Retro-rectus placement of bio-absorbable mesh improves patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There is little consensus on the ideal anatomical placement of bio-absorbable mesh. We hypothesized that retro-rectus placement of bio-absorbable mesh would significantly reduce recurrence rates when compared to intraperitoneal mesh placement. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent open complex ventral hernia repair using bio-absorbable mesh (Bio-A, Gore, Flagstaff, AZ). Patient demographics and Centers for Disease Control wound type were collected. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were included. Seventy-four (91.4%) of these hernia repairs had mesh in the retro-rectus position, while 7 (8.6%) had intraperitoneal mesh placement. Patient demographics, including preoperative comorbidities, did not differ between groups. The retro-rectus group trended to have larger hernia defects (156.2 cm2) compared to the intraperitoneal group (63.9 cm2) (p = 0.058). Overall complications (e.g., dehiscence, wound drainage, cellulitis, sepsis) were also similar in both groups of patients. Recurrence rates in the retro-rectus and intraperitoneal group were 8.1% and 42.9%, respectively (p = 0.005). When evaluating only patients with CDC class 1 wounds, the recurrence rate in the retro-rectus group was 8.2% and the intraperitoneal group was 50% (p = 0.02). Overall, the average patient follow-up was 22 months and did not differ between groups. Both the retro-rectus and intraperitoneal groups indicated a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in quality of life from baseline. No long-term (> 7 days) antibiotics were used and no mesh implants were removed during the study. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent open complex ventral hernia repairs with bio-absorbable mesh in the retro-rectus position experienced lower overall complication rates than those with intraperitoneal mesh placement. Despite a larger hernia defect in the retro-rectus group, recurrence rates were significantly reduced with retro-rectus placement of mesh compared to intraperitoneal placement. In addition, recurrence rates using bio-absorbable mesh in clean wounds are comparable to previously published recurrence rates with permanent mesh.

Predictors of Postoperative Urinary Tract Infection After Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: In bariatric surgery patients, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common postoperative infections. In this study, we sought to determine if preoperative patient factors and perioperative processes contribute to an increased risk of UTI. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients who underwent bariatric surgery at a single institution between March 2012 and May 2016. Standard protocol was antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin. Patients with a penicillin allergy received clindamycin. Urinary catheters were placed selectively. A univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for patients who developed a UTI within 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Six hundred ninety-four patients (82.7% female) underwent bariatric surgery in the study interval. UTIs were more common in females (4.9 vs. 1.7%, p = 0.12). On univariate analysis age, operative time, length of stay, urinary catheter placement, clindamycin prophylaxis, and revisional surgery were significantly correlated with UTI. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed the risk of UTI increased 5.38-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.41-12.05] with clindamycin use, 6.37-fold [95% CI 2.22-18.18] with revision surgery, and 1.25-fold [95% CI 1.05-1.49] for every 5 years gained in age. CONCLUSIONS: Older age, clindamycin prophylaxis, and revisional procedures are significantly associated with an increased rate of UTI following bariatric surgery. Several identified variables are modifiable risk factors and targets for a quality improvement initiative to decrease the rate of UTI in bariatric surgery patients.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increased adoption of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) have seen improved outcomes. We aimed to evaluate and synthesize the recent published literature. METHODS: The review was conducted according to the recommendation of the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology group with prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The DEALE method was used to combine mortality rates, and imputation techniques were used to calculate standard errors. Meta-regression techniques were used to synthesize data. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. RESULTS: Of 6,528 citations collected, 20 articles reporting on 1,047 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 51 years (interquartile range 49-55), with 59 % (54-67) female. The median peritoneal carcinomatosis index score was 19 (16-23). Complete cytoreduction (CC0, 1) was performed in 67 % (46-93 %) of patients. Pooled estimates of survival yielded a 1-, 3- and 5-year survival of 84, 59, and 42 %, respectively. Patients receiving early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy [EPIC] (44 %) and those receiving cisplatin intraperitoneal chemotherapy alone (48 %) or in combination (44 %) had an improved 5-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: While CRS + HIPEC has led to an improved survival for patients with MPM compared to historic data, heterogeneity of studies precludes generalizable inferences. EPIC chemotherapy and cisplatin chemoperfusion may infer survival benefit.