Are Antibiotics of Value for a Whipple Procedure?

Pancreatoduodenectomy is a complex surgical procedure with a high rate of morbidity, of which surgical-site infections (SSIs) make a large portion. Reduction of SSI rates is critical to decrease hospital lengths of stay, readmissions, delays in adjuvant therapies, and financial health care burden. Current clinical guidelines recommend the administration of cefoxitin as surgical prophylaxis prior to pancreatoduodenectomy. In April 2023, a randomized controlled trial was published in JAMA which showed that piperacillin-tazobactam as perioperative surgical prophylaxis prior to pancreatoduodenectomy decreased 30 day SSI rates (primary outcome), clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, postoperative sepsis, and Clostridium difficile infection rates.

Antibiotic-impregnated envelopes reduce the rate of surgical site infection in deep brain stimulation pulse generators: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that has been used to treat a variety of neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. While DBS is generally considered safe and effective, surgical site infections (SSIs) are a potential complication that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Our objective was to investigate the use of antibiotic-impregnated envelopes (AIEs) encasing implantable pulse generators (IPGs) to reduce the rate of infection at IPG sites and the costs. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis at a single center encompassing all procedures involving the placement of Implantable Pulse Generators (IPG), including both initial insertions and replacement surgeries. The study period spanned from January 2017 to May 2024. Starting in 2020, the routine utilization of AIE became standard practice at our institute for both primary DBS implantation and IPG replacements. Surgical techniques remained consistent, pre- and post-operative antibiotic protocols were standardized throughout the study period and all cases were undertaken by a single surgeon. RESULTS: 178 patients were included and the overall incidence of IPG SSIs was found to be 1.7% (1 infection in 58 patients; 20 primary IPG/38 IPG replacements) among those who received an AIE compared to 5% (6 infections in 120 patients; 36 primary IPG/84 replacement IPG) in patients where no AIE was utilized. This resulted in an odds ratio for infection that was 2.9 times higher in the absence of AIE. The decrease in infection rates was observed in both primary and replacement IPG implants. Notably, over 80% of patients with IPG infection required surgical intervention. The use of AIE further resulted in significant cost savings. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the largest series reporting the efficacy of Antibiotic impregnated envelope (AIE) in modifying infection rates associated with both initial and replacement Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Implantable Pulse Generators (IPGs). The implementation of AIEs led to a decrease in the occurrence of IPG-related infections, observed across both primary implantations and replacement surgeries, with associated economic benefits.

[Infectious endocarditis: from epidemiology to prevention]. / Endocardites infectieuses : de l'épidémiologie à la prévention.

INFECTIOUS ENDOCARDITIS: FROM EPIDEMIOLOGY TO PREVENTION. The incidence of infective endocarditis is estimated between 30 and 80 cases per million inhabitants and per year in the general population in industrialized countries. It is heterogeneous and increases sharply in the presence of certain underlying heart diseases; it exceeds 1% per year in patients with a history of endocarditis. Incidence increases after the age of 60 and Staphylococcus is now the most frequent responsible microorganism. Antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated only in the patients who are at high risk of infective endocarditis and who undergo invasive dental care. The recommendations published in 2023 by the European Society of Cardiology highlig.

ENDOCARDITES INFECTIEUSES: DE L'ÉPIDÉMIOLOGIE À LA PRÉVENTION. L'incidence de l'endocardite infectieuse est estimée entre 30 et 80 cas par million d'habitants et par an en population générale dans les pays industrialisés. Cette incidence est hétérogène et augmente très nettement dans certaines cardiopathies sous-jacentes : elle dépasse 1 % par an chez les patients ayant un antécédent d'endocardite. L'incidence est majorée après 60 ans, et le staphylocoque est désormais la bactérie la plus souvent en cause. L'antibioprophylaxie n'est indiquée que chez les patients ayant un risque élevé d'endocardite infectieuse et soumis à des soins dentaires invasifs. Les recommandations publiées en 2023 par l'European Society of Cardiology soulignent l'importance des mesures non spécifiques d'hygiène bucco-dentaire et cutanée dans la prévention.

Comparison and clinical analysis of antibiotics and endoscopic injection for vesicoureteral reflux in children.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the outcome of pediatric patients with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and compared of the treatments between continued antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) and endoscopic injection. METHODS: The clinical data of children diagnosed with primary vesicoureteral reflux from March 2015 to June 2020 who were treated with antibiotics or endoscopic injection were reviewed. Antibiotic was the first-chosen treatment after the diagnosis of VUR in children. Endoscopic treatment consisted of injection of dextran hyaluronic acid copolymer (DX/HA) into the ureteral opening under direct cystoscopy guidance. RESULTS: Fifty-two children (35 males, 17 females) were included in this study, and for a total 90 ureters (14 unilateral, 38 bilateral) were diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux by Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG). Twenty-two children were treated with antibiotics (8 unilateral, 14 bilateral), for a total of 36 ureters; thirty children were treated by endoscopic injection (6 unilateral, 24 bilateral), for a total of 54 ureters. The injection surgery took 36 ± 17 min including duration of general anesthesia and circumcision and the hospital stay was 2.3 ± 1.3 days. All male patients underwent circumcision simultaneously. There were no drug and allergic reactions in the antibiotic group, and no postoperative complications occurred in the injection group. With 23 months (13-63 months) of mean follow-up, the resolution rate, defined as radiological disappearance of VUR, was 36.1% (13/36) in the antibiotic group and 57.4% (31/54) in the injection group (P = 0.048).Two cases of bilateral reflux in the injection group required a second injection before resolution could be achieved. Thus, the overall success rate of injection was 64.8% (35/54). 9 cases (9/18, 50%) in the antibiotic group had renal scars on DMSA scans, while this was seen in 20 cases (20/23, 86.9%) in the injection group. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.010).The positive rates of ultrasound between the antibiotic group and the injection group were 45.5% (10/22) and 80.0% (24/30), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in positive rates of ultrasound (P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic injection is easy to operate with short surgical time and hospital stay, so it is a safe and feasible treatment. For the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children, the radiological resolution rate of endoscopic injection is better than antibiotic therapy. In this study, the presence of kidney scars on DMSA and the dilated of the collecting system on ultrasound are the indications for endoscopic injection.

Using fosfomycin to prevent infection following ureterorenoscopy in response to shortage of cephalosporins: a retrospective preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: In 2019, the shortage of cefazolin led to the demand for cefotiam and cefmetazole exceeding the supply. The Department of Nephro-urology at Nagoya City University Hospital used fosfomycin as a substitute for perioperative prophylaxis. This retrospective preliminary study evaluated the efficacy of fosfomycin and cefotiam for preventing infections following ureterorenoscopy. METHODS: The study included 182 patients who underwent ureterorenoscopy between January 2018 and March 2021). Perioperative antibacterial treatment with fosfomycin (n = 108) or cefotiam (n = 74) was administered. We performed propensity score matching in both groups for age, sex, preoperative urinary catheter use, and preoperative antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: The fosfomycin and cefotiam groups (n = 69 per group) exhibited no significant differences in terms of patients' median age, operative duration, preoperative urine white blood cell count, preoperative urine bacterial count, and the rate of preoperative antibiotic treatment. In the fosfomycin and cefotiam groups, the median duration of postoperative hospital stay was 3 and 4 days, respectively; the median maximum postoperative temperature was 37.3 °C and 37.2 °C, respectively. The fosfomycin group had lower postoperative C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell count than the cefotiam group. However, the frequency of fever > 38 °C requiring additional antibiotic administration was similar. CONCLUSIONS: During cefotiam shortage, fosfomycin administration enabled surgeons to continue performing ureterorenoscopies without increasing the complication rate.

How can the surgeon choose preoperatively the most appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis vs therapy in pediatric acute appendicitis?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to find statistically valid criteria to preoperatively divide acute appendicitis into simple and complicated to enable surgeons to administer the most appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis/therapy before surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of patients who underwent appendectomy from January 2022 to December 2023. Patients included were 0-14 years of age. Exclusion criteria included patients who underwent interval appendectomy or concurrent procedures at the same time of appendectomy. We divided patients into two groups: simple (group S) and complicated (group C) appendicitis according to intraoperative finding. Generalized linear model (GLM) with logit function was developed to identify the predictive variables of the type of appendicitis (S vs C) in terms of CRP value, neutrophils percentage and WBC count adjusted for age and sex of patients. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify the cutoff value of statistically significant variables found in the previous analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty patients were eligible (N female = 49, N male = 71) for the study. 74 and 46 patients were included in groups S and C, respectively. In a preliminary analysis using univariate and multivariate GLM, only CRP (p value = < 0.001) and neutrophils percentage (p value = 0.02) were predictive variables for the type of appendicitis. The GLM shows a statistical lower value of CRP (adjusted odds ratio [OR] per unit, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.08-0.39]) and neutrophil percentage (adjusted OR per unit, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.16-0.86]) in the S group compared to C adjusted to age and sex. PCA analysis revealed a P-ROC cutoff of 4.2 mg/dl and 80.1 of CRP value (AUC = 84%) and neutrophil percentage (AUC = 70%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We will perform a prospective study giving preoperative prophylactic cefazolin to patients with a CRP value under 4.2 mg/dl and amoxicillin-clavulanate therapy to patient with CRP value over 4.2 mg/dl.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacteria colonizing the external ocular surfaces of patients undergoing ocular surgeries at Bugando Medical Center in Mwanza, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding microbiota colonizing ocular surfaces is key to expedite antibiotic prophylactic options for ocular surgeries, and therefore, prevent subsequent surgical site infections (SSIs). To fill this critical gap, we aimed at determining the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacteria colonizing the external ocular surfaces of 224 patients undergoing ocular surgeries at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, Tanzania between May and August 2023. RESULTS: The study participants had a median age of 62.5 (interquartile range: 39.5-75.0) years. A total of 78.1% (175/224) ocular swabs were culture positive yielding 196 bacterial isolates. Staphylococcus epidermidis [43.4% (n = 85)], Staphylococcus aureus [21.9% (n = 43)] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [14.3% (n = 28)] were the most common bacteria. There were low proportions of resistance among predominant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to gentamicin (≤ 25.0%), and similarly, low resistance among Gram negative bacteria was observed against 3rd generation cephalosporins (≤ 25.0%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (0.0%). Variable resistance profiles were notable to the most commonly used antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and tetracycline: 0.0-66.7%). Our findings underscore an urgent need to revisit antibiotic prophylactic guidelines for ocular surgeries in this tertiary hospital, and calls for prospective evaluation of incident SSIs post-ocular surgeries to guide specific management.

Assessment of Prophylactic Antibiotic Coverage in Culture-positive Traumatic Open Fractures.

Guidelines provide varying recommendations for the prophylactic antimicrobial treatment of open fractures. This single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine how well an institutional prophylactic antibiotic protocol covered pathogens associated with open fractures. The authors included adult trauma patients with one or more open fractures and a positive culture from the site of the open fracture, and compared outcomes between patients who were covered by prophylactic antibiotics with patients not covered by prophylactic antibiotics. Of 957 patients evaluated, 75 were included, with 40 patients (53%) covered by the prophylactic antibiotics received. Multidrug-resistant pathogens were isolated in 23 (58%) patients covered versus 26 (74%) patients not covered (p = 0.128). The median time to positive culture was less in patients not covered by initial antibiotics compared with those who were covered (30.2 vs. 102.1 days; p = 0.003). Over half of the patients developed cultures with pathogens that were covered by their initial antibiotic prophylaxis. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(2):084-087, 2024).

Delivery mode is a larger determinant of infant gut microbiome composition at 6 weeks than exposure to peripartum antibiotics.

Background. Previous research has shown that delivery mode can shape infant gut microbiome composition. However, mothers delivering by caesarean section routinely receive prophylactic antibiotics prior to delivery, resulting in antibiotic exposure to the infant via the placenta. Previously, only a small number of studies have examined the effect of delivery mode versus antibiotic exposure on the infant gut microbiome with mixed findings.Objective. We aimed to determine the effect of delivery mode compared to antibiotic use during labour and delivery on the infant and maternal gut microbiome at 6 weeks post-partum.Methodology. Twenty-five mother-infant dyads were selected from the longitudinal Queensland Family Cohort Study. The selected dyads comprised nine vaginally delivered infants without antibiotics, seven vaginally delivered infants exposed to antibiotics and nine infants born by caesarean section with routine maternal prophylactic antibiotics. Shotgun-metagenomic sequencing of DNA from stool samples collected at 6 weeks post-partum from mother and infant was used to assess microbiome composition.Results. Caesarean section infants exhibited decreases in Bacteroidetes (ANCOM-BC q<0.0001, MaAsLin 2 q=0.041), changes to several functional pathways and altered beta diversity (R 2=0.056, P=0.029), while minimal differences due to antibiotic exposure were detected. For mothers, caesarean delivery (P=0.0007) and antibiotic use (P=0.016) decreased the evenness of the gut microbiome at 6 weeks post-partum without changing beta diversity. Several taxa in the maternal microbiome were altered in association with antibiotic use, with few differentially abundant taxa associated with delivery mode.Conclusion. For infants, delivery mode appears to have a larger effect on gut microbiome composition at 6 weeks post-partum than intrapartum antibiotic exposure. For mothers, both delivery mode and intrapartum antibiotic use have a small effect on gut microbiome composition at 6 weeks post-partum.

Infective Endocarditis: Etiology, Epidemiology and Current Recommendations for the Dental Practitioner.

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains one of the most serious diseases with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Although the condition is more common in the medical field in a hospital setting, dentists must have a thorough understanding of the overall pathogenesis, epidemiology, risk factors and signs and symptoms that may be present in their patient population. In 2021, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated its guidelines on IE, emphasizing the specific criteria that put a patient at risk of acquiring IE, specific dental procedures that can increase the risk of IE by inducing bacteremia and an antibiotic prophylaxis regimen to act as a preventive measure if needed. This literature review gives the dental practitioner a general overview of the AHA guidelines as well as information on prevention in their at-risk patients and the need to emphasize a well-structured, consistent daily oral hygiene routine.

Is routine antibiotic prophylaxis warranted in dental implant surgery to prevent early implant failure? - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The question of whether antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered routinely for dental implant surgery is unresolved. Despite the lack of conclusive supportive evidence, antibiotics are often administered to reduce the risk of infection, which could lead to early implant failure. Increasing antibiotic resistance is a major concern and it is therefore important to reduce the overall use of antibiotics, including in dentistry. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative antibiotics in preventing early implant failure, in overall healthy patients undergoing dental implant surgery. METHODS: An electronic search was undertaken of PubMed (Medline), Web of Science and the Cochrane Library up to October 1st, 2023, to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs). All RCTs comparing antibiotic prophylaxis with no antibiotics/placebo in overall healthy patients receiving dental implants were included. The primary outcome was patients with early implant failure. Risk of bias was assessed, data were extracted, a meta-analysis was done, and GRADE certainty-of-evidence ratings were determined. The risk ratio (RR), the risk difference (RD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. RESULTS: After removal of duplicates, 1086 abstracts were screened, and 17 articles were reviewed in full text. Seven RCTs with moderate or low risk of bias and with a total of 1859 patients and 3014 implants were included in the meta-analysis. With reference to early implant failure at patient level, the meta-analysis failed to disclose any statistically significant difference (RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.30-1.47) between antibiotic prophylaxis and a placebo. The risk difference was -0.007 (95% CI: -0.035-0.020) leading to a number needed to treat (NNT) of 143. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic prophylaxis for dental implant surgery does not seem to have any substantial effect on early implant failure ( ). The results do not support routine antibiotic prophylaxis for dental implant surgery.

Group B Streptococcus and Intraamniotic Inflammation and Infection.

Intraamniotic inflammation and infection complicate 2% to 5% of term deliveries. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common cause of intraamniotic infection associated with invasive neonatal disease and maternal morbidity. Universal vaginal-rectal screening for GBS colonization is recommended between 36 and 37 weeks. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for individuals with positive GBS screens and other risk factors. Intravenous penicillin is the preferred antimicrobial agent. Individuals with penicillin allergies may receive cefazolin for low-risk allergies and either clindamycin or vancomycin for high-risk allergies, depending on their antimicrobial susceptibilities. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of maternal anti-GBS vaccine candidates.

Indwelling-tunneled-central-venous-catheter-related early bacteremia and preoperative prophylaxis: a case and control study. / Bacteriemia precoz asociada a catéter venoso central tunelizado permanente y profilaxis preoperatoria: estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: The indication of preoperative prophylaxis in the insertion of indwelling tunneled central venous catheters (ITCVC) has a low level of evidence. Our objective was to assess risk factors of ITCVC-related early bacteremia in oncological pediatric patients and to determine the need for preoperative prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A univariate and multivariate retrospective analysis of patients in whom an ITCVC was placed from January 2020 to July 2023, according to whether they had ITCVC-related early bacteremia (EB) in the first 30 postoperative days, was carried out. Demographic variables, leukopenia, neutropenia, use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, and history of central venous catheter (CVC) or bacteremia were collected. Calculations were carried out using the IBM SSPS29® software. RESULTS: 176 patients with a mean age of 7.6 years (SD: 4.82) were analyzed. 7 EB cases were identified, with a greater frequency of neutropenia (p= 0.2), history of CVC in the 48 hours before insertion (p= 0.08), and intraoperative CVC (p= 0.04). The presence of intraoperative CVC increased the risk of EB 9-fold [OR: 9.4 (95%CI: 1.288-69.712) (p= 0.027)]. The lack of preoperative prophylaxis did not increase the risk of EB [OR: 2.2 (CI: 0.383-12.669) (p= 0.3)]. The association with other variables was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The intraoperative presence of CVC was a risk factor of EB in our patients. Preoperative prophylaxis had no impact on the risk of EB, which in our view does not support its use. However, further studies with a larger sample size are required. Leukopenia or neutropenia at diagnosis were not associated with a greater prevalence of infection.

INTRODUCCION: La indicación de profilaxis preoperatoria en la colocación de catéteres venosos centrales tunelizados permanentes (CVCTP) tiene bajo nivel de evidencia. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar factores de riesgo de bacteriemia precoz asociada a CVCTP en pacientes pediátricos oncológicos y determinar la necesidad de profilaxis preoperatoria. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo univariante y multivariante de los pacientes con colocación de CVCTP entre enero 2020 y julio 2023, en función de si presentaron bacteriemia precoz (BP) relacionada con CVCTP en los primeros 30 días postoperatorios. Recogimos variables demográficas y otras como: leucopenia, neutropenia, uso de profilaxis antibiótica preoperatoria y antecedente de catéter venoso central (CVC) o bacteriemia. Los cálculos se realizaron mediante el software IBM SSPS29®. RESULTADOS: Analizamos 176 pacientes, con edad media de 7,6 años (SD 4,82). Identificamos 7 casos de BP, que presentaron mayor frecuencia de neutropenia (p=  0,2) y antecedente de CVC las 48h previas a la colocación (p=  0,08) y CVC intraoperatorio (p=  0,04). La presencia de CVC intraoperatorio aumentó 9 veces el riesgo de BP [OR 9,4 (IC 95% de 1,288-69,712) (p=  0,027)]. La falta de profilaxis prequirúrgica no aumentó el riesgo de BP [OR 2,2 (IC 0,383-12,669) (p=  0,3)]. La relación con otras variables no fue significativa. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia intraoperatoria de CVC fue factor de riesgo de BP en nuestros pacientes. La profilaxis preoperatoria no influyó sobre el riesgo de BP, por lo que creemos que su empleo no está justificado, aunque se necesitarían más estudios con mayor tamaño muestral. La leucopenia o neutropenia al momento diagnóstico no se relacionaron con mayor prevalencia de infección.

Early online.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section is a life-saving procedure which is associated with high rates of maternal and neonatal complications. It has been estimated that globally, 29.7 million births occur by caesarean section annually. The risk of postpartum infection is estimated to be five to ten times higher compared to normal vaginal delivery. Pregnancy-related sepsis was listed as a top six cause of maternal mortality in the South African Saving Mothers report between 2017 and 2019. Multiple trials have been conducted in an attempt to optimise administration of prophylactic antibiotics in an effort to reduce postpartum infection and maternal sepsis, and current practice guidelines suggest that there is sufficient evidence that extended spectrum antibiotics, in combination with kefazolin, result in reduction of postpartum infections Objectives. To investigate the effect of perioperative administration of kefazolin alone compared to kefazolin plus metronidazole on postpartum infection in women undergoing caesarean section at Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital. METHOD: All patients undergoing emergency or elective caesarean section were randomised and then sequentially numbered in opaque sealed envelopes, which were placed in the caesarean section operating theatre. The intervention group received kefazolin and a sealed envelope with metronidazole. The control group received kefazolin and a sealed envelope with normal saline. RESULTS: A total of 57/1 010 patients (5.64%) had surgical site infections, of which 27 (5.33%) were in the control group, and 30 (5.96%) were in the intervention group (p=0.66). Two patients in each arm (0.40% in the intervention arm and 0.39% in the control arm) underwent laparotomy procedures, while three women (0.60%) in the intervention arm and four women (0.79%) in the control arm underwent hysterectomy procedures. There were no statistically significant differences in all the measured secondary outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The overall sepsis rate in this study was 5.64%. Postpartum infection is multifactorial and there are multiple factors that can be addressed in strengthening the sepsis care bundle. We do not recommend the addition of metronidazole to kefazolin as prophylaxis at caesarean section.

A randomised trial comparing preoperative administration of single-dose kefazolin to kefazolin plus metronidazole as prophylactic antibiotics at caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section is a life-saving procedure which is associated with high rates of maternal and neonatal complications. It has been estimated that globally, 29.7 million births occur by caesarean section annually. The risk of postpartum infection is estimated to be five to ten times higher compared with normal vaginal delivery. Pregnancy-related sepsis was listed as a top-six cause of maternal mortality in the South African Saving Mothers report between 2017 and 2019. Multiple trials have been conducted in an attempt to optimise administration of prophylactic antibiotics in an effort to reduce postpartum infection and maternal sepsis, and current practice guidelines suggest that there is sufficient evidence that extended-spectrum antibiotics, in combination with kefazolin, result in reduction of postpartum infections. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of perioperative administration of kefazolin alone compared with kefazolin plus metronidazole on postpartum infection in women undergoing caesarean section at Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa. METHOD: All patients undergoing emergency or elective caesarean section were randomised and then sequentially numbered in opaque sealed envelopes, which were placed in the caesarean section operating theatre. The intervention group received kefazolin and a sealed envelope with metronidazole. The control group received kefazolin and a sealed envelope with normal saline. RESULTS: A total of 57/1 010 patients (5.64%) had surgical site infections, of which 27 (5.33%) were in the control group, and 30 (5.96%) were in the intervention group (p=0.66). Two patients in each arm (0.40% in the intervention arm and 0.39% in the control arm) underwent laparotomy procedures, while three women (0.60%) in the intervention arm and four women (0.79%) in the control arm underwent hysterectomy procedures. There were no statistically significant differences in all the measured secondary outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The overall sepsis rate in this study was 5.64%. Postpartum infection is multifactorial and there are multiple factors that can be addressed in strengthening the sepsis care bundle. We do not recommend the addition of metronidazole to kefazolin as prophylaxis at caesarean section.

Surgical Site Infections After Pediatric Liver Transplantation-Impact of a Change in Perioperative Prophylactic Antibiotic Protocol.

BACKGROUND: In spite of improved survival rates after pediatric liver transplantation, infections remain major contributors to perioperative morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to understand the impact of type and duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) on the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs). METHODS: In total, 125 patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively included. Patients were categorized into two periods based on changes in the standard PAP regimen. Risk factors for SSIs were investigated, including the influence of PAP duration, antibiotic substances used, and abdominal patch placement using multivariable regression models. RESULTS: SSIs occurred in 23 (19%) of 119 analyzed patients and were not impacted by changes in the PAP regimen. The placement of an abdominal patch was a relevant risk factor for SSIs (odds ratio 3.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-12.68). Longer PAP duration reduced the occurrence of SSIs by up to 4.6 percentage points (95% CI 0.0-9.1) per day, with its effect diminishing with longer duration. The choice of antibiotic substances for PAP changed after implementation of the new protocol, with a decline in vancomycin usage from 14% to 3%. CONCLUSION: The results of this study emphasize the need for evidence-based PAP regimens tailored to the unique needs of pediatric liver transplant recipients. The occurrence of SSIs remains complex and is influenced by various factors beyond the PAP regimen. Multicentric efforts to develop effective prevention strategies against SSIs in this vulnerable population are warranted.

Effectiveness of extended antibiotic prophylaxis in implant-based breast reconstruction surgery: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Considerable research has been carried out on the postoperative benefits of extended antibiotic prophylaxis (EAP) in different surgical contexts, generating various results regarding its effectiveness. Some studies indicate positive outcomes, whereas others indicate no significant advantages. Our approach involves conducting a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a more nuanced understanding of the role of extended antibiotic use because of the lack of a consistent consensus. METHODS: A thorough search of the Cochrane Library, Embase, and MEDLINE electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. The metafor package in R software was used for meta-analysis. We collected risk ratios (RRs) for surgical site infection (SSI) in the EAP versus non-EAP groups from the included studies to assess the effects of EAP on reducing the risk of SSI. The meta-analysis used a random-effects model, and effect sizes were presented with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Fourteen studies, involving 12,572 patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction postmastectomy, were included. Pooling the results of the studies that used EAP until drain removal revealed no protective effect of EAP against SSI risk (RR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.60-1.18). Similarly, our analysis revealed no significant benefit of EAP in studies where EAP was not contingent on drain removal (RR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.46-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: EAP administration did not decrease the incidence of SSI in individuals undergoing implant-based breast reconstruction surgery postmastectomy.

Role of Prophylactics Antibiotics in Clean Head and Neck Surgery in a Tertiary Care Center of Nepal: A Prospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections are well recognized complications of any surgical procedures. In head and neck surgeries, prophylactic antibiotics are commonly used to prevent Surgical site infections, in contaminated and clean contaminated procedures. Guidelines advised against routine antibiotics use in clean surgeries, but in our setting, non-compliance is frequent, resulting excessive antibiotics use. Objective of the study was to compare the Surgical site infections rate between prophylactics antibiotics group and no antibiotics group in clean head and neck surgery. METHODS: It was a prospective comparative study conducted at a tertiary care centre of eastern Nepal. Patients were assigned to two groups, one receiving prophylactic antibiotics and another receiving no antibiotics. RESULTS: Out of 131 patients, 66 received prophylactic antibiotics and 65 did not. Thyroidectomy was the most common surgery. The surgical site infection rate was 6.06% in antibiotic group and 7.69% in no antibiotic group, the difference was not significant (p=0.744). The risk reduction of surgical site infection with use of antibiotics was 0.0163 and number need to treat was calculated to be 61.35 About 3% of the patients who were administered antibiotics experienced adverse drug reactions. Factors, such as gender, amount of blood loss, smoking, placement of drains had no significant impact on Surgical site infections rate. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactics antibiotics does not offer substantial advantages in preventing surgical site infections and are not advised for such procedures. Moreover, their use increases the financial burden and risk of adverse drug reactions to the patients.

Gastrointestinal functions after laparoscopic right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis: a pilot randomized clinical trial on effects of abdominal drain, prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis, and D3 lymphadenectomy with complete mesocolic excision.

PURPOSE: Routine use of abdominal drain or prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis is no longer part of current clinical practice in colorectal surgery. Nevertheless, in patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA), it may reduce perioperative abdominal contamination. Furthermore, in cancer patients, prolonged surgery with extensive dissection such as central vascular ligation and complete mesocolon excision with D3 lymphadenectomy (altogether radical right colectomy RRC) is called responsible for affecting postoperative ileus. The aim was to evaluate postoperative resumption of gastrointestinal functions in patients undergoing right hemicolectomy for cancer with ICA and standard D2 dissection or RRC, with or without abdominal drain and prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis. METHODS: Monocentric factorial parallel arm randomized pilot trial including all consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and ICA for cancer, in 20 months. Patients were randomized on a 1:1:1 ratio to receive abdominal drain, prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis or neither (I level), and 1:1 to receive RRC or D2 colectomy (II level). Patients were not blinded. The primary aim was the resumption of gastrointestinal functions (time to first gas and stool, time to tolerated fluids and food). Secondary aims were length of stay and complications' rate. CLINICALTRIALS: gov no. NCT04977882. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were screened; according to sample size, 36 were randomized, 12 for each arm for postoperative management, and 18 for each arm according to surgical techniques. A difference in time to solid diet favored the group without drain or antibiotic independently from standard or RRC. Furthermore, when patients were divided with respect to surgical technique and into matched cohorts, no differences were seen for primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Abdominal drainage and prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing right hemicolectomy for cancer with ICA seem to negatively affect the resumption of a solid diet after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with ICA for cancer. RRC does not seem to influence gastrointestinal function recovery.