-square = 0.298, p-value = 0.86) or the use of oral prophylactic antibiotic after birth (Chi-square = 0.2053, p-value = 0.650). Although all the women received routine intravenous (IV) antibiotics before C-section, only 26/39 received the 5-day oral antibiotic prophylaxis after birth. Six of 13 women who did not receive postpartum oral antibiotics (46%) developed a SSI. In summary, over half of morbidly obese women who delivered by C-section developed a wound infection, despite receiving prophylactic antibiotics. We acknowledge the limitations of these results from?a small-sample retrospective observational study. However,?this may indicate that post operative antibiotic prophylaxis confers no additional benefit in this group of patients and thus requires further investigation.

Effects of Subcutaneous Closed Suction Drain for the Prevention of Incisional SSI in Patients with Colorectal Perforation

Objective: To determine if a subcutaneous closed suction drain decreases the incidence of wound complications in patients undergoing emergency surgery for colorectal perforation. Materials and Methods: Data on 47 patients who underwent emergency operations for colorectal perforation were examined retrospectively. The clinical features of these cases with or without the use of the J-VACTM Drainage System were examined, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: In these high-risk cases, the overall incidence of incisional surgical site infection (SSI) was 36.2%. The incidence of incisional SSI in these cases with and without the J-VACTM Drainage System was 16.7% and 56.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a subcutaneous closed suction drain is effective for preventing incisional SSI in patients who have undergone emergency operations for colorectal perforation.

SSIs in Italy: Prevention and Surveillance during the Last Five Years

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are recognized as a common surgical complication, occurring in about 2% - 5% of all surgical procedures. For this reason, it is the second most common nosocomial infection, representing the 19.6% of all infections observed in hospitalized patients and 38% of those observed among surgical patients. Among SSIs prevention strategies, surveillance has been proved to be very incisive. The most recent surveillance study carried out at a national level in Italy is SNICh protocol (National Surveillance System of Surgical Site Infections), which analyses data received from 127 Italian hospitals, from the 2009 to 2011 and the entire 2013. The only application of a surveillance strategy, observing the recommended prophylaxis protocols, brought to a reduction of SSIs: their incidence has been shown to be comparable to European or American one. Furthermore, recent studies have brought strong evidence that the development of new devices, such as dressings impregnated with silver nanoparticles or triclosan-coated sutures, is strongly connected with the reduction of incidence of SSIs. In conclusion, if common preventive techniques were applied to all surgical procedures performed in the country, about 14,000 SSIs per year could be avoided with a possible savings after three years between 50 million and EUR 175 million euro.