[Prospective analysis of risk factors for perioperative infections in clean and clean-contaminated surgeries in dogs and cats with special reference to perioperative and postoperative antibiotic use]. / Prospektive Analyse von Risikofaktoren für perioperative Infektionen bei sauberen und sauber-kontaminierten Eingriffen bei Hund und Katze unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des perioperativen und postoperativen Antibiotikaeinsatzes.

INTRODUCTION: With every surgical procedure there is a risk of postoperative infection (surgical site infection = SSI). This risk of infection can be influenced by various factors, including perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. In terms of antibiotic stewardship, antibiotics should only be used if there is a proven benefit for the patient. However, this advantage has not yet been conclusively proven, especially for clean and clean-contaminated surgeries. The aim of our study was to document various relevant influencing factors on the infection rate after clean and clean-contaminated surgeries in dogs and cats. In particular, it was documented to what extent a reduced use of antibiotics affects the infection rate in the context of all influencing factors. Over a period of eleven months, 807 clean and clean-contaminated surgeries in dogs and cats were prospectively analyzed with possible influencing factors (gender, ASA classification, underlying endocrinological diseases, duration of anesthesia, duration of surgery, type of surgery, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (POA), duration of hospitalization) affecting the infection rate. After surgery all cases were followed up either 30 or 90 days, if implants were used. The effect of the various factors was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. SSI was detected in 25/664 clean and 10/143 clean-contaminated surgeries. Longer hospitalization, without antimicrobial prophylaxis, and male animals had a significantly higher risk of SSI. In clean surgeries, SSI occurred in 2,3 % of all cases with POA and 5,3 % without POA. The SSI in clean-contaminated was 3,6 % with POA and 9 % without. This difference resulted mainly from the results of osteosynthesis, gastrointestinal and skin surgeries. However, other types of surgeries, such as castrations, neurological interventions, abdominal and thoracic surgeries, and surgeries in the head and neck region, showed comparable infection rates with and without POA.

INTRODUCTION: Toute intervention chirurgicale comporte un risque d'infection postopératoire (infection du site opératoire = ISO). Ce risque d'infection peut être influencé par différents facteurs, dont l'antibioprophylaxie périopératoire. En termes de gestion responsable des antibiotiques, les antibiotiques ne devraient être utilisés que s'il existe un avantage prouvé pour le patient. Cependant, cet avantage n'a pas encore été prouvé de manière concluante, en particulier pour les chirurgies propres et propres-contaminées. L'objectif de notre étude était de documenter divers facteurs d'influence pertinents sur le taux d'infection après des chirurgies propres et propres-contaminées chez les chiens et les chats. Nous avons en particulier cherché à savoir dans quelle mesure une utilisation réduite des antibiotiques affecte le taux d'infection en tenant compte de tous les facteurs d'influence. Sur une période de onze mois, 807 chirurgies propres et contaminées chez des chiens et des chats ont été analysées prospectivement avec les facteurs d'influence possibles (sexe, classification ASA, maladies endocrinologiques sous-jacentes, durée de l'anesthésie, durée de la chirurgie, type de chirurgie, prophylaxie antibiotique périopératoire (POA), durée de l'hospitalisation) affectant le taux d'infection. Après la chirurgie, tous les cas ont été suivis durant soit 30 soit90 jours si des implants avaient été utilisés. L'effet des différents facteurs a été évalué par une analyse de régression logistique multivariable. Des ISO ont été détectées dans 25/664 chirurgies propres et 10/143 chirurgies contaminées propres. Une hospitalisation plus longue sans prophylaxie antimicrobienne ainsi que les animaux mâles présentaient un risque significativement plus élevé d'ISO. Dans les chirurgies propres, les ISO sont survenues dans 2,3 % des cas avec POA et 5,3 % sans POA. Dans les opérations propres-contaminées, les ISO étaient de 3,6 % avec POA et de 9 % sans POA. Cette différence était principalement due aux résultats des ostéosynthèses, des chirurgies gastro-intestinales et cutanées. En revanbche, d'autres types de chirurgies, comme les castrations, les interventions neurologiques, les chirurgies abdominales et thoraciques et les chirurgies de la tête et du cou ont montré des taux d'infection comparables avec et sans POA.

Perioperative hyperoxia and myocardial injury after surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends hyperoxia (80% fraction of inspired oxygen, FiO2) during and for 2-6 hours following surgery to reduce surgical site infection (SSI). However, some studies suggest increased cardiovascular complications with such a high perioperative FiO2. The goal of our study was to compare the appearance of cardiovascular complications in elective adult colorectal surgery comparing the use of FiO2>0.8 versus conventional therapy (FiO2<0.4). METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial in intubated patients undergoing elective major colorectal surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to receive perioperative FiO2>0.8 or FiO2<0.4. The primary outcome, expressed as Odds Ratio (OR) ±95% Confidence Interval (95%CI), was the incidence of MINS (myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery evaluated for the first 4 postoperative days). Secondary outcomes included MACCE (major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events) up to 30 postoperative days, SSI, other postoperative complications (according to Clavien-Dindo classification) and length of stay. RESULTS: We included in the final analyses 403 patients. Comparing the FiO2>0.8 and FiO2<0.4 groups, there was no difference in the appearance of MINS (6.0% vs. 10.4%; OR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.26-1.14; P=0.945). There were no differences between the groups for important secondary outcomes including MACCE to 30 days, SSI, postoperative complications or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative hyperoxia therapy (FiO2>0.8) with the aim of decreasing SSI did not increase cardiovascular complications after elective colorectal surgery in a general population.

A phase 2 trial of a topical antiseptic bundle in head and neck cancer surgery: Effects on surgical site infection and the oral microbiome.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery remains an important component of management but is associated with a high rate of surgical site infection (SSI). We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a topical mucosal antiseptic bundle in preventing SSI and evaluate microbial predictors of infection through a genomic sequencing approach. METHODS: This study was an open-label, single-arm, single-center, phase 2 trial of a topical mucosal antiseptic bundle in patients with HNC undergoing aerodigestive tract resection and reconstruction. Patients underwent topical preparation of the oral mucosa with povidone-iodine (PI) and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) pre- and intra-operatively followed by oral tetracycline ointment every 6 hours for 2 days post-operatively. The primary outcome was change in bacterial bioburden at the oral surgical site. Secondary outcomes included safety, SSI, and microbial predictors of infection. FINDINGS: Of 27 patients screened between January 8, 2021, and May 14, 2021, 26 were enrolled and 25 completed the study. There were no antiseptic-related adverse events. The topical mucosal antiseptic bundle significantly decreased oral bacterial colony-forming units from pre-operative levels (log10 mean difference 4·03, 95%CI 3·13-4·;92). There were three SSI (12%) within 30 days. In correlative genomic studies, a distinct set of amplicon sequence variants in the post-operative microbiome was associated with SSI. Further, despite no instance of post-operative orocervical fistula, metagenomic sequence mapping revealed the oral cavity as the origin of the infectious organism in two of the three SSI. INTERPRETATION: The bacterial strains which subsequently caused SSI were frequently identified in the pre-operative oral cavity. Accordingly, a topical antiseptic bundle decreased oral bacterial bioburden throughout the peri-operative period and was associated with a low rate of SSI, supporting further study of topical antisepsis in HNC surgery. FUNDING: Alliance Oncology.

Cefazolin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with Polycythemia Vera Following Coronary Artery Bypass.

Cefazolin is an antibiotic that is commonly administered perioperatively to reduce the risk of surgical site infections. Cephalosporins have a well-established safety profile, but have been associated with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia due to their myelosuppressive effects. While this effect may be benign in healthy patients undergoing minor surgery, it can be detrimental in patients with underlying hematologic disorders presenting for open-heart surgery. Herein, we discuss the first case in the literature of cefazolin-induced thrombocytopenia and severe coagulopathy in a patient with polycythemia vera (PCV) during a coronary artery bypass-grafting surgery.

Comprehensive risk analysis of postoperative complications in patients with rheumatoid arthritis for the 2020 update of the Japan College of Rheumatology clinical practice guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the risk factors of surgical site infection (SSI), delayed wound healing, and death after orthopedic surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We identified articles indexed in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Japan Centra Revuo Medicina Web published from 2013 to 2019 and other articles. Articles fulfilling the predefined inclusion criteria were reviewed systematically and their quality was appraised according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system with some modifications. RESULTS: After inclusion and exclusion by full-text review, 29 articles were analyzed. Use of biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs was a risk factor of SSI (risk ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.25-2.19), but not of delayed wound healing. RA itself was a risk factor of SSI, and oral glucocorticoid use was a risk factor of SSI in three of the four studies analyzed and of postoperative death. Age, male sex, comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, surgical factors such as foot/ankle and spine surgery and longer operative time were risk factors of those postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Patients with those factors should be dealt with appropriate cautions to strike a risk-benefit balance of orthopedic surgeries.

Preoperative Serum Vedolizumab Levels Do Not Impact Postoperative Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Vedolizumab has been proposed to lead to fewer postoperative complications because of its gut specificity. Studies, however, suggest an increased risk of surgical site infections, yet the data are conflicting. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of vedolizumab drug levels on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery for IBD. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database. SETTING: Patients were operated on by a single surgeon at an academic medical center. PATIENTS: A total of 72 patients with IBD undergoing major abdominal surgery were included. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were exposed preoperatively to vedolizumab. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measured was the postoperative morbidity in patients who had IBD with detectable vs undetectable vedolizumab levels. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included in the study. Thirty-eight patients had detectable vedolizumab levels (>1.6 µg/mL), and 34 had undetectable vedolizumab levels. The overall rate of complications was 39%, and ileus was the most common complication. There were no significant differences in clinical variables between the detectable and undetectable vedolizumab level patient groups except for the time between the last dose and surgery (p < 0.01). There were 42 patients in the ulcerative colitis cohort; 48% had an undetectable vedolizumab level and 52% had a detectable vedolizumab level. There were no differences in any postoperative morbidity between ulcerative colitis groups. The Crohn's cohort had 27 patients; 48% had an undetectable vedolizumab levels and 52% had a detectable vedolizumab level. There was a significantly lower incidence of postoperative ileus in patients who had Crohn's disease with detectable vedolizumab levels compared with patients with an undetectable vedolizumab level (p < 0.04). LIMITATIONS: Limitations include a low overall patient population and a high rate of stoma formation. CONCLUSIONS: Serum vedolizumab levels do not influence postoperative morbidity in IBD. Vedolizumab may reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus in patients with Crohn's disease. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B574. LOS NIVELES DE VEDOLIZUMAB EN SUERO PREOPERATORIO, NO AFECTAN LOS RESULTADOS POSTOPERATORIOS EN LA ENFERMEDAD INFLAMATORIA INTESTINAL: ANTECEDENTES:Se ha propuesto que el vedolizumab presenta menos complicaciones postoperatorias debido a su especificidad intestinal. Sin embargo, estudios sugieren un mayor riesgo de infecciones en el sitio quirúrgico, aunque los datos son contradictorios.OBJETIVO:Evaluar el efecto en los niveles del fármaco vedolizumab, en resultados postoperatorios de pacientes sometidos a cirugía mayor abdominal, por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo de una base de datos mantenida prospectivamente.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Pacientes intervenidos por un solo cirujano en un centro médico académico.PACIENTES:Un total de 72 pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal sometidos a cirugía mayor abdominal.INTERVENCIONES:Exposición preoperatoria a vedolizumab.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Morbilidad postoperatoria en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, con niveles detectables versus no detectables de vedolizumab.RESULTADOS:Se incluyó en el estudio a un total de 72 pacientes. Treinta y ocho pacientes tuvieron niveles detectables de vedolizumab (> 1,6 mcg / ml) y 34 con niveles no detectables de vedolizumab. La tasa global de complicaciones fue del 39% y el íleo fue la complicación más común. No hubo diferencias significativas en las variables clínicas entre los grupos de pacientes con niveles detectables y no detectables de vedolizumab, excepto por el intervalo de tiempo entre la última dosis y la cirugía (p <.01). La cohorte de colitis ulcerosa tuvo 42 pacientes, el 48% con un nivel no detectable de vedolizumab y el 52% un nivel detectable de vedolizumab. No hubo diferencias en ninguna morbilidad postoperatoria entre los grupos de colitis ulcerosa. La cohorte de Crohn tuvo 27 pacientes, 48% con niveles no detectables de vedolizumab y el 52% con niveles detectables de vedolizumab. Hubo una incidencia significativamente menor de íleo postoperatorio en pacientes de Crohn con niveles detectables de vedolizumab, comparados con los pacientes con un nivel no detectable de vedolizumab (p <0,04).LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones incluyen una baja población general de pacientes y una alta tasa de formación de estomas.CONCLUSIONES:Los niveles séricos de vedolizumab no influyen en la morbilidad postoperatoria de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Vedolizumab puede reducir la incidencia de íleo postoperatorio en pacientes de Crohn. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B574.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Preoperative Vedolizumab and Postoperative Complications in Patients with IBD.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of vedolizumab on postoperative outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the relation between preoperative vedolizumab and early postoperative complications in patients with IBD undergoing abdominal surgery. METHODS: A search of databases and abstracts from gastroenterology conferences was performed. Primary outcomes included overall and infectious postoperative complication rates as well as surgical site infections. Studies that compared Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, or patients with IBD-undefined with preoperative vedolizumab treatment undergoing abdominal surgery with controls with preoperative antitumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) treatment or no preoperative biologic treatment were included. A meta-analysis was completed using the Mantel-Haenszel and DerSimonian and Laird models. RESULTS: Six studies totaling 1201 patients were included; 281 patients were treated preoperatively with vedolizumab, 327 patients were treated preoperatively with anti-TNF-α agents, and 593 patients were not treated preoperatively with any biologics. There was no significant difference in overall complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-2.24, P = 0.92, I2 =77%) between the vedolizumab and no-biologic groups. There also was no significant difference in infectious complications (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.37-2.69, P = 1.00, I2 = 78%), which persisted after sensitivity analysis (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.31-1.60, P = 0.41, I2 = 46%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in overall complications (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.24-2.46, P = 0.66, I2 = 85%) and infectious complications (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.20-3.94, P = 0.87, I2 = 86%) between the vedolizumab and anti-TNF-α groups. After sensitivity analysis, differences in overall and infectious complications remained insignificant (OR 0.54 and 0.50, 95% CI 0.24-1.17 and 0.22-1.15, P = 0.12 and 0.10, I2 = 39% and 18%, respectively). Vedolizumab was also not associated with a significant increase in surgical site infections compared with the no-biologic (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.33-6.32, P = 0.62, I2 = 75%) and anti-TNF (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.22-7.60, P = 0.77, I2 = 81%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative treatment with vedolizumab in patients with IBD undergoing abdominal surgery is not associated with increases in overall or infectious postoperative complications compared with preoperative anti-TNF-α treatment and no preoperative biologic treatment. Large, prospective studies are needed to further assess the impact of preoperative vedolizumab treatment on postoperative complications, particularly with respect to IBD subtype.

Comparison of Surgical Site Infection Risk Between Warfarin, LMWH, and Aspirin for Venous Thromboprophylaxis in TKA or THA: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Infection following arthroplasty can have devastating effects for the patient and necessitate further surgery. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is required to minimize the risk of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation has been demonstrated to interfere with wound-healing and increase the risk of infection. We hypothesized that different anticoagulation regimes will have differing effects on rates of periprosthetic joint infection. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical site infection risk between the use of warfarin, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and aspirin for VTE prophylaxis following total knee or hip arthroplasty. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in November 2018 using the PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases to identify studies that compared warfarin, LMWH, and/or aspirin with regard to surgical site infection rates following hip or knee arthroplasty. Meta-analyses were performed to compare the infection and VTE risks between groups. RESULTS: Nine articles involving 184,037 patients met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that warfarin prophylaxis was associated with a higher risk of deep infection (or infection requiring reoperation) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.929, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.197 to 3.109, p = 0.007) and surgical site infection overall (OR = 1.610, 95% CI = 1.028 to 2.522, p = 0.038) compared with aspirin in primary total joint arthroplasty, with similar findings also seen when primary and revision procedures were combined. There was no significant difference in infection risk between warfarin and LMWH and between LMWH and aspirin. There was a nonsignificant trend for VTE risk to be higher with warfarin compared with aspirin therapy for primary procedures (OR = 1.600, 95% CI = 0.875 to 2.926, p = 0.127), and this was significant when both primary and revision cases were included (OR = 2.674, 95% CI = 1.143 to 6.255, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: These findings caution against the use of warfarin for VTE prophylaxis for hip and knee arthroplasty. Further randomized head-to-head trials and mechanistic studies are warranted to determine how specific anticoagulants impact infection risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Risk of postoperative infectious complications from medical therapies in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Medications used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have significantly improved patient outcomes and delayed time to surgery. However, some of these therapies are recognized to increase the general risk of infection and have an unclear impact on postoperative infection risk. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of perioperative IBD medications on the risk of postoperative infections within 30 days of surgery. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane IBD Group's Specialized Register (29 October 2019), MEDLINE (January 1966 to October 2019), Embase (January 1985 to October 2019), the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception up to October 2019, and reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies comparing participants treated with an IBD medication preoperatively or within 30 days postoperatively to those who were not taking that medication (either another active medication, placebo, or no treatment). We included published study reports and abstracts. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts and extracted data. The primary outcome was postoperative infection within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes included incisional infections and wound dehiscence, intra-abdominal infectious complications and extra-abdominal infections. Three review authors assessed risks of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We contacted authors for additional information when data were missing. For the primary and secondary outcomes, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using the generic inverse variance method. When applicable, we analyzed adjusted and unadjusted data separately. We evaluated the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included 68 observational cohort studies (total number of participants unknown because some studies did not report the number of participants). Of these, 48 studies reported including participants with Crohn's disease, 36 reported including participants with ulcerative colitis and five reported including participants with indeterminate colitis. All 42 studies that reported urgency of surgery included elective surgeries, with 31 (74%) of those also including emergency surgeries. Twenty-four studies had low risk of bias while the rest had very high risk. Based on pooling of adjusted data, we calculated ORs for postoperative total infection rates in participants who received corticosteroids (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.09; low-certainty evidence), immunomodulators (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.76; low-certainty evidence), anti-TNF agents (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.13; very low-certainty evidence) and anti-integrin agents (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.36; low-certainty evidence). We pooled unadjusted data to assess postoperative total infection rates for the use of aminosalicylates (5-ASA) (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.14; very low-certainty evidence). One secondary outcome examined was wound-related complications in participants using: corticosteroids (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.72 to 2.74; very low-certainty evidence), immunomodulators (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.89; very low-certainty evidence), anti-TNF agents (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.68; very low-certainty evidence) and anti-integrin agents (OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.77 to 3.50; very low-certainty evidence) compared to controls. Another secondary outcome examined the odds of postoperative intra-abdominal infections in participants using: corticosteroids (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.84; very low-certainty evidence), 5-ASA (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.33; very low-certainty evidence), immunomodulators (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.12; very low-certainty evidence), anti-TNF agents (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.82; very low-certainty evidence) and anti-integrin agents (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.20; very low-certainty evidence) compared to controls. Lastly we checked the odds for extra-abdominal infections in participants using: corticosteroids (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.55; very low-certainty evidence), immunomodulators (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.71; very low-certainty evidence), anti-TNF agents (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.87; very low-certainty evidence) and anti-integrin agents (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.43 to 3.08; very low-certainty evidence) compared to controls. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for corticosteroids, 5-ASA, immunomodulators, anti-TNF medications and anti-integrin medications was of low or very low certainty. The impact of these medications on postoperative infectious complications is uncertain and we can draw no firm conclusions about their safety in the perioperative period. Decisions on preoperative IBD medications should be tailored to each person's unique circumstances. Future studies should focus on controlling for potential confounding factors to generate higher-quality evidence.

Postoperative Low Molecular Weight Heparin-induced Infection in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients. A 2-year Single Centre Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with gastrointestinal cancer are at high risk of developing thrombosis and postoperative infection. Antico-agulation therapy for such patients is provided by low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and elastic stockings. The latter, however, is linked to immunoregulatory activities and immunosuppression in vivo and in vitro. AIM: Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the link between LMWH and infection in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a retrospective report of 51 patients operated on at the Second Department of Surgery at Metaxa Cancer Hospital. The sample was divided into groups based on the presence or absence of diabetes and preoperative anticoagu-lation therapy. Afterwards, the data were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The results of the study show a statistically significant correlation between LMWH and infection. Moreover, the risk of infec-tion increases by 13.3% for each day of heparin intake. The theory of this correlation is explained in detail. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study raise an essential question about postoperative management of cancer patients. How-ever, the study sample size is rather small so further studies with larger sample size are required to give greater credence to results.

Systemic Absorption and Side Effects of Locally Injected Glucocorticoids.

Local glucocorticoid injections are often used to treat joint, soft tissue, or spinal pain, but the systemic side effects associated with these injections are poorly understood and not well recognized. There are significant known risks to systemic administration of glucocorticoids. However, there are no guidelines that address issues of systemic absorption, overall systemic risks, or other side effects of locally injected glucocorticoids. For this review, a literature search was performed, and the available evidence on systemic absorption and clinical side effects of intra-articular and epidural glucocorticoids was synthesized. The goal was to improve clinical understanding of risks associated with these injections. Existing data suggest there is significant individual variability in the amount of systemic absorption and clinical effects of locally injected glucocorticoids. However, it is clear that both intra-articular and epidural injections can have systemic effects for weeks and that complications may be associated with their use, including Cushing syndrome, loss of bone density, infection, and hyperglycemia. The concurrent use of oral steroids, the number of injections, and the type and dose of glucocorticoids used all are important considerations in estimating risks. The total dose calculation of cumulative glucocorticoid exposure should include all local injections. Caution should be exercised when local glucocorticoid injections are used in higher risk patients, such as postmenopausal women, people with diabetes, and those considering surgery in the near term. Better provider awareness of possible systemic risks should improve decision making and informed consent with patients when considering intra-articular and epidural steroid injections for painful conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Prediction of Complications, Readmission, and Revision Surgery Based on Duration of Preoperative Opioid Use: Analysis of Major Joint Replacement and Lumbar Fusion.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative opioid use results in adverse outcomes and higher costs after elective surgery. However, duration thresholds for higher risk are not entirely known. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to determine the number and duration of preoperative opioid prescriptions in order to estimate the risk of postoperative adverse events after major joint replacement and lumbar fusion. METHODS: National insurance claims data (2007 to September 30, 2015) were used to identify primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs), total hip arthroplasties (THAs), and 1 or 2-level posterior lumbar fusions (PLFs) performed for degenerative disease. The effect of preoperative opioid burden (naive, ≤3 months, >3 to 6 months, >6 months but stopped 3 months before surgery, and >6 months of continuous use) on the risks of various adverse outcomes was studied using Cox proportional hazards analysis with adjustment for demographic and clinical covariates. RESULTS: A total of 58,082 patients stratified into 3 cohorts of 32,667 with TKA, 14,734 with THA, and 10,681 with 1 or 2-level PLF were included for this analysis. A duration of preoperative opioids of >3 months was associated with a higher risk of 90-day emergency department (ED) visits for all causes and readmission after TKA. Preoperative opioid prescription for >6 months was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and pain-related ED visits, wound dehiscence/infection, and hospital readmission within 90 days as well as revision surgery within 1 year after TKA, THA, and PLF. Stopping the opioid prescription 3 months preoperatively for chronic users resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of adverse outcomes, with the greatest impact seen after THA and PLF. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a preoperative opioid prescription for up to 3 months before a major arthroplasty or a 1 or 2-level lumbar fusion had a similar risk of adverse outcomes as opioid-naive patients. While >6 months of opioid use was associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, a 3-month prescription-free period before the surgery appeared to mitigate this risk for chronic users. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Impact of Perioperative Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer on Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap Abdominal Complications.

BACKGROUND: The pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a reliable reconstructive option in breast cancer patients; however, it carries known risk of donor site hernia formation. Some hormonal therapy drugs have been associated with hernia formation in animal models. Minimal data exist concerning impact of hormonal therapy for breast cancer on abdominal donor site complications after breast reconstruction. METHODS: Patients who underwent TRAM flap for breast cancer or high-risk status at a single institution by the senior author from 2003 to 2015 were identified. Charts were reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, treatments, and abdominal complications were recorded. Patients were divided into groups based on use of hormonal therapy as well as exposure to specific drugs. Statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 358 patients were included. Overall hernia rate was 5.9%. About 231 (64.5%) patients had hormonal therapy, whereas 127 (35.5%) did not. Difference in hernia formation was not statistically significant between the hormonal therapy group (6.9%) and the no hormonal therapy group (3.9%; P = 0.359). Patients exposed to tamoxifen and those exposed to anastrozole had no significant difference in complication rates compared with the no hormonal therapy group, whereas patients exposed to letrozole had increased rate of hernia (13.5%; P = 0.037) and infection (21.6%; P = 0.013) compared with the no hormonal therapy group (3.9% and 7.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Hormonal therapy is a useful adjunct for chemoprevention in breast cancer; however, use of letrozole in patients undergoing reconstruction with pedicled TRAM can lead to increase in certain complication rates.

Postoperative outcomes in vedolizumab-treated pediatric patients undergoing abdominal operations for inflammatory bowel disease.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have found vedolizumab to be an independent predictor of increased rates of postoperative complications and surgical site infections (SSIs) in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but studies in the pediatric surgical population are lacking. We sought to determine the 30-day postoperative infectious complication rate among pediatric IBD patients who received vedolizumab within 12weeks of a major abdominal operation. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on pediatric IBD patients who underwent an abdominal operation between 5/20/2014 and 6/1/2017. The study cohort was comprised of pediatric patients (≤18years) who received vedolizumab within 12weeks prior to their abdominal operation. The control cohort was all patients operated on for IBD during the same time on anti-TNF therapy within 12weeks of their abdominal operation. RESULTS: Thirteen pediatric patients (5 female) received vedolizumab within 12weeks of an abdominal operation and 36 patients received anti TNF therapy (20 female). There were no differences in the vedolizumab and anti-TNF therapy with regard to sex, median age of diagnosis or operation, IBD type, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, diabetes mellitus (DM), preoperative serum laboratory values, steroid or immunomodulatory use. The number of biologics previously exposed to was significantly higher in the vedolizumab treated patients (p<0.0001). There were no significant differences in operative characteristics including laparoscopic versus open surgery, construction of an anastomosis, or diversion of an anastomosis. There were also no significant differences found in 30-day postoperative complications including nonsurgical site infections (SSIs), all SSIs, small bowel obstruction (SBO)/ileus, hospital readmission, or return to the operating room (ROR). There were four RORs in total: one in the vedolizumab group was for a missed enterotomy and stoma revision; three in the anti-TNF cohort were for ileostomy revisions. CONCLUSIONS: None of the thirteen pediatric patients who received vedolizumab within 12weeks of an abdominal operation experienced a 30-day postoperative SSI or non SSI infectious complication, suggesting that vedolizumab is safe in the perioperative period for pediatric patients with IBD. Owing to the small sample size, future study, perhaps multi-institutional, will be important to confirm these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

Immunosuppression/Infections across Indications.

There is increasing use of cytokine inhibitors (including biologics) in the treatment of psoriasis as their efficacy and safety have been demonstrated. Cytokines are important signaling molecules evolved to coordinate a response to infectious threat. In this study, we review available trial, registry and cohort study data pertaining to the immunosuppressive effects of these medications when used to treat psoriasis. The risk of infection associated with these medications is small. Special considerations include the use of these agents in the setting of granulomatous infections, viral hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, fungal infection and in the perioperative state.

Safety of mTOR inhibitor continuation in pediatric heart transplant recipients undergoing surgical procedures.

mTOR inhibitors have been associated with SWC when used in the perioperative period. Limited literature is available to guide providers in managing chronic mTOR inhibitor use in the perioperative period, especially in the pediatric setting. The primary aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of SWC with mTOR inhibitor continuation during the perioperative period for major surgeries. Heart transplant recipients ≤25 years old at the time of primary heart transplant receiving sirolimus maintenance therapy during a surgical procedure and within the study period were included. Surgeries identified within the study period included otolaryngology procedures (46.2%), such as tonsillectomies with or without adenoidectomies, cardiac surgeries (30.8%) including a sternal revision, pulmonary vein repair, and pacemaker placement in two patients, orthopedic surgeries (15.4%) including a posterior spinal fusion and an Achilles tendon lengthening with ankle and subtalar joint release, and a neurosurgery (7.7%), which was a ventriculoperitoneal shunt revision. Thirteen surgical encounters were examined. One SWC was observed, an infected pacemaker requiring systemic antibiotics and removal of the device. The results of this study suggest that sirolimus may be continued in the perioperative period based on the low rate of SWC observed.

Perioperative Use of Vedolizumab is not Associated with Postoperative Infectious Complications in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Undergoing Colectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Preoperative use of vedolizumab has been associated with increased short-term postoperative infectious complications. We assessed this risk in a single-centre cohort of patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing colectomy. METHODS: Chart review was performed for all colectomies between 2006 and 2016. Short-term postoperative [non]infectious complications were evaluated within 30 days after colectomy. The comprehensive complication index was calculated based on all reported events. RESULTS: We identified 170 eligible patients [46% female, median age 40 years]. Thirty-four patients [20%] received vedolizumab within 16 weeks, 60 [35%] received anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] within 8 weeks, 32 [19%] received a moderate-to-high dose of prednisone and 71 [42%] received other therapies at colectomy. Pouch construction was performed at first stage in 47 patients [28%], and less frequently in patients under vedolizumab, anti-TNF or steroids [all p < 0.01]. Sixty-two short-term infectious and 75 noninfectious complications were reported in, respectively, 49 [29%] and 64 [38%] patients. Only pouch construction at first stage of surgery was independently associated with short-term postoperative infectious (odds ratio 2.40 [95% confidence interval 1.18-4.90], p = 0.016), overall complications (3.11 [1.52-6.40], p = 0.002) and more severe complications (comprehensive complication index 20.9 [0.0-30.8] vs 0.0 [0.0-20.9], p = 0.001). Perioperative medical therapy [including vedolizumab] did not influence short-term outcome, either in the overall population or in the subpopulation of patients with pouch construction at a second stage. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative use of vedolizumab was not associated with short-term postoperative [infectious] complications. However, postponing pouch construction to a second stage of surgery is advisable in patients under biological therapy or moderate-to-high doses of steroids.

[Perioperative management of immunosuppressive treatment in patients undergoing joint surgery]. / Perioperatives Management bei Gelenkeingriffen unter immunsuppressiver Therapie.

The perioperative management of patients on immunosuppressive drugs is uncertain due to a lack of controlled studies. Continuation of medication without a pause may increase the risk of postoperative infections and wound healing disorders and when the pause is too long this can induce a flare of the underlying rheumatic disease. Additional factors, such as rheumatic disease activity, comorbidities, previous infections and the type of surgical procedure also modulate the risk. The highest risk of infection is associated with corticosteroids depending on the dose, so that a dosage as low as possible but stable in the perioperative period is recommended. Among the conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) only methotrexate has been sufficiently investigated and in this case a pause in treatment induces higher risks than continuation. Antimalarial agents and sulphasalazine should be continued due to the low risks, whereas leflunomide should be washed out before major surgical interventions. The perioperative risk of treatment with biologics is still far from clear; therefore, as a rule of thumb, withholding treatment for two serum half-lives before an intervention and restarting after completed wound healing are recommended.

Safety of surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated by abatacept: data from the French Orencia in Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry.

Objective: To investigate the frequency and risk factors of postoperative complications in RA patients treated with abatacept (ABA). Methods: The Orencia RA registry recruited 1012 patients receiving ABA for RA in routine care. Data from patients treated with ABA who underwent surgery were reviewed to describe the frequency of postoperative complications. Characteristics of patients and surgeries with and without complications were compared to identify factors associated with complications. Results: We identified 205 (20.3%) patients who underwent 263 surgeries, including 176 (66.9%) orthopaedic surgeries. Nineteen (7.2%) surgeries, in 19 patients (9.3%), entailed complications, including 7 delayed wound healing (2.7% of surgeries) and 6 surgical site infections (2.3% of surgeries). The median time between the last infusion of ABA and surgery was 5.9 weeks (range: 0.3-12.0 weeks), with no significant difference between patients with and without complications. The median corticosteroids daily dosage was higher in the group with complications [10.0 (6.25-15.0) vs 6.0 (5.0-10.0) mg/day, P = 0.042]. In multivariate analysis, only the duration of ABA treatment was significantly associated with postoperative complications [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.99) for each month of treatment], as were orthopaedic surgeries compared with other kinds of surgery [aOR = 4.45 (95% CI: 1.01, 20.2)]. Conclusion: In RA patients treated with ABA, the rate of surgical complications was low: 7.2% and higher in case of orthopaedic procedure and a more recent initiation of ABA. The median time between surgery and the last infusion of ABA was short and did not influence the rate of postoperative complications.

Does Pre-Operative Multiple Immunosuppressive Therapy Associate with Surgical Site Infection in Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Almost all surgeries for ulcerative colitis (UC) are performed under immunosuppressive conditions. Immunomodulators or biologics, with the exception of corticosteroids, do not appear to be risk factors for post-operative infectious complications. However, many patients are on multiagent immunosuppressive therapy at the time of surgery. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of pre-operative multiple immunosuppressives on the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) in UC. METHODS: We reviewed surveillance data from 181 patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy between January 2012 and March 2014. The incidences of SSI and the possible risk factors among patients receiving different immunosuppressive therapies were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of incisional (INC) SSI was 13.3% and that of organ/space (O/S) SSI was 7.2%. The number of immunosuppressives did not significantly correlate with each incidence. Total prednisolone administration ≥12,000 mg (OR 2.6) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 (OR 2.8) were shown to be independent risk factors for overall SSI, whereas corticosteroid use in INC SSI (OR 17.4) and severe disease (OR 5.2) and a large amount of blood loss (OR 3.9) in O/S SSI were identified as risk factors. CONCLUSION: Although a correlation between multiple immunosuppressive therapy and SSIs was not found, it is not recommended that all patients be treated with multiple immunosuppressive therapy. Treatment strategy should be applied based on the patient's condition.