Bundle approach in emergency surgery for prevention of surgical site infections: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have demonstrated significant antibiotic resistance by commonly isolated organisms. This is an eye-opener for the clinicians, who prescribe antibiotics day in and out. This situation shifts our attention towards the usage of antiseptic measures, which can at times play an important role in preventing and treating various infections. METHOD: This is a double-blinded randomized controlled study that compares the bundle approach to the conventional approach for the prevention of surgical site infections in patients of peritonitis undergoing midline laparotomy in emergency. The bundle approach includes three measures, namely, painting of surgical site with chlorhexidine, dabbing the wound with povidone-iodine after the closure of the rectus sheath, and application of chlorhexidine-impregnated gauze piece over the skin wound. RESULTS: The total sample size was 64 (32 in each arm). The rate of surgical site infection was significantly lower in the test arm (21.8%) as compared to the conventional arm (46.8%). The mean length of hospital stay was shorter by one day in the test arm, although, not significant. The isolates from the peritoneal fluid culture and wound culture were mostly gram-negative organisms. Most of the organisms exhibited resistance toward third generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic resistance is a burning concern in today's world. Alternative methods of preventing infection in the form of using antiseptics should be sought. Although our study was limited to emergency cases, this bundle approach can be implemented in elective cases as well.

Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery: A safe and novel minimal invasive procedure in treating varicose veins in 2nd trimester of pregnancy for below knee perforator incompetence.

AIM:: Aim of this study is to evaluate the results of Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery(SEPS) in treating varicose veins in 2nd trimester of pregnancy for below knee perforator incompetence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series was undertaken at our institute from the period January 2010 to January 2014 on 45 pregnant women. Pregnant women with failed conservative management for varicose veins were subjected to SEPS in 2nd trimester Perioperative parameters like operative time, intraoperative complications, post-operative complications, hospital stay, pain relief, ulcer healing duration and recurrence rate were studied. All the patients were reviewed and followed up for a minimum period of 3 years. RESULTS: During the study period.total of 45 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. The median age of the patients was 26 years (range 22 years - 30 years). The mean operative time was 90±10 minutes. The post-operative hospital stay was 1-2days. There were no intraoperative complications like bleeding or gas embolism. There were no post-operative complications like seroma or abscess, port site infection, deep vein thrombosis and gas embolism. Mean healing duration of ulcers following surgery was 7-8 weeks.No patient complained of temporary or permanent paraesthesia. Every patient was subjected to follow up for a minimum period of 3 years. 5(11.1%) patients with recurrence were documented in the study. CONCLUSION: SEPS is a safe, cost effective and novel minimal invasive procedure in treatment of varicose veins in 2nd trimester of pregnancy for below knee perforator incompetence.