Surgical wound infection prevention using topical negative pressure therapy on closed abdominal incisions - the 'SWIPE IT' randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common cause of healthcare-associated infections in surgical patients. It is unclear whether incisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can reduce the risk of SSIs in patients after open abdominal surgery. METHODS: A prospective, non-blinded multi-centre randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed to evaluate the incidence of SSI post-laparotomy using incisional NPWT compared with a standard dressing. The primary outcome was the rate of superficial SSI. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients (61 patients in the NPWT arm and 63 patients in the control arm) were included. One hundred and nine (87.9%) patients underwent colorectal surgery; 61 patients (49.2%) had emergency surgery. There were more superficial SSIs in the control group than in the NPWT group, although not statistically significant (20.6% vs 9.8%, P=0.1). Upon multiple logistic regression analysis, control dressings were associated with increased risk of superficial SSI although again, not statistically significant (odds ratio (OR) 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-7.17, P=0.11). There was no superficial non-SSI related wound dehiscence in the NPWT group compared with 9.5% in the control group (P=0.03). There was no difference in postoperative complications (P=0.15), nor in other wound complications (P=0.79). CONCLUSION: NPWT was not associated with decreased superficial SSI in this RCT. However, there was a statistically significant reduction in superficial wound dehiscence with NWPT dressings. The results of this study should be included in meta-analyses for better evaluation of NPWT on closed abdominal incisions.

The efficacy of selective arterial embolization in the management of colonic bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of mesenteric embolization in the management of acute haemorrhage from the colon. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of a consecutive series of patients who underwent selective arterial embolization between 2002 and 2010 at two Australian institutions. An analysis was performed of each patient's present and past medical history, procedural details and subsequent post-procedural recovery. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were reviewed in the study. Sixty-one patients (86 %) had immediate cessation of bleeding following embolization. In total, 20 % had some form of morbidity due to mesenteric embolization being performed, the three most common being worsening renal function, groin haematoma and contrast allergy (11, 9 and 7 %, respectively). Only one patient developed superficial bowel ischaemia. Overall, 11 patients (18 %) had recurrent bleeding. Of these patients, five had repeat embolization. Of the patients who underwent re-embolization, three stopped bleeding. Surgery was required in 5 patients 2 of whom died postoperatively of systemic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic bleeding can be treated successfully in most patients by embolization, without causing ischaemia. Eighteen per cent of patients rebleed during the first hospital admission, and 20 % patients experienced a procedure-related complication. In those patients that proceed to surgery, the morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay increase dramatically.

Retrorectal tumours: optimization of surgical approach and outcome.

AIM: The aim was to identify the radiological features of retrorectal tumours that influence management and to highlight technical points that facilitate safe surgical excision. METHOD: A consecutive series of patients was identified from a prospective database. All cases were discussed within a multidisciplinary team. Medical records, radiology and pathology reports were also checked retrospectively. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients [37 women; median age 51 (20-88) years] underwent excision of retrorectal tumours between 2002 and 2010 under the care of one surgeon. Seventeen (37.5%) had a malignant tumour. The commonest symptom was pain or discomfort. Features identified after MRI that suggested malignancy included heterogenous signal intensity (15/17 malignant lesions vs 5/39 benign lesions), an irregular infiltrative margin (14/17 malignant lesions vs 4/39 benign lesions) and enhancement (14/17 malignant lesions vs 2/39 benign lesions) (all P < 0.05). An abdominal approach was used in 27 (48%) patients, a perineal/trans-sacral approach in 20 (36%) and a composite abdomino-sacral approach in nine (16%). The perineal approach was used if the tumours were below the middle of S3 without sacral, pelvic side-wall or visceral involvement. The three most common types of tumour were schwannoma (n = 11), tail gut cyst (n = 13) and chordoma (n = 9). Over a median follow-up period of 46 (6-90) months there were two local recurrences among the malignant tumours (both resected) and two deaths (both sarcomas). CONCLUSION: MR imaging, avoidance of routine preoperative biopsy and careful clinical evaluation result in a good outcome after surgical excision of retrorectal tumours.

Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy: safety and critical level of the ileal pouch anal anastomosis.

AIM: The study reports the longer-term results of laparoscopic-assisted restorative proctocolectomy (RPC), with particular reference to safety and the level of the stapled ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). METHOD: Data were collected prospectively from all patients who underwent laparoscopic RP from July 2006 to July 2010. In each patient the operation involved the use of a short (6 cm) Pfannenstiel incision to facilitate placement of the linear stapler for anorectal division. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients underwent RPC either with total proctocolectomy (n = 53) or after previous emergency colectomy (n = 22). Early postoperative morbidity occurred in 18 (24%) patients and readmission within 30 days occurred in 18 (24%). Morbidity during follow up developed in 29 (39%). A pouchogram was carried out in all 75 patients before ileostomy closure with an abnormality shown in eight. The median level of the IPAA was at 3.0 cm (1.0-5.0 cm) above the dentate line. At a median of 33 (9-57) months, there has been one case of small bowel obstruction and no incisional hernia. CONCLUSION: In laparoscopic-assisted RPC a limited Pfannenstiel incision allows safe construction of the IPAA at an appropriate level. Laparoscopic RPC is safe and the emerging long-term follow-up data show the benefit of this approach, with very low rates of small bowel obstruction and incisional hernia formation.