Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence after Robotic Hysterectomy in Endometrial Cancer vs. Non-Cancer Patients.

Introduction: Vaginal cuff dehiscence (CD) after hysterectomy is a rare but serious complication of robotic-assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy (RLTH). The authors of this study aimed to compare the incidence and risk factors of CD following RLTH among patients with and without endometrial cancer. Methods: This retrospective study included women aged 18 years or older who underwent RLTH by two surgeons at a single institution from 2013 to 2018. Patients with conversion to laparotomy, recent chemotherapy or radiation, or non-uterine malignancy were excluded. Data were abstracted from medical records. Results: Of 950 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 50.7% had endometrial cancer. CD was reported in 2.5% of all patients. While adjusting for cancer status, age, sexual activity after surgery, distance from home to location of surgery, and time interval from surgery to loss to followup, obese patients were 25.1% less likely than non-obese patients to experience CD (62.5 vs. 37.5, p = 0.01). Surgeon A had a 2.8 times higher CD rate than surgeon B (70.8 vs. 29.2, p = 0.03). No other factors predicted CD. Conclusions: Endometrial cancer patients were not at greater risk of experiencing CD compared to non-cancer patients. Surgeon differences and body mass index (BMI) were associated with CD risk, with normal BMI patients at higher risk.

To shunt or not to shunt when closing myelomeningocele? A systematic review and meta-analysis of simultaneous versus delayed ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement in neonates undergoing myelomeningocele closure.

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 70%-80% of children born with myelomeningocele develop hydrocephalus and need CSF diversion, commonly a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement. The optimal timing of surgery is not known, but many centers delay VPS placement and perform it in a separate surgery to avoid shunt complications, mainly shunt contamination and infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare shunt-related complications between populations with VPS surgery performed either simultaneously with myelomeningocele closure or with delay. METHODS: The authors searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases on December 15, 2022, and November 11, 2023, using a predefined search strategy. Randomized and nonrandomized trials of neonates undergoing postnatal myelomeningocele closure and VPS placement before the age of 29 days were included. Cases with prenatal myelomeningocele closure and hydrocephalus treatment other than a VPS were excluded. All studies were screened and assessed by two independent reviewers. The authors performed a meta-analysis pooling risk ratios (RRs) with a 95% CI using the random-effects model. The quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: After screening and a full-text review of 2099 database search results, 12 studies with a total number of 4894 patients were included. All studies were nonrandomized studies. Only 2 studies were ranked as good quality on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. No statistically significant differences were found between simultaneous and delayed shunt insertion in terms of shunt infection (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.41-1.42); shunt revision (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.19-1.30); overall mortality (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.09-8.57); wound CSF leak (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.03-1.23); or myelomeningocele wound dehiscence (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.07-3.71). In the subgroup analysis of studies conducted in high-income countries, simultaneous shunting was superior to delayed shunting concerning shunt infection (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.31-0.78) and shunt revision (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.09-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis found no statistically significant differences in shunt-related complications between simultaneous and delayed VPS surgery in myelomeningocele-related hydrocephalus in neonates. The current literature does not support the common practice of delayed shunting or its alternative, simultaneous shunting.

Inter-rater reliability among healthcare professionals in assessing postoperative wound photos for the presence or absence of surgical wound dehiscence: A Pretest - Posttest study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical wound dehiscence (SWD) has various definitions, which complicates accurate and uniform diagnosis. To address this, the World Union Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) presented a consensus based definition and classification for SWD (2018). AIM: This quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study investigates the inter-rater reliability among healthcare professionals (HCP) and wound care professionals (WCP) when assessing wound photos on the presence or absence of SWD before and after training on the WUWHS-definition. METHODS: Wound expert teams compiled a set of twenty photos (SWD+: nineteen, SWD-: one), and a video training. Subsequently, 262 healthcare professionals received the pretest link to assess wound photos. After completion, participants received the posttest link, including a (video) training on the WUWHS-definition, and reassessment of fourteen photos (SWD+: thirteen, SWD-: one). PRIMARY OUTCOMES: 1) pretest-posttest inter-rater-reliability among participants in assessing photos in congruence with the WUWHS-definition 2) the impact of training on assessment scores. SECONDARY OUTCOME: familiarity with the WUWHS-definition. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one participants (65 HCPs, 66 WCPs) completed both tests. The posttest inter-rater reliability among participants for correctly identifying SWD was increased from 67.6 % to 76.2 %, reaching statistical significance (p-value: 0.001; 95 % Confidence Interval [1.8-2.2]). Sub-analyses per photo showed improved SWD posttest scores in thirteen photos, while statistical significance was reached in seven photos. Thirty-three percent of participants knew the WUWHS-definition. CONCLUSION: The inter-rater reliability among participants increases after training on the WUWHS-definition. The definition provides diagnostic criteria for accurate SWD diagnosis. Widespread use of the definition may improve uniformity in care for patients with SWD.

Abdominal wound closure in the presence of sepsis: our experience with the use of subcutaneous drain.

Objectives: Patients requiring surgery for secondary peritonitis demonstrate a significantly increased risk for incisional surgical site infection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous wound drain post-laparotomy for contaminated surgical wounds. Design: This was a prospective comparative hospital-based study. Setting: Patients who had surgery for secondary peritonitis in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital were studied. Participants: Fifty patients aged 16 years and above who presented with secondary peritonitis. Intervention: Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two equal groups. Group A had a suction drain placed in the subcutaneous space after laparotomy while Group B did not. Main outcome measures: Development of incisional surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, and duration of post-operative hospital stay. Results: The incidence of incisional surgical site infection was significantly less in Group A (20%) than in Group B (68%). There was no case of wound dehiscence in Group A as against 3 (12%) in Group B. The difference was not statistically significant. The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly less with subcutaneous suction drain (8.96+2.81 Vs 14.04+8.05; p = 0.005). Conclusion: Subcutaneous suction drainage is beneficial in abdominal wall closure in cases of peritonitis as it significantly reduces the incidence of incisional surgical site infection and the duration of postoperative hospital stay. The reduction in surgical wound dehiscence observed in this study was, however, not statistically significant. Funding: None declared.

Uso de ileostomía derivativa en cáncer de ovario. Revisión de la literatura / Use of diverting ileostomy in ovarian cancer. Literature review

Introducción. La ileostomía derivativa de protección se realiza con el objetivo de proteger la anastomosis intestinal después de una resección colorrectal. Esta resección intestinal es el procedimiento extendido más frecuentemente realizado en pacientes con cáncer de ovario, con el fin de lograr una citorreducción completa. Conocer las indicaciones, el uso, las técnicas y las complicaciones de las ileostomías es importante para los grupos multidisciplinarios que tratan estas pacientes. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed vía Medline y una revisión narrativa actualizada de los principales hallazgos sobre las indicaciones, las técnicas quirúrgicas, complicaciones y el uso de la ileostomía derivativa en el cáncer de ovario. Resultados. El uso de la ileostomía derivativa en cáncer de ovario sigue siendo un tema controvertido. Hasta la fecha, ni la ileostomía de derivación ni la ileostomía fantasma se han asociado con una reducción en la incidencia de la fuga anastomótica, pero ambas técnicas podrían disminuir su gravedad. Conclusión. La ileostomía de derivación en cáncer de ovario se usa para proteger una anastomosis distal tras una resección intestinal, en caso de fuga anastomótica si no se ha realizado una ostomía previa o en caso de obstrucción intestinal.

Introduction. Protective diverting ileostomy is performed with the aim of protecting the intestinal anastomosis after a colorectal resection. This intestinal resection is the most frequently performed extended procedure in patients with ovarian cancer, in order to achieve complete cytoreduction. Knowing the indications, use, techniques and complications of ileostomies is important for multidisciplinary groups that treat these patients. Methods. We conducted a search in PubMed via Medline and an updated narrative review of the main findings on the indications, surgical techniques, complications and use of diverting ileostomy in ovarian cancer. Results. The use of diverting ileostomy in ovarian cancer remains a controversial issue. To date, neither diverting ileostomy nor ghost ileostomy have been associated with a reduction in the incidence of anastomotic leak, but both techniques could decrease its severity. Conclusion. The diverting ileostomy in ovarian cancer is used to protect a distal anastomosis after intestinal resection, in case of anastomotic leak if a previous ostomy has not been performed or in case of intestinal obstruction.

Sutura em Polia Retificada para síntese de feridas de pele tensionadas / Rectified Pulley Suture for the synthesis of tensioned skin wounds

Introdução: A síntese de feridas de pele tensionadas é uma área que tem sido alvo de estudos para o desenvolvimento de técnicas de sutura que sejam capazes de realizar o fechamento primário dessas feridas com alívio de tensão, garantindo uma cicatrização adequada e evitando complicações como deiscência, edema, sangramento e infecção. Método: Esta pesquisa tratou-se de um estudo piloto, sendo a primeira apresentação da técnica de Sutura em Polia Retificada para síntese de feridas de pele tensionadas através do acompanhamento prospectivo, duplo-cego, de uma série de casos de 8 pacientes randomicamente admitidos no centro cirúrgico de um hospital de alta complexidade de uma cidade de médio porte. Resultados: A Sutura em Polia Retificada é uma técnica versátil e apta para lidar com feridas de pele tensionadas, uma vez que no intraoperatório conseguiu fechar por primeira intenção lesões de até 6,5 centímetros e de diferentes regiões tensionadas sem necessidade do uso de técnicas mais complexas, como retalhos, enxertos, zetaplastia e fechamento por segunda intenção. Além disso, no pós-operatório, houve redução dos escores da POSAS, indicando um processo de cicatrização satisfatório tanto para os observadores quanto para o paciente. É imprescindível mencionar, também, que o desfecho mais temido no seguimento dos pacientes com feridas tensionadas submetidos a fechamento primário - a deiscência - foi completamente evitado. Conclusão: A técnica é simples, confiável, segura e reprodutível, com curta curva de aprendizagem, de forma que a Sutura em Polia Retificada pode ser considerada como uma nova ferramenta a ser integrada ao arsenal cirúrgico.

Introduction: The synthesis of tensioned skin wounds is an area that has been the subject of studies for the development of suturing techniques that are capable of performing the primary closure of these wounds with tension relief, ensuring adequate healing, and avoiding complications such as dehiscence, edema, bleeding, and infection. Method: This research was a pilot study, being the first presentation of the Rectified Pulley Suture technique for the synthesis of tensioned skin wounds through prospective, double-blind monitoring of a series of cases of 8 patients randomly admitted to the surgical center of a high-complexity hospital in a mediumsized city. Results: Rectified Pulley Suture is a versatile technique suitable for dealing with tensioned skin wounds, since intraoperatively it was able to close, by first intention, lesions measuring up to 6.5 centimeters and in different tensioned regions without the need for the use of more extensive techniques. complex, such as flaps, grafts, Z-plasty, and secondary intention closure. Furthermore, post-operatively, there was a reduction in POSAS scores, indicating a satisfactory healing process for both observers and the patient. It is also essential to mention that the most feared outcome in the follow-up of patients with tension wounds undergoing primary closure - dehiscence - was completely avoided. Conclusion: The technique is simple, reliable, safe, and reproducible, with a short learning curve, so the Rectified Pulley Suture can be considered a new tool to be integrated into the surgical arsenal.

Does the adjunctive use of autologous platelet concentrate during secondary alveolar bone grafting reduce the risk of wound dehiscence? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Wound dehiscence is a common complication after secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG), leading to unfavourable surgical outcomes. Studies have shown that autologous platelet concentrates (APC) may enhance wound healing and improve outcomes. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate in patients with alveolar clefts, whether using APC and iliac crest bone graft can mitigate the likelihood of wound dehiscence formation compared with those who underwent iliac bone grafting only following SABG. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Ovid MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and grey literature, to include studies until July 31, 2023, without any restriction to language and time of publication. Only randomized (RCT) and controlled (CCT) clinical trials were included. Two independent reviewers screened the studies based on the predefined criteria, after which a qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted. The search yielded 821 studies, of which seven were deemed eligible for systematic review. The risk of bias assessment done using "The Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias assessment" for six RCTs and the "Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions" for one CCT revealed a moderate to high risk of bias. The meta-analysis of five studies showed that the overall risk of developing wound dehiscence was lower in the APC group (RR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.71; p = 0.005; χ2 = 0.82; I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses based on study design further supported these findings. Although the adjuvant use of APC for alveolar cleft reconstruction reduces the risk of wound dehiscence, more studies with increased scientific rigour and fewer confounding variables are warranted.

Results of prophylactic simple fasciocutaneous advancement in the initial management of acute ankle fractures with high risk of operative wound complication.

Ankle fracture is the third most prevalent fracture in older adults. Wound dehiscence is the most frequent complication. Our objective is to determine the operative wound complication rate in patients with unstable ankle fracture in whom a prophylactic simple fasciocutaneous advancement was used. METHODS: Prospective registry of patients with unstable ankle fracture, in whom a prophylactic fasciocutaneous advancement was performed between August 2020 and July 2021. Demographic variables, time spent in performing the flap, cost of osteosynthesis, minor and major complications of the surgical wound, readmission or reoperation were registered. RESULTS: 42 older adults with ankle fracture were included. Median age 69 (60-94). 31% diabetics and 21.5% active smokers. A 40% trimalleolar fracture pattern. There were 7% of superficial complications of the surgical wound. No major complications, no reoperations. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic fasciocutaneous advancement at the beginning of traumatological surgery is technically simple, reproducible, cheap and with low complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, cross-sectional study.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Wound Revision after Surgical Treatment of Spinal Metastasis: A National Population-Based Study in South Korea.

Wound complications are commonly seen after surgeries for metastatic spine tumors. While numerous studies have pinpointed various risk factors, there is ongoing debate. Therefore, this study aimed to verify various factors that are still under debate utilizing the comprehensive Korean National Health Insurance Service database. We identified and retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 3001 patients who underwent one of five surgical treatments (corpectomy, decompression and instrumentation, instrumentation only, decompression only, and vertebroplasty) for newly diagnosed spinal metastasis between 2009 and 2017. A Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors. A total of 197 cases (6.6%) of wound revision were found. Only the surgical method and Charlson comorbidity index were significantly different between the group that underwent wound revision and the group that did not. Regarding surgical methods, the adjusted hazard ratios for decompression only, corpectomy, instrumentation and decompression, and instrumentation only were 1.3, 2.2, 2.2, and 2.4, with these ratios being compared to the vertebroplasty group (p for trend = 0.02). In this regard, based on a sizable South Korean cohort, both surgical methods and medical comorbidity were found to be associated with the wound revision rate among spinal surgery patients for spinal metastasis.

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 infection 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.

Early postoperative parastomal evisceration after explorative laparotomy: case report of a rare and potentially life-threatening surgical complication.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal evisceration represents a preventable surgical complication that should not occur with appropriate technical diligence and surgical skills. While late parastomal hernias are well described in the literature, there is a paucity of reports on the early postoperative occurrence of parastomal intestinal evisceration. CASE PRESENTATION: An urgent laparotomy was performed on a 58-year-old female patient for an acute cecal perforation with generalized peritonitis related to underlying colon cancer. Intraoperative revelations necessitated a carcinologic right colectomy and the creation of an end-loop ileocolostomy. Following six sessions of adjuvant chemotherapy, Computed tomography scans raised uncertainties about the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Consequently, a collaborative decision was reached in a multidisciplinary discussion to conduct a surgical biopsy of these deposits before reinstating digestive continuity. The surgical procedure started with stoma mobilization. However, adhesions and a relatively confined aperture curtailed a comprehensive peritoneal cavity exploration. Thus, a midline incision was executed. The verdict from the frozen section examination affirmed metastatic presence, prompting the retention of the stoma. Within 48 h post-surgery, an early-stage parastomal evisceration occurred, stemming from an inadequately sealed aponeurotic sheath. The exposed bowel surface was encased in fibrin, necessitating meticulous irrigation with a warm saline solution before repositioning it within the peritoneal cavity. Accurate adjustment of the aponeurosis closure ensued, coupled with a meticulous reconstitution of the stoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was subsequently referred for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Preventing parastomal evisceration requires adherence to established stoma-creation protocols, including creating a properly sized fascial opening and secure fixation. In instances of excessive fascial opening, ensuring a tension-free and meticulous closure is imperative.

Secondary postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine scar dehiscence, a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Secondary postpartum hemorrhage is rare. The most common cause is retained placenta. Having a uterine scar dehiscence as an etiology is unusual. Complete dehiscence of the uterine scar is even rarer. This rare but serious cause of post-partum haemorrhage can be potentially life threatening due to severe hemorrhage if not managed in adequate time. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 35-year-old patient, gravida 2 para 2. She had undergone two caesarean sections in our department and, after the last one in March 2021, she presented twice to our emergency department with relatively abundant metrorrhagia, but neither the clinical nor the radiological examinations revealed any abnormalities. At 43 days postpartum, she presented to the emergency with severe bleeding per vaginum. The bleeding was profuse, causing hemodynamic instability and severe acute anaemia. An explorative laparotomy was necessary to diagnose the etiology and manage the treatment. Surgical exploration revealed a lateral uterine rupture in the broad ligament and complete dislocation of the caesarean scar. An urgent hysterectomy was performed. DISCUSSION: Partial or complete dehiscence of the hysterorrhoea is a rare cause of secondary postpartum hemorrhage after caesarean section. When hysterorrhaphy dehiscence does occur, the origin of the bleeding is likely to be related to erosion of the vessels at the incision angles. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of partial or complete dehiscence of the uterine scar may be misleading in the absence of specific clinical or radiological signs. This condition must therefore be considered and suspected in cases of secondary postpartum hemorrhage.

Sternal dehiscence, a reconstructive challenge. Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Sternotomy is the main surgical procedure used to access the heart and great vessels. Among its most important complications is post-sternotomy dehiscence with an incidence of 10 %; the main risk factors for its occurrence are diabetes mellitus, obesity or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a clinical case of a 74-year-old male patient with sternal dehiscence secondary to sternotomy for myocardial revascularisation. CLINICAL DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Surgical dehiscence of sternotomy presents remarkable complexity and poses a significant challenge to the medical team. The therapeutic approach focuses on addressing the infection, removing the necrotic tissue and then covering the area with highly vascularised tissue. Surgical alternatives include the possibility of using a unilateral pectoralis muscle flap, an option that provides adequate sternal stability and leads to satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.

Distal positioning of the skin paddle of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: To assess outcomes of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMF) wherein the skin paddle (SP) was positioned with its distal portion extending beyond the lower border of pectoralis major by ≥2 cm (PMF-d). METHODS: Consecutive head and neck reconstructions with PMF-d (n = 110). SP dimensions l2 (distal extent below the lower border of pectoralis major), l1 (proximal extent above lower border of pectoralis major), and b (breadth) were recorded. Endpoints were SP necrosis, recipient dehiscence, early fistula, and persistent fistula. RESULTS: Median values of l2 , l1 , and b were 3.0, 6.0, and 6.0 cm, respectively. When l2 = 2.0-3.0 cm, SP necrosis occurred in only one (1%) subject (with obesity). When l2 was ≥3.5 cm, necrosis occurred in four (16%) subjects, three of whom also had l1 /l2 < 2.0 (proximal SP < 67% of entire SP). Statistically, increased l2 was the only risk factor for necrosis (p = 0.001). Overall, incidence of recipient dehiscence, early fistula, and persistent fistula were 32 (29%), 20 (20%), and 3 (3%), respectively. Persistent fistula occurred only in the setting of SP necrosis and/or re-irradiation. CONCLUSION: Careful patient selection, adequate proximal SP, and l2 = 2.0-3.0 cm is associated with a negligible risk of necrosis. The enhanced reach and laxity and additional skin surface area and soft tissue volume conferred with PMF-d facilitate recipient wound healing.

Comparison of complications after closure of totally implantable venous access devices with non-absorbable suture and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) skin adhesive: Propensity score matching analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the complication rates of non-absorbable suture (NAS) and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) skin adhesive for skin closure during totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) implantation. METHODS: Between March 2020 and February 2021, 586 consecutive patients who underwent TIVAD implantation were retrospectively analyzed. Two groups of patients suture with NAS (n = 299) or NBCA (n = 287) were followed up for 18 months to compare the occurrence of infection, thrombosis, and non-thrombotic malfunction. A total of 364 cases were extracted using propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio. Mean TIVADs maintenance days were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Nineteen cases of complications occurred (0.294/1000 catheter-days) in the NAS group and 17 cases (0.210/1000 catheter-days) in the NBCA group. The difference in the complication rates between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.725) after propensity score matching. Mean TIVADs maintenance days were 627.3 days in NAS group and 697.6 days in NBCA group. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of TIVADs maintenance days between the two groups (p = 0.081). CONCLUSION: In TIVADs implantation, skin closure using NBCA showed no difference in the occurrence of infectious complications compared with conventional non-absorbable skin suture.

Clinical prediction models and risk tools for early detection of patients at risk of surgical site infection and surgical wound dehiscence: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: Despite advances in surgical techniques, intraoperative practice and a plethora of advanced wound therapies, surgical wound complications (SWCs), such as surgical site infection (SSI) and surgical wound dehiscence (SWD), continue to pose a considerable burden to the patient and healthcare setting. Predicting those patients at risk of a SWC may give patients and healthcare providers the opportunity to implement a tailored prevention plan or potentially ameliorate known risk factors to improve patient postoperative outcomes. METHOD: A scoping review of the literature for studies which reported predictive power and internal/external validity of risk tools for clinical use in predicting patients at risk of SWCs after surgery was conducted. An electronic search of three databases and two registries was carried out with date restrictions. The search terms included 'prediction surgical site infection' and 'prediction surgical wound dehiscence'. RESULTS: A total of 73 records were identified from the database search, of which six studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, the majority of validated risk tools were predominantly within the cardiothoracic domain, and targeted morbidity and mortality outcomes. There were four risk tools specifically targeting SWCs following surgery. CONCLUSION: The findings of this review have highlighted an absence of well-developed risk tools specifically for SSI and/or SWD in most surgical populations. This review suggests that further research is required for the development and clinical implementation of rigorously validated and fit-for-purpose risk tools for predicting patients at risk of SWCs following surgery. The ability to predict such patients enables the implementation of preventive strategies, such as the use of prophylactic antibiotics, delayed timing of surgery, or advanced wound therapies following a procedure.

"/" wiring (Durukan weave) to prevent sternal cutting by wires: a propensity score matched comparison with Robicsek weave.

Introduction: Sternal closure still causes morbidity/mortality following sternotomy. Robicsek weave, cable systems, rigid plates and nitinol clips are systems employed to prevent sternal dehiscence. Aim: The aim was to document the effectiveness of a novel method using standard sternal wires decreasing load on wires and spreading load on the lateral sternum to prevent sternal cutting by wires and thus sternal dehiscence. Material and methods: 756 patients who underwent coronary revascularization with sternotomy between July 2018 and November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty patients with "/"wiring were compared with 50 patients with Robicsek weave by propensity score matching. "/" wiring (Durukan weave) spreads load laterally on the sternum by lateral sequential knotting of wires instead of midline knotting. Outcomes were superficial and deep sternal wound infection and non-infectious sternal dehiscence. Results: There were 50 patients in each group. Mean age of the patients was 65.74 ±7.47 in Robicsek weave and 66.12 ±7.23 in Durukan weave. The perioperative characteristics of patients were comparable as propensity score matching was performed. None developed superficial sternal wound infection in Robicsek weave, whereas 2% (1) in "/"wiring. There was no deep sternal wound infection in each group. Non-infectious sternal dehiscence did not occur in either group. Conclusions: "/" wiring seems to be a safe and cost-effective method for sternal closure for preventing sternal cutting by wires, therefore preventing sternal wound related problems and dehiscence. The method is cheap, easily applicable and less time consuming than Robicsek weave, which was proven to be the safest method for sternal wire closure.

Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence and a Guideline to Determine Treatment Strategy.

In this retrospective study, our aim was to investigate a novel treatment strategy guideline for vaginal cuff dehiscence after hysterectomy based on the mode of operation and time of occurrence in patients who underwent hysterectomy at Severance Hospital between July 2013 and February 2019. We analyzed the characteristics of 53 cases of vaginal cuff dehiscence according to the mode of hysterectomy and time of occurrence. Out of a total of 6530 hysterectomy cases, 53 were identified as vaginal cuff dehiscence (0.81%; 95% confidence interval: 0.4-1.6%). The incidence of dehiscence after minimally invasive hysterectomy was significantly higher in patients with benign diseases, while malignant disease was associated with a higher risk of dehiscence after transabdominal hysterectomy (p = 0.011). The time of occurrence varied significantly based on menopausal status, with dehiscence occurring relatively earlier in pre-menopausal women compared to post-menopausal women (93.1% vs. 33.3%, respectively; p = 0.031). Surgical repair was more frequently required in cases of late-onset vaginal cuff dehiscence (≥8 weeks) compared to those with early-onset dehiscence (95.8% vs. 51.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). Patient-specific factors, such as age, menopausal status, and cause of operation, may influence the timing and severity of vaginal cuff dehiscence and evisceration. Therefore, a guideline may be indicated for the treatment of potentially emergent complications after hysterectomy.

Postoperative wound dehiscence in mandibular fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the occurrence and causes of non-infection-related surgical wound dehiscence (SWD) in intraorally treated mandibular fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with one or two fractures of the dentate part of the mandible treated surgically via an intraoral approach were included in this retrospective study. The primary outcome variable was SWD. Associations between patient-, fracture- and surgery-related variables and SWD were evaluated. RESULTS: Altogether 232 patients with 270 mandibular angle, body, symphysis and/or parasymphysis fractures were included in the analysis. In all, 22 SWDs were detected. These occurred in 9.5% of patients and in 8.1% of fractures. Surgery performed at night-time showed a significantly higher SWD rate than daytime surgeries (p = .012). Additionally, a significantly greater SWD rate was found among smokers (p = .041). Other studied variables remained statistically non-significant for SWD. In a multivariate analysis, night-time was the only significant independent variable with an odds ratio of 3.297 (95% CI 1.238 - 8.780, p = .017) for SWD. CONCLUSION: The approach or closure technique used and the fracture type had only a minor effect on non-infection-related SWD in patients with mandibular fractures. To avoid SWDs, mandibular fracture surgeries should be conducted during the daytime with adequate support from an experienced surgeon.

Terapia E-VAC como tratamiento de complicaciones en cirugía gastrointestinal en centro de referencia de gastroenterología en Colombia: Serie de casos

Las fístulas y dehiscencias anastomóticas postoperatorias gastrointestinales se presentan de forma frecuente y muchas son manejadas quirúrgicamente, sin embargo, las intervenciones endoscópicas han mostrado mejorar desenlaces de curación y tiempo de estancia hospitalaria. Se describe la experiencia de la terapia de cierre asistida por vacío (E-VAC), en el manejo de fístulas y dehiscencias anastomóticas postoperatorias, en un centro de referencia gastrointestinal en Colombia. Se realizó un estudio serie de casos en pacientes con dehiscencia de anastomosis y fístula a diferentes niveles del tracto digestivo, tratados mediante E-VAC, por el servicio de gastroenterología de la clínica universitaria Colombia, en Bogotá, durante un periodo comprendido de febrero 2019 y noviembre 2021. Se describieron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y quirúrgicas. Se describen 6 casos, 4 de tracto digestivo inferior y 2 de tracto digestivo superior. El 83% fueron hombres, la edad media fue de 51,8 años (+/-17,5). La indicación de E-VAC fue fístula anastomótica colorrectal en el 66%, siendo la ubicación anatómica más frecuente la anastomosis colorrectal (66%), con menor frecuencia a nivel de los cardias (16%) y esófago (16%). El tamaño del defecto se describió entre el 20 y el 80% en pacientes sometidos a terapia E-VAC, siendo el tiempo promedio de hospitalización 22.5 días con un número de recambios promedio de siete por paciente. Las fugas y fístulas anastomóticas son complicaciones potencialmente mortales en pacientes llevados a intervenciones quirúrgicas gastrointestinales, en las que la terapia E-VAC ha mostrado ser eficaz y segura, promoviendo el cierre del defecto y el drenaje de colecciones presentes, igualmente disminuyendo el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria.

Gastrointestinal postoperative anastomotic leaks and fistulas occur frequently and many are managed surgically; however, endoscopic interventions have shown to improve healing outcomes and length of hospital stay. The experience of vacuum-assisted closure therapy (E-VAC) is described, in complications such as fistulasand postoperative anastomotic leaks, in a gastrointestinal reference center in Colombia. A case series study was carried out in patients with anastomotic leaks and fistulasat different levels of the digestive tract, treated by E-VAC, by the Gastroenterology Service in Colombia, during a period from February 2019 to November 2021. Sociodemographic, clinical and surgical variables were described. 6 cases are described, 4 from lower digestive tract and 2 from upper digestive tract. 83% were men; the mean age was 51.8 years (+/-17.5). The indication for E-VAC was colorectal anastomotic fistula in 66%; the most frequent anatomical location was near the anal region (66%), less frequently at the level of the cardia (16%) and esophagus (16%). The size of the defect was described between 20 and 80% in patients undergoing E-VAC therapy, with an average hospitalization length of stay of 22.5 days, with an average number of exchanges of seven per patient. Anastomotic leaks and fistulasare potentially fatal complications in gastrointestinal surgery. E-VAC therapy has shown to be effective and safe, promoting defect closure and drainage of collections present, also decreasing the length of hospital stay.