Low rate of surgical site infections after liver transplantation: A 5-year retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) after liver transplant (LT) is common, but no studies have been conducted in Australia. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of patients who developed an SSI post-LT in Australia's largest LT unit. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. We included all LT recipients who were aged 18 years or more and received their transplant between March 1, 2018 and April 1, 2023. The primary outcome was to determine the proportion of LT recipients who developed an SSI within 30 days of transplantation. RESULTS: There were 404 LTs performed during the study period, and 375 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 8% (n = 31/375) developed an SSI and were classified as superficial (3%, n = 12/375) or deep/organ space (5%, n = 19/375). The most common antibiotics used for prophylaxis were amoxicillin/clavulanate (75%, n = 281/375), followed by piperacillin/tazobactam (17%, n = 62/375). Independent risk factors associated with the development of SSI were Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (aOR 3.16, 95% CI 1.17-8.28, p = .02), operative time (per 60-min increment) (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.48), and re-operation (aOR 4.16, 95% CI 1.81-9.58, p < .01). Type of antibiotic received perioperatively was not significantly associated with SSI. CONCLUSION: SSI occurred in 8% of LT recipients and was predominantly related to operation-related factors rather than patient- or antibiotic-related factors.

The usability and outcomes of self-monitored surgical wound healing using a smartphone based application by patients following neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: The Radboudumc developed a smartphone-application (WondGezond) to collect surgical wound healing information provided by the patient. We evaluated usability and outcomes to assess its potential for early surgical site infection (SSI) detection. METHODS: This research was initiated by the neurosurgery department. Patients surgically treated for degenerative spinal disorders or carpal tunnel syndrome between August 2020 and February 2023 were enrolled one day post-surgery and asked to download the app via a quick-response (QR) code. Participants uploaded a photo and answered four questions about their wound daily, for 14 days. Afterwards, participants indicated if they received treatment for a suspected SSI (participant-reported outcome). Two neurosurgeons independently assessed photos and questionnaire answers for suspected SSIs (physician-assessed outcome). The association between both outcomes was determined by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value (PPV/NPV). RESULTS: After 2009 surgeries, 1695 QR-codes were distributed and 412(21%) were activated. 232(56%) participants completed the 14-day period of whom 22(10%) reported SSI-treatment. Physician-assessment identified 15(7%) SSIs. Concordance was reached in 88% of cases. Amongst 27 discordant cases were 17 false-positives and 10 false-negatives, resulting in low sensitivity(33%) and PPV(23%), but high NPV(95%). CONCLUSIONS: WondGezond provides clinicians with information regarding wound healing and SSIs to follow-up on patients at risk, while possibly also reducing antibiotic (over)treatment and unnecessary visits for patients without issues in wound healing. However, the low participation and false-positive results renders the app in its current form unsuitable for surveillance purposes. Further validation of WondGezond is required by comparing physician-assessed and participant-reported outcomes to microbiological cultures ("golden-standard").

Perioperative interventions for the prevention of surgical wound infection in adult patients undergoing left ventricular assist devices implantation: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Surgical wound infection is the most frequent type of care health associated infection. Lack of knowledge about the prevention of surgical wound infection in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation could significantly undermine the potential benefits of surgical intervention. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to map the recommendations for adult patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation. DESIGN: This is a scoping review, being registered in the Open Science Framework under DOI https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Q76B3 (https://osf.io/q76b3/). METHOD: Left ventricular assist device coordinators and nurse specialists in dermatology and stomatherapy conducted a scoping review in Scopus, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), limited to the period between 2015 and 2022. The results of this scoping review will be discussed and presented in separate articles. This paper will synthesize research evidence on the perioperative topic. RESULTS: The initial searches resulted in 771 studies. Sixty nine met the eligibility criteria and were included in the scoping review. Eight articles addressing the perioperative topic that answered the question of this article were included. CONCLUSION: Although this scoping review included heterogeneous, and scarce studies with left ventricular assist device patients. As such, there are many promising future research directions for this topic. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Infection surveillance should be an integral part of left ventricular assist device implantation programs in health care institutions. Velvet completely buried in subcutaneous tissues reduces transmission system infection. Triple tunnel method reduces transmission system infection risk.

Influence of surgical scrubs outside the operation theatre on post-operative infections - A systematic review.

Background and Aims: Healthcare workers (HCWs), which include surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, and other non-medical staff working in the operation theatre (OT), change to surgical scrubs for providing designated services. This study was intended to investigate the association of moving in and out of OT to other hospital areas without changing scrubs and its impact on bacterial infection. Methods: After PROSPERO registration, we performed a systematic review to compare the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs) with or without the movement of HCWs outside OT. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library using relevant keywords. RoB-2 and ROBINS-E tools were used to assess the risk of bias in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, respectively. Results: We identified six articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria: three RCTs and three observational studies. A risk of bias assessment revealed an overall low bias in the RCTs and an overall high bias in the observational studies. The analysis revealed a comparable incidence of bacterial infection in terms of colony-forming units when scrubs when HCWs moved in and out of OT with the same scrubs. A meta-analysis was not performed due to heterogeneity in participants and the OT set-up, as well as fewer studies and sample size. Conclusion: The evidence is insufficient to suggest that wearing scrubs outside the OT could increase the incidence of SSI in surgical patients or transmit the organisms to patients, causing infection. The present review neither supports nor is against wearing surgical scrubs outside OT premises.

Single Surgeon Comparison of Midline Versus Overlapping Locoregional Flap Closure Following Spinal Instrumentation.

BACKGROUND: Two techniques for paraspinous muscle flap closure of spine surgeries have been described: one with tension-free mobilization of the muscle flaps approximated at the midline and one with perforators more aggressively dissected to allow for overlapping of the flaps. We seek to compare the surgical outcomes in patients who underwent either type of complex spinal closure as no investigation has yet evaluated a superior technique. METHODS: An institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent spine surgery followed by locoregional muscle flap complex closure performed by a single plastic surgeon between January 2016 and July 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on which closure method was employed. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed by multivariable logistic regression with Firth's correction. RESULTS: One hundred and 10 patients with similar baseline demographics were included. There were significantly more smokers (15% vs. 0%, P = 0.02) and a significantly greater rate of postoperative radiation (40% vs. 17%, P = 0.009) in the overlapping group. After controlling for smoking and postoperative radiation, the incidence of surgical site infection, skin necrosis, dehiscence, hematoma, and seroma did not differ between the groups. The procedure length per centimeter of closure was shorter in the midline approximation group, although this data fell just short of significance (3.2 vs. 3.8 minutes/cm, P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that both the overlapping and midline approximation of muscle flaps are equally safe and effective strategies for locoregional closure of spinal wounds.

Prevalence of surgical site infection and risk factors in patients after knee surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and risk factors in patients after knee surgery. A comprehensive and systematic search was carried out across various international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science, as well as Persian electronic databases like Iranmedex and the Scientific Information Database (SID). This search involved the utilization of keywords derived from Medical Subject Headings, such as 'Prevalence', 'Surgical wound infection', 'Surgical site infection' and 'Orthopaedics', spanning from the earliest records up to 1 October 2023. To assess the quality of the included studies, the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool) was utilized. The study encompassed a combined participant pool of 11 028 individuals who underwent knee surgery across seven selected studies. The collective prevalence of SSI in patients who underwent knee surgery, as reported in the seven included studies, was determined to be 3.0% (95% CI: 1.2% to 7.5%; I2 = 96.612%; p < 0.001). The combined prevalence of SSI in patients with DM, as reported in six studies, was 5.1% (95% CI: 1.7% to 14.5%; I2 = 79.054%; p < 0.001). Similarly, the pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with HTN, drawn from four studies, was 1.8% (95% CI: 0.7% to 4.5%; I2 = 63.996%; p = 0.040). Additionally, the collective prevalence of SSI in patients with a history of tobacco use, based on findings from six studies, was 4.8% (95% CI: 1.4% to 15.2%; I2 = 93.358%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis was conducted within six studies, categorizing them by two countries, namely China and the USA. These analyses revealed that the prevalence of SSI following knee surgery was 3.0% in China and 2.0% in the USA. It is noteworthy that variations in SSI prevalence across different studies may be attributed to a multitude of factors, particularly varying risk factors among patient populations. To address this issue and mitigate the impact of SSI on knee surgery patients, it is advisable to develop tailored interventions.

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.

The efficacy of surgical site suction drain insertion in pterional craniotomy for intracranial cerebral aneurysm.

Objective: We evaluated the role of subgaleal closed suction drains in postoperative epidural hematoma (EDH) and wound complications following pterional craniotomy for cerebral aneurysm. Methods: We reviewed 5,280 pterional craniotomies performed on 5,139 patients between January 2006 and December 2020. A drain was placed subgalealy and tip of drain was positioned between the bone flap and the deep temporalis. 1,637 cases (31%) had a subgaleal suction drain. We analyzed demographic and clinical variables related to EDH requiring evacuation and wound complications in patients with and without drains. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associated risk factors. Results: Fourteen cases (0.27%) of EDH requiring evacuation and 30 cases (0.57%) of wound complications were identified. Univariate analysis found that drain insertion, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and operation time were associated with EDH, while drain insertion, SAH, male gender, older age, and longer operation time were associated with wound complications. Multivariate analysis found no significant association between drain use and EDH (OR=1.62, p=0.402) or wound complications (OR=1.45, p=0.342). Conclusions: Routine use of subgaleal closed suction drains may not be necessary after pterional craniotomy, as drain insertion was not associated with a reduced risk of EDH requiring evacuation or wound complications.

Intraoperative Difficulties and Postoperative Complications Associated With Cochlear Implantations: A Study From Erbil City.

Background and objective Cochlear implants are highly effective for the treatment of severe to profound hearing loss. Cochlear implant surgery is a safe surgical procedure; however, due to many modifications over the years, it has been associated with certain minor and major complications. This study aimed to examine the intraoperative difficulties and postoperative complications in patients who received cochlear implants in Erbil City. Methods We conducted a retrospective descriptive study regarding complications of cochlear implants involving patients who received unilateral or bilateral cochlear Implants at the Rizgary Teaching Hospital and a private hospital in Erbil City from January 2013 to July 2022. Their medical records were analyzed, and data on demographics, intraoperative difficulties, and postoperative complications were gathered. Results A total of 160 patients with cochlear implants (87 male, 54.4%; 73 female, 45.6%) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 6.76 ± 8.02 years (range: 1-53 years); 150 of these patients were children and 10 were adults (18 years and above). Intraoperative difficulties occurred in five patients (3.1%). The overall rate of complication was 10%, 7.5% of which was minor (the most common being wound infection) and 2.5% major (the most frequent being device extrusion). Conclusions Cochlear implant surgery is a safe procedure performed to treat profoundly deaf patients. It is associated with a low rate of complications, most of which can be successfully managed with conservative measures or minimal intervention.

Infecção de sítio cirúrgico e o telemonitoramento pelo enfermeiro no pós-operatório: uma revisão de escopo / Surgical site infection and nurse telemonitoring in the postoperative period: a scoping review

OBJETIVO: mapear evidências científicas sobre a prevenção e o manejo precoce de infecção de sítio cirúrgico por telemonitoramento em pacientes cirúrgicos após alta hospitalar. MÉTODO: revisão de escopo desenvolvida conforme proposto pelo Instituto Joanna Briggs (JBI). Foi realizada a pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed, Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Cochrane Collaboration, Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science e Embase. Os estudos foram adicionados ao gerenciador Endnote Basic e Rayyan por três pesquisadores independentes. RESULTADOS: foram identificados 1.386 estudos e incluídos 31, os quais apresentaram relevância em relação a sinais de alerta precoce e tardio da infecção de sítio cirúrgico, complicações, fatores de risco, prevenção e utilização do telemonitoramento. CONCLUSÃO: observou-se que, embora os estudos abordem a infecção de sítio cirúrgico e o telemonitoramento, faz-se necessário a formulação dos instrumentos utilizados nas consultas telefônicas, contemplando com maior especificidade os critérios indispensáveis a serem abordados.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to map scientific evidence regarding the prevention and early management of surgical site infection through telemonitoring in surgical patients after discharge from the hospital. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted following the guidelines proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The search was performed across PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Cochrane Collaboration, Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Three independent researchers collect the identified studies using Endnote Basic and Rayyan. RESULTS: A total of 1,386 studies were identified, of which 31 were included in the analysis. These selected studies demonstrated significance regarding early and late warning signs of surgical site infection, complications, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the utilization of telemonitoring. CONCLUSION: While the studies address surgical site infection and telemonitoring, it is imperative to formulate the instruments employed in telephonic consultations, incorporating a more specific consideration of essential criteria to be addressed.

Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and the incidence of surgical site infections in elective clean soft tissue surgery of the hand and upper limb: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSI) are the most frequent early complications of hand surgeries. However, the indications still remain uncertain for antibiotic prophylaxis in elective clean soft tissue surgeries of the hand and upper limb. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis on the prevention of SSI in these types of surgeries. METHODS: An electronic search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE/Pubmed, PMC/Pubmed, Web of Science/Clarivate Analytics, Embase/Elsevier, Scopus/Elsevier, BVS/Lilacs, and the Cochrane Library, with no restrictions regarding publication language or date. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of SSI following elective clean soft tissue surgeries of the hand and upper limb according to the administration of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and no antibiotic prophylaxis. Surgeries involving simultaneous bone procedures or orthopedic implants were excluded. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I are Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and non-randomized studies of interventions. The magnitude of the intervention effect was estimated using the relative risk (RR). The meta-analysis was performed with the Review Manager and R software tools, using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results with p ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 1175 titles, from which 12 articles met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and 10 were included in the subsequent meta-analysis. The majority of these studies were nonrandomized intervention trials, exhibiting a moderate risk of bias. According to our review, preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis did not have a statistically significant impact on the incidence of SSI (RR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.91-1.40, p = 0.28). The overall quality of evidence for this outcome was rated as low. Moderate statistical heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 44%), and the prespecified sensitivity analysis highlighted the consistency of the results. CONCLUSIONS: While these results were consistent with the findings from individual studies included in this review, it is important to note that, given the threshold of p ≤ 0.05 for statistical significance, no definitive conclusions can be drawn from the quantitative analysis of the data obtained. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42023417786.

The modified cross-suture technique for loop stoma reversal.

TECHNIQUE: (1) A four-pointed star-shaped incision was made to separate the skin around the stoma intestine. (2) The stoma intestine was resected, and side-to-side or end-to-side anastomosis was performed to restore the continuity of the intestine. (3) The peritoneum and rectus sheath should be closed using continuous full-thickness sutures. (4) The subcutaneous fat layer and dermis layer should be sutured using purse-string sutures. Two holes should be made in the center of the sutured area. (5) The cross should be sutured intermittently on all four sides using 1-2 stitches. (6) A rubber strip should be placed in the center of the small hole. RESULTS: The presence of a small hole in the center of the incision and the use of a rubber strip for drainage facilitate early fluid drainage. The design of a cross-stitched skin incision helps reduce local tension. CONCLUSION: The modified cross-suture technique may reduce postoperative incision infections and associated pain, which is a suitable incision treatment method for loop stoma reversal.

Post-operative nursing activities to prevent wound complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgeries: A scoping review.

AIMS: To identify postoperative interventions and quality improvement initiatives used to prevent wound complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgeries, the types of activities nurses undertake in these interventions/initiatives and how these activities align with nurses' scope of practice. DESIGN: A scoping review. DATA SOURCES: Three health databases were searched, and backward and forward citation searching occurred in April 2022. Research and quality improvement initiatives included focussed on adult patients undergoing colorectal surgery, from 2010 onwards. Data were extracted about study characteristics, nursing activities and outcomes. The 'Dimensions of the scope of nursing practice' framework was used to classify nursing activities and then the Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice and Research recommendations framework was used to synthesise the review findings. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were included. These studies often reported negative wound pressure therapy and surgical site infection bundle interventions/initiatives. Nurses' scope of practice was most frequently 'Technical procedure and delegated medical care' meaning nurses frequently acted under doctors' orders, with the most common delegated activity being dressing removal. CONCLUSION: The full extent of possible interventions nurses could undertake independently in the postoperative period requires further exploration to improve wound outcomes and capitalise on nurses' professional role. IMPACT STATEMENT: Nurses' role in preventing postoperative wound complications is unclear, which may inhibit their ability to influence postoperative outcomes. In the postoperative period, nurses undertake technical activities, under doctors' orders to prevent wound infections. For practice, nurses need to upkeep and audit their technical skills. New avenues for researchers include exploration of independent activities for postoperative nurses and the outcomes of these activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: There may be opportunities to broaden nurses' scope of practice to act more autonomously to prevent wound complication. REPORTING METHOD: Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: A health consumer interpreted the data and prepared the manuscript.

Prevalence of surgical site infection and risk factors in patients after foot and ankle surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and related factors in patients after foot and ankle surgery. A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted in different international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database (SID) using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as 'Prevalence', 'Surgical wound infection', 'Surgical site infection' and 'Orthopaedics' from the earliest to 1 June 2023. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool) evaluates the quality of the included studies. A total of 10 447 patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery participated in nine studies. The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients who underwent foot and ankle surgery was reported in nine studies was 4.2% (95% CI: 2.4%-7.2%; I2 = 96.793%; p < 0.001). The odds ratio of SSI prevalence in men was higher than that of women and was significant (OR: 1.335; 95% CI: 1.106-1.612; Z = 3.009; p = 0.003). The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with hindfoot fracture sites reported in five studies was 4.9% (95% CI: 2.6%-8.9%; I2 = 90.768%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) reported in six studies was 9.1% (95% CI: 5.6%-14.6%; I2 = 73.957%; p = 0.002). The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with hypertension (HTN) reported in five studies was 5.5% (95% CI: 2.5%-11.6%; I2 = 91.346%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with tobacco use reported in eight studies was 6.6% (95% CI: 4.1%-10.4%; I2 = 85.379%; p < 0.001). In general, the existing differences in the prevalence of SSI after foot and ankle surgery in different studies can be based on different risk factors such as comorbidities and gender. Therefore, it is suggested to design appropriate interventions to reduce SSI in these patients.

Subcuticular Suture Type at Cesarean Delivery and Infection Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical site infections (SSI) are common causes of postoperative morbidity at cesarean delivery (CD). The objective of this study was to compare the risk of SSI and other wound complications associated with different suture materials for subcuticular skin closure at CD. DATA SOURCES: We searched Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception to June 3, 2021, and limited our search to English, peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. STUDY SELECTION: Of 1541 titles identified, 4 studies met the selection criteria and were included. Studies were included if the population was pregnant individuals undergoing transverse incision primary or repeat, elective or emergent CD with subcuticular skin closure, and if outcomes related to SSI, wound seroma, hematoma, or dehiscence were reported. We completed the assessment using Covidence review management software. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two authors independently reviewed studies and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) and the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools for cohort studies. We compared SSI risk and secondary outcomes of hematoma, seroma, and dehiscence between skin closure with monofilament (poliglecaprone 25 or polypropylene) versus multifilament (polyglactin 910) sutures using a fixed-effects meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic. Monofilament sutures were associated with a reduced risk of SSI (RR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.98, I2 = 0%) compared to multifilament sutures. There was no difference in the risk of secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Monofilament suture for subcuticular skin closure at CD was associated with decreased risk of SSI compared to multifilament suture.

Digital tools for post-discharge surveillance of surgical site infection.

AIMS: Conduct a scoping review on the development and use of digital tools for post-discharge surgical site infection surveillance. DESIGN: Scoping review. DATA SOURCES: Science Direct, PubMed, Embase, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched from 2013 to May 2022. Six intellectual property registries were reviewed from 2013 to 2022. REVIEW METHODS: The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute model, and included intellectual property records (applications, prototypes and software) and scientific articles published in any language on the development and/or testing of digital tools for post-discharge surveillance of surgical site infection among surgical patients aged 18 and over. RESULTS: One intellectual property record and 13 scientific articles were identified, covering 10 digital tools. The intellectual property record was developed and registered by a China educational institution in 2018. The majority of manuscripts were prospective cohort studies and randomized clinical trials, published between 2016 and 2022, and more than half were conducted in the United States. The population included adult patients undergoing cardiac, thoracic, vascular, abdominal, arthroplasty and caesarean surgery. The main functionalities of the digital tools were the previously prepared questionnaire, the attachment of a wound image, the integrated Web system and the evaluation of data by the health team, with post-discharge surgical site infection surveillance time between 14 and 30 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Digital tools show promise for the surveillance of surgical site infection, collaborating with the early detection of wound infection. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Mobile technology was favourable for detecting surgical site infections, reducing unnecessary visits to the health service, and increasing patient satisfaction. IMPACT: Technological advances in the health area open new perspectives for post-discharge surveillance of surgical site infection. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN?: There is underreporting of surgical site infections due to difficulties related to traditional methods of post-discharge surveillance. The use of digital tools within surgical site infection surveillance is increasing. Benefits of using digital tools within surgical site infection surveillance have been reported. WHAT HAS THIS STUDY ADDED TO OUR KNOWLEDGE?: This scoping review is one of the first to analyse the development and use of digital tools for post-discharge surveillance of surgical site infection in different countries. The main functionalities of digital tools are: structured questionnaires; attachment of wound images; integrated web systems; and evaluation of data by professionals. The use of mobile technology is favourable for detecting surgical site infections with a reduction in costs from face-to-face consultations and increased patient satisfaction. WHERE AND ON WHOM WILL THE RESEARCH HAVE AN IMPACT?: Healthcare providers can successfully use digital tools for surgical site infection post-discharge surveillance. Remote monitoring can reduce unnecessary patient visits to healthcare facilities. Policy makers can study how to implement digital platforms for remote patient monitoring. REPORTING METHOD: PRISMA statement for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered in the OSF (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BA8D6).

Risk factors for surgical site infection following cardiac surgery in a region endemic for multidrug resistant organisms.

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for surgical site infections following cardiosurgery in an area endemic for multidrug resistant organisms. DESIGN: Single-center, historical cohort study including patients who underwent cardiosurgery during a 6-year period (2014-2020). SETTING: Joint Commission International accredited, multiorgan transplant center in Palermo, Italy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical site infection was the main outcome. RESULTS: On a total of 3609 cardiosurgery patients, 184 developed surgical site infection (5.1 %). Intestinal colonization with multidrug resistant organisms was more frequent in patients with surgical site infections (69.6 % vs. 33.3 %; p < 0.001). About half of surgical site infections were caused by Gram-negative bacteria (n = 97; 52.7 %). Fifty surgical site infections were caused by multidrug resistant organisms (27.1 %), with extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (n = 16; 8.7 %) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (n = 26; 14.1 %) being the predominant resistance problem. However, in only 24 of surgical site infections caused by multidrug resistant organisms (48 %), mostly carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (n = 22), a pathogen match between the rectal surveillance culture and surgical site infections clinical culture was demonstrated. Nevertheless, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a rectal swab culture positive for multidrug resistant organisms as an independent risk factor for SSI (odds ratio 3.95, 95 % confidence interval 2.79-5.60). Other independent risk factors were female sex, chronic dialysis, diabetes mellitus, previous cardiosurgery, previous myocardial infarction, being overweight/obese, and longer intubation time. CONCLUSION: In an area endemic for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, intestinal colonization with multidrug resistant organisms was recognized as independent risk factor for surgical site infections. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: No causal relationship between colonization with resistant pathogens and subsequent infection could be demonstrated. However, from a broader epidemiological perspective, having a positive multidrug resistant organisms colonization status appeared a risk factor for surgical site infections. Therefore, strict infection control measures to prevent cross-transmission remain pivotal (e.g., nasal decolonization, hand hygiene, and skin antisepsis).

Infection after intramedullary nailing of femoral and tibial diaphyseal fractures.

PURPOSE: Management of fracture-related infection (FRI) after intramedullary fixation (IF) is a challenge. The aim of the present study is to describe a series of 26 patients with FRI after IF and to evaluate factors possibly related to the outcome. METHODS: Baseline variables were obtained at the time of IF: age, sex, body mass index, affected bone, open fracture, substance abuse, use of an external fixator, type of nail, reaming, soft-tissue reconstruction and surveillance culture result. After diagnosis of the infection, information was obtained about the time interval between IF and diagnosis and classification according to both the Willeneger and Roth and Makridis systems. Treatment modalities were grouped and analysed according to: use of antimicrobials, surgical debridement, nail removal or retention and spacer use. Cultures of bone or deep soft tissues were performed. Patients were followed up for 12 months, and outcomes (remission, relapse, death and loss of follow-up) were evaluated, as well as fracture consolidation. RESULTS: Remission was observed in 42.3% of patients. There was no significant association between any baseline variable and outcome. There was a significant association between Makridis stage 2 classification and recurrence or death. Treatment strategy was not significantly associated with outcome, and 65.4% of cases had positive culture results, with Enterobacter cloacae as the predominant agent. Consolidation was observed in 81.8% of patients and was not significantly related to the outcome. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between Makridis classification and the outcome. Consolidation rate was not associated with the outcome regarding the treatment of the infection.

Total laryngectomy and readmission: causes, rates and predictors.

BACKGROUND: Total laryngectomy (TL) is a complex procedure, and patients undergoing TL are at high risk for readmission, which exposes them to hospital-acquired complications. Readmission rate is a metric for quality of care. We aimed to identify the rate, causes, and predictors of hospital readmission within 60 days after discharge following TL. METHODS: This is a 12-year retrospective study where we included all patients undergoing TL in a single tertiary care center between 2008 and 2022. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, and causes for readmission. RESULTS: Of 83 patients who underwent TL, 12 (14.50%) were readmitted within 60 days. Common causes were surgical site infection (33.33%) and mucocutaneous fistula (25%). Significant predictors for readmission were tobacco use (P = 0.003), African ethnicity (P = 0.004), being unmarried (P < 0.001), lower preoperative serum albumin (P < 0.001), higher preoperative TSH (P = 0.03), higher preoperative neutrophil count (P = 0.035), higher American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score (P = 0.028), and higher Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) score (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION: One in every seven patients were readmitted following TL. Frequent causes include wound infection and fistulas. Predictors include preoperative hypoalbuminemia, hypothyroidism, African ethnicity, being unmarried, tobacco use, and a higher baseline burden of comorbidities. Such factors can be targeted to reduce hospital readmission rates.