'Dumpling suture method' versus traditional suture method of protective loop ileostomy in laparoscopic anterior rectal resection with specimen extraction through stoma incision: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) is performed in laparoscopic anterior rectal resection (LAR) surgery at high risk of anastomotic fistula. Minimally invasive surgery promotes postoperative recovery and cosmetics. To reduce abdominal trauma, specimen extraction through stoma incision (EXSI) is usually performed to avoid auxiliary abdominal incision with enlarged stomal incision. The traditional suture method (TSM) reduces the incision size by suturing the ends of the enlarged incision, leading to peristomal incisions and a higher risk of stomal complications. The study aimed to introduce the dumpling suture method (DSM) of PLI and compare this new method with TSM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors propose a novel stoma suture technique, which utilized a method of skin folding suture to reduce the enlarged incision size. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 71 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR-DLI with EXSI, and the intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes of the two groups were measured. RESULTS: The DSM group showed a lower stomal complication rate (10.3 vs. 35.7%, P=0.016) than that of the TSM group. The scores of DET (Discoloration, Erosion, Tissue overgrowth), stomal pain, quality of life were all significantly lower in DSM group than in TSM group. In multivariate analysis, DSM was an independent protective factor for stoma-related complications. Operative time, time to first flatus, defecation and eat, nonstomal related postoperative complications were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: DSM utilizes a method of skin folding suture to reduce the enlarged incision size, which is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of peristomal skin infections and stomal complications. This procedure offers a novel suturing approach for loop ileostomy with enlarged incision, effectively reducing the postoperative trauma and incidence of stomal complications.

Effectiveness of negative-pressure wound therapy to standard therapy in the prevention of complications after vascular surgery.

Wound complications are common after vascular surgery and many may be preventable. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) dressings may be able to reduce wound complications relating to closed incisions following vascular surgery and several devices are currently available along with a large body of literature. This review article will describe the use of NPWT dressings in vascular surgery. We will summarize the currently available systems, the likely mechanism of action of NWPT, the published studies to date and we will give our recommendations regarding the priorities for future research on this topic.

Head-to-Head Analysis of Vertical vs Horizontal Incision Patterns in Breast Reconstruction: Surgical Outcomes and Aesthetic Implications.

BACKGROUND: Modern aesthetically optimized breast reconstruction requires collaboration between the patient, breast surgeon, and plastic surgeon. To optimize both surgical outcome and aesthetic results, incision patterns must be carefully planned. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether vertical or horizontal orientation of mastectomy incision was preferred in the general population and to analyze corresponding complication profiles. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy followed by autologous breast reconstruction utilizing either vertical or horizontal incision from January 2011 to November 2022. Postoperative complications of the 2 incision patterns were analyzed. Additionally, crowdsourcing was utilized to assess aesthetic implications of horizontal and vertical incision patterns on postoperative pictures of completed breast reconstruction. Survey rater demographics were also analyzed to assess differences in scoring based on voter characteristics. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in postoperative breast complications between patients with horizontal or vertical incisions when considering wound, infection, seroma, hematoma, fat necrosis, or overall complications (P > .05). Crowdsourcing showed that, regardless of voter demographics, vertical incisions were preferred over horizontal incisions (P < .001). Additionally, voters who knew someone who had undergone breast reconstruction were more likely to rate all incision patterns higher than other voters (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Although there are no significant differences in complication profiles between vertical and horizontal incisions in autologous breast reconstruction patients, vertical incision patterns are preferred aesthetically by the general population.

Does hydrogen peroxide application to the dermis following surgical incision affect Cutibacterium acnes cultures in total shoulder arthroplasty in male patients? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infections occur in 1%-4% of primary total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs). Cutibacterium acnes is the most commonly implicated organism and has been shown to persist in the dermis despite use of preoperative antibiotics and standard skin preparations. Studies have shown decreased rates of cultures positive for C acnes with use of preoperative benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), but even with this positive deep cultures remain common. We sought to determine whether an additional application of H2O2 directly to the dermis following skin incision would further decrease deep culture positivity rates. METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial comparing tissue culture results in primary TSA in patients who received a standard skin preparation with H2O2, ethanol, and ChloraPrep (CareFusion, Leawood, KS, USA) vs. an additional application of H2O2 to the dermis immediately after skin incision. Given the sexual dimorphism seen in the shoulder microbiome regarding C acnes colonization rates, only male patients were included. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare rates of positive cultures based on demographic and surgical factors. RESULTS: Dermal cultures were found to be positive for C acnes at similar rates between the experimental and control cohorts for the initial (22% vs. 28%, P = .600) and final (61% vs. 50%, P > .999) dermal swabs. On bivariable analysis, the rate of positive deep cultures for C acnes was lower in the experimental group, but this difference was not statistically significant (28% vs. 44%, P = .130). However, patients who underwent anatomic TSA were found to have a significantly greater rate of deep cultures positive for C acnes (57% vs. 28%, P = .048); when controlling for this on multivariable analysis, the experimental cohort was found to be associated with significantly lower odds of having positive deep cultures (odds ratio, 0.37 [95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.90], P = .023). There were no wound complications in either cohort. CONCLUSIONS: An additional H2O2 application directly to the dermis following skin incision resulted in a small but statistically significant decrease in the odds of having deep cultures positive for C acnes without any obvious adverse effects on wound healing. Given its cost-effectiveness, use of a post-incisional dermal decontamination protocol may be considered as an adjuvant to preoperative use of benzoyl peroxide or H2O2 to decrease C acnes contamination.

Linear Scalp Incision in Brain Tumor Surgery: Intraoperative and Postoperative Considerations.

BACKGROUND: Although the linear scalp incision is commonly used in neurosurgical practice, a systematic study elucidating its pros and cons in a specific surgical setting is lacking. Herein, we analyzed our experience with linear scalp incision in brain tumor surgery and the impact on intraoperative variables and postoperative complications. METHODS: Patients undergoing brain tumor surgery (January 2014-December 2021) at 2 neurosurgical departments were included and divided into 2 groups: linear or flap scalp incision. Patients' demographics characteristics, surgical variables, and wound-related complications were analyzed. RESULTS: More than a total of 1036 craniotomies, linear incision (mean length 6cm) was adopted in 282 procedures (27.2%). Mean maximum diameter of the craniotomy was 5.25 cm, with no statistical difference between the 2 groups. In emergency surgery (36 cases), the linear and flap incisions were used indifferently. Linear incision was predominant in supratentorial and suboccipital lesions. Flap incision was significantly more frequent among meningiomas (P < 0.01). Neuronavigation, operative microscope, and subgaleal drain were more frequently used in the flap scalp incision group (P = 0.01). Overall complication rate was comparable to flap scalp opening (P = 0.40). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the linear incision was broadly applied for the removal of supratentorial and suboccipital tumors granting adequate surgical exposure with a low rate of postoperative complications. Tumors skull base localization resulted the only factor hindering the use of the linear incision. The choice of 1 incision over another didn't show to have any impact on intraoperative and postoperative variables, and it remains mainly based on surgeon expertise/preference.

Predictors of Surgical Site Infection in Contaminated Abdominal Surgical Wounds: Our Experience in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Secondary peritonitis is a common emergency surgical condition with varying aetiologies managed by surgeons all over the world. One important morbidity associated with it is postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). A better prevention strategy can be instituted if this complication in patients can be correctly predicted. The study aimed to identify factors in patients with peritonitis that have a significant bearing on the development of postoperative SSI. METHOD: A total of fifty patients operated on for peritonitis in a period of one year were studied. Factors including age, gender, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, time of presentation, time of intervention, intraoperative findings, duration of surgery, and postoperative SSI were noted. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test were used to test for association where appropriate and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Peritonitis was most commonly due to a ruptured appendix (46%) followed by perforated peptic ulcer disease (42%). The incidence of SSI was 44%. For the patients that developed SSI, the lowest rate was observed in cases of ruptured appendix (39.1%) and the highest in perforated gastric ulcer (64.3%) which was closely followed by perforated duodenal ulcer (57.1%). The association between the time of presentation and the occurrence of SSI was statistically significant (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The SSI rate (44%) from peritonitis in our centre was quite high and the time of presentation played a crucial role. Prevention strategies focusing on predictors of SSI is necessary to reduce the rate of SSI in our setting.

CONTEXTE: La péritonite secondaire est une affection chirurgicale d'urgence fréquente avec diverses étiologies gérées par des chirurgiens du monde entier. Une morbidité importante associée à cela est l'infection postopératoire du site chirurgical (SSI). Une meilleure stratégie de prévention peut être mise en place si cette complication chez les patients peut être correctement prédite. L'étude visait à identifier les facteurs chez les patients atteints de péritonite qui ont une incidence significative sur le développement d'une SSI postopératoire. MÉTHODE: Au total, cinquante patients opérés pour une péritonite sur une période d'un an ont été étudiés. Des facteurs tels que l'âge, le sexe, les comorbidités, les symptômes de présentation, le moment de la présentation, le moment de l'intervention, les constatations peropératoires, la durée de la chirurgie et la SSI postopératoire ont été notés. Le test du chi carré, le test exact de Fisher et le test t de Student ont été utilisés pour tester les associations lorsque cela était approprié et une valeur de p < 0,05 était considérée comme statistiquement significative. RÉSULTATS: La péritonite était le plus souvent due à une appendicite rompue (46 %), suivie de près par une perforation de l'ulcère gastrique (42 %). L'incidence de la SSI était de 44 %. Pour les patients qui ont développé une SSI, le taux le plus bas a été observé dans les cas d'appendicite rompue (39,1%) et le plus élevé dans l'ulcère gastrique perforé (64,3 %), suivi de près par l'ulcère duodénal perforé (57,1 %). L'association entre le moment de la présentation et l'occurrence de la SSI était statistiquement significative (p = 0,028). CONCLUSION: Le taux de SSI (44 %) provenant de la péritonite dans notre centre était assez élevé et le moment de la présentation jouait un rôle crucial.Des stratégies de prévention axées sur les prédicteurs de la SSI sont nécessaires pour réduire le taux de SSI dans notre contexte. Mots-clés: Péritonite, Infection du site opératoire, Prédicteurs de la SSI, Moment de la présentation.

Case Report of Complex Chest Wall Repair for Sternal Dehiscence After Bilateral Lung Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: We report a case of a complex chest wall reconstruction because of sternal dehiscence, requiring different surgical procedures for its complete resolution. CASE REPORT: A 54-year-old man patient with Langerhans cell histiocytosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underwent bilateral sequential lung transplantation through a clamshell incision, using nitinol thermo-reactive clips for sternal closure. One year later, he consulted because of chest pain, fever, and purulent secretions. Physical examination and chest X-ray revealed a right pulmonary hernia due to post-clamshell wound dehiscence. Chest wall repair was performed, placing an expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene synthetic mesh, and the sternum was realigned and fixated with titanium plates and screws. However, in the immediate postoperative period, there was a large amount of serous drainage through the surgical wound, needing negative pressure therapy. Unfortunately, the wound became necrotic with exposure to the osteosynthesis material. In addition, a chest computed tomography scan showed fluid accumulation in the anterior chest wall. Therefore, two-stage revision surgery was indicated: first, the removal of the previous prosthesis and, the definite one, the use of a pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to provide effective coverage of the wound. CONCLUSION: Sternal dehiscence is not an uncommon complication after clamshell incision in patients undergoing bilateral sequential lung transplantation, and it is associated with significant morbidity. In the presence of chest wall instability, surgical repair is mandatory.

Selection of surgical modality for massive splenomegaly in children.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS), a treatment for both benign and malignant splenic diseases, can prove technically challenging in patients with massive splenomegaly. In particular, the optimal surgical modality for treating massive splenomegaly in children remains controversial. METHODS: The clinicopathologic data of 289 pediatric patients undergoing splenectomy for massive splenomegaly were studied in a retrospective analysis. Accordingly, the patients were classified into the LS surgery group and open splenectomy (OS) surgery group. In the laparoscopy cohort, they were separated into two subgroups according to the method of surgery: the multi-incision laparoscopic splenectomy (MILS) and the single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy (SILS) surgery groups, respectively. Patient demographics, clinical data, surgery, complications, and postoperative recovery underwent analysis. Concurrently, we compared the risk of adverse laparoscopic splenectomy outcomes utilizing univariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The total operation time proved remarkably shorter in the OS group in contrast to the LS group (149.87 ± 61.44 versus 188.20 ± 52.51 min, P < 0.001). Relative to the OS group, the LS group exhibited lowered postoperative pain scores, bowel recovery time, and postoperative hospitalization time (P < 0.001). No remarkable difference existed in post-operation complications or mortality (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the operation duration was remarkably longer in the SILS surgery group than in the MILS surgery group (200 ± 46.11 versus 171.39 ± 40.30 min, P = 0.02). Meanwhile, the operative duration of MILS and SILS displayed a remarkable positive association with splenic length. Moreover, the operative duration of SILS displayed a remarkable positive association with the age, weight, and height of the sick children. Splenic length proved an independent risk factor of adverse outcomes (P < 0.001, OR 1.378). CONCLUSIONS: For pediatric patients with massive splenomegaly who can tolerate prolonged anesthesia and operative procedures, LS surgery proves the optimal treatment regimen. SILS remains a novel surgery therapy which may be deemed a substitutional surgery approach for treating massive splenomegaly.

Modified L-shaped incision technique for supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection as an alternative to sutureless technique.

BACKGROUND: The modified L-shaped incision technique (MLIT) was successfully applied to the repair of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) with promising mid-term outcomes. It is, however, unclear whether or not MLIT could be an alternative to sutureless technique (ST). METHODS: All patients ( n =141) who underwent MLIT or ST repair for supracardiac TAPVC between June 2009 and June 2022 were included and a propensity score-matched analysis was performed to reduce the heterogeneity. RESULTS: MLIT was performed in 80.9% (114/141), whereas ST was performed in 19.1% (27/141). Patients who underwent MLIT repair had a lower incidence of pulmonary veinous obstruction (PVO)-related reintervention (1.8 vs. 18.5%, P =0.002), and late mortality (2.6 vs. 18.2%, P =0.006). Overall survival at 10 years was 92.5% (87.7-97.7%) for MLIT and 66.8% (44.4-100%) for ST ( P =0.012). Freedom from postoperative PVO at 10 years was 89.1% (83.2-95.5%) for MLIT and 79.9% (65.6-97.4%) for ST ( P =0.12). Cox proportional hazards regression identified prolonged mechanical ventilation duration, postoperative PVO, respiratory dysfunction, and low cardiac output syndrome were associated with postoperative death and PVO-related reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: The MLIT strategy is a safe, technologically feasible, and effective approach for supracardiac TAPVC, which is associated with more favorable and promising freedom from death and PVO-related reintervention.

Ventriculosubgaleal shunts in the management of neonatal post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus: technical note.

INTRODUCTION: Germinal matrix / intraventricular haemorrhage (GMIVH) remains a significant complication of prematurity. The more severe grades are associated with parenchymal haemorrhagic infarction (PHI) and hydrocephalus. A temporising procedure is usually the first line in management of neonatal post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus (nPHH) as the risk of failure of a permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is higher in the early stage. Our choice of temporising procedure is a ventriculosubgaleal shunt (VSGS). In this technical note, we describe a modification in technique whereby the pocket of the VSGS is fashioned away from the surgical wound. This resulted in lower CSF leak and subsequent infection rates in our centre. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent insertion of a VSGS between September 2014 and February 2023. RESULTS: Twenty children were included in our study with a mean gestational age of 31 weeks + 4 days. Post-operatively, 10% of patients did not need a tap, and 10%, 20%, 15%, 25% and 20% respectively had 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 taps. Two patients experienced CSF leak from their wounds. In both these patients, the pocket was deemed too close to the wound. None of the patients without suspected pre-existing CNS infection at the time of insertion of VSGS had a subsequent VSGS-related infection. VSGS conversion to permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) was required in 15 (75%) of the patients with an average interval duration of 72 days. On reviewing the literature, the infection rate following VSGS is quoted up to 13.5%. In our own centre, 13 patients had undergone VSGS insertion between 2005 and 2013 with a 30.8% infection rate which seemed related to increased leak rates. CONCLUSION: Our modified surgical approach seems to be effective in reducing the risk of infection, which we postulate is a direct result of reduction in the risk of leak from the surgical wound.

Lateral single incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty (L-SILTEP) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A rare case report with literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty is a commonly used surgical procedure for the treatment of inguinal hernia. However, it is difficult to use traditional single incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty to treat inguinal hernia after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. We successfully and smoothly cured a patient with left inguinal hernia after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using lateral single incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 70-year-old man who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy 2 years earlier and had an evanescent mass in the left inguinal region for 1 month. DIAGNOSIS: On the basis of preoperative abdominal computed tomography and intraoperative findings, the patient was diagnosed with a left indirect inguinal hernia, and post-laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent lateral single incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty. OUTCOMES: The patient recovered well after the operation, and there were no postoperative complications or recurrence of inguinal hernia 3 months after the operation. CONCLUSION: For patients who have undergone laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, lateral single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplastycan be performed.

Randomized controlled trial comparing cosmetic results of midline incision versus off-midline incision for specimen extraction in laparoscopic colectomy.

PURPOSE: A notable advantage of laparoscopic colorectal surgery is that only a small incision at the extraction site is necessary, which is considered to be cosmetically beneficial. Meanwhile, the optimal extraction site for the resected specimen in laparoscopic colectomy is controversial in terms of cosmetic benefit. This randomized controlled trial compares midline and off-midline extraction sites in laparoscopic colectomy in patients with colon cancer, with consideration of cosmetic benefits as the primary endpoint. METHODS: Included were patients that underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy at WMUH between October 2014 and February 2017. Patients were randomly assigned to either midline incision group or off-midline incision group. Prospectively collected data included cosmetic results (patients and observer assessment scale) and complications including incidence of incisional hernia, SSI, and pain. This trial was registered with UMIN Clinical Trials (UMIN000028943). RESULTS: Finally, 98 patients with colorectal cancer were analyzed. No significant differences were found between the two groups in patient and observer assessment scales of cosmetic results (midline 8 ± 1.1 vs off-midline 11 ± 5.9 p = 0.16, midline 13.5 ± 6.6 vs off-midline 15 ± 11 p = 0.58, respectively) or in postoperative pain. However, incisional hernia occurred in four cases in the midline group (8%), which was significantly higher than that in the off-midline group (no cases, 0%). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in terms of cosmetic benefit, the primary endpoint, between the two groups. In this study, only the extraction site location was compared; future studies will examine differences depending on the incisional direction, including the incidence of incisional hernia.

Influence of closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy on the incidence of surgical site wound infection in patients undergoing spine surgery: A meta-analysis.

The present meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the impact of closed-incision negative-pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) on the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery, thereby aiming to provide evidence-based support for the prevention of postoperative wound infections during spinal surgery. Relevant studies pertaining to the application of ciNPWT in spinal surgery were retrieved through searches of the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases, spanning from their inception to May 2023. The literature screening and data extraction were performed by two researchers based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a quality assessment of the included studies. Meta-analyses were performed using the odds ratios (ORs) and standardised mean differences (SMDs) as effect variables. RevMan 14.0 and STATA 17.0 were employed for meta-analysis of the extracted data. In total, eight articles involving 1198 patients, including 391 in the experimental group and 807 in the control group, were included. The meta-analysis results revealed that ciNPWT significantly reduced the incidence of SSIs in patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery (OR, 0.39; 95% CI: 0.22-0.67, p = 0.0007); however, it did not lead to a reduction in hospital stay duration (SMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.98 to 0.01, p = 0.06). Existing evidence suggests that ciNPWT has a positive impact on patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery, as it significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative surgical site wound infections; however, it does not result in a shorter hospital stay for patients.

Short-Term Patient Outcomes Using the Interlaminar Endoscopic Surgical System Ilessys® Delta System versus Bilateral Laminotomy: A Single-Center Study of 80 Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

BACKGROUND This study from a single center aimed to compare short-term patient outcomes from the Interlaminar Endoscopic Surgical System iLESSYS® Delta system vs bilateral laminotomy in 80 patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS). MATERIAL AND METHODS We selected 80 patients with DLSS for the study. Of these, 40 were treated with the iLESSYS® Delta system and 40 were treated with bilateral laminotomy. We followed these patients for 1 year. We recorded and compared data on incision length, operation time and intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, postoperative complications, the visual analog scale (VAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery, and the Modified Macnab evaluation criteria. RESULTS The incision length, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time were significantly better in group A than in group B (P<0.05); however, the operation time in group B was shorter than that in group A, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The VAS and ODI in both groups improved significantly after surgery compared with before the operation. The VAS and ODI in group A patients after surgery were lower than those in group B, and only at 1 week after surgery,(P<0.05). The excellent rate of modified MacNab criteria was not statistically significant between groups A and B (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Use of the Interlaminar Endoscopic Surgical System iLESSYS® Delta system can effectively manage DLSS and speed patient recovery.

Bilateral decompressive craniotomy complicated by postoperative mycoplasma hominis epidural empyema and meningitis: A case report.

RATIONALE: Postoperative intracranial mycoplasma hominis infection was a rare complication. Timely diagnosis was difficult due to its growth characteristics and nonspecific clinical symptoms. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 52-year-old man underwent bilateral decompressive craniotomy for severe traumatic brain injury. On the seventeenth day after surgery, the patient developed an unexplained high fever. Empirical anti-infective therapy was ineffective, and the fever persisted. In addition, viscous pus oozed from the head incision. Empiric therapy was still ineffective, the fever persisted, and the culture result was negative. The lumbar puncture pressure was 150 mmH2O and the cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count was 3600 × 106/L, suggesting an intracranial infection. DIAGNOSES: Culture growth morphologically consistent with mycoplasma species was obtained from multiple specimens (scalp incision fluid and cerebrospinal fluid) and the identification of mycoplasma hominis was confirmed by 16S rDNA sequencing. INTERVENTION: Targeted anti-infective therapy (Minocycline), change of fresh wound dressing, and continued lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage. OUTCOME: At the 3-month follow-up, the patient was still in the rehabilitation department of the local hospital for treatment, but there were no symptoms of intracranial infection. LESSONS: Neurosurgeons should carefully examine postoperative incisions and be aware of the possibility of mycoplasma infection during clinical management.

Intravelar veloplasty in submucous cleft palate without lateral relaxing incision or nasal mucosal incision.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment is recommended for patients with symptomatic submucous cleft palate once velopharyngeal insufficiency has been proven. This study describes the procedure and clinical outcomes of minimally invasive intravelar veloplasty. METHODS: From August 2013 to March 2017, seven patients (median age, 36 months; range, 16-60 months, 5 females and 2 males) with submucous cleft palate underwent intravelar veloplasty. Neither a nasal mucosal incision nor a lateral relaxing incision was applied. Follow-up was performed at least twice: once at three weeks postoperatively and again between two and three years postoperatively (average, 31 months; range, 26-35 months). Speech was assessed by speech-language pathologists when the patients were at least 3 years old. RESULTS: There were no cases of oronasal fistula or noticeable disturbance of facial development. All seven patients showed no or mild hypernasality and air emission and competent or at least borderline competent velopharyngeal function. CONCLUSION: Intravelar veloplasty could serve as another option for managing submucous cleft palate with velopharyngeal insufficiency, resulting in satisfactory improvement in velopharyngeal function. Because neither a lateral nor a nasal incision was used, the burden of facial growth and risk of oronasal fistula can be minimized.

Negative pressure wound therapy versus standard care for incisional laparotomy subcutaneous wounds in gastrointestinal perforations: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections after gastrointestinal perforation with peritonitis have significant morbidity, increased hospital stays, and cost of treatment. The appropriate management of these wounds is still debatable. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal perforation with peritonitis via midline incision were screened for inclusion. After the closure of the midline fascia, patients were randomized into an open negative pressure wound therapy group (application of negative pressure wound therapy and attempted delayed closure at day 4) or a standard care group (no negative pressure wound therapy and attempted delayed closure at day 4). Postoperative outcomes, including surgical site infection till 30 days, were compared between the groups. This was assessed by an independent assessor not involved in the study for delayed closure. Although a priori sample size was calculated, an interim analysis was performed due to slow recruitment during the COVID pandemic. After interim analysis, a continuation of the trial was deemed unethical and terminated. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were assessed, and 69 were randomized (34 in the negative pressure wound therapy group and 31 in the standard care group). The age, body mass index, comorbidities, blood loss, operative time, and stoma formation were comparable. The surgical site infection was significantly lower in the negative pressure wound therapy group compared to the standard care group (6 [18%] vs 19 [61%], P < .01). The number needed to prevent 1 surgical site infection was 2.3. In a subgroup analysis, the use of negative pressure wound therapy also significantly decreased the rate of surgical site infection in stoma patients (4 [30.7%] vs 9 [69.3%], P = .03). CONCLUSION: Open negative pressure wound therapy significantly decreases the incisional surgical site infection rate in patients with a dirty wound secondary to gastrointestinal perforation with peritonitis.

Retrospective analysis of the role of anterior segment optical coherence tomography and outcomes of cataract surgery in posterior polar cataract.

Purpose: To evaluate the visual and surgical outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with posterior polar cataract (PPC) and to evaluate the benefits of preoperative anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study. Case records of patients diagnosed with PPC who underwent cataract surgery either by phacoemulsification or manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) from January to December 2019 were analyzed. Data collected include demographic details, preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), AS-OCT, type of cataract surgery, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and visual outcome at 1-month follow-up. Results: One hundred patients were included in the study. Preoperative posterior capsular defect was noted on AS-OCT in 14 patients (14%). Seventy-eight underwent phacoemulsification and 22 underwent MSICS. Intraoperatively, posterior capsular rupture (PCR) was seen in 13 patients (13%) and cortex drop was noted in one among them (1%). Out of 13 PCRs, 12 were found to have posterior capsular dehiscence preoperatively in AS-OCT. The sensitivity of AS-OCT for detecting posterior capsule dehiscence was 92.3% and specificity was 97.7%. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 85.7% and 98.8%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PCR between phacoemulsification and MSICS (P = 0.475). The mean BCVA at 1 month was found to be better with phacoemulsification than MSICS (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Preoperative AS-OCT has excellent specificity and negative predictive value in identifying posterior capsular dehiscence. It thus helps to plan the surgery and counsel patients appropriately. Both phacoemulsification and MSICS provide good visual outcome with similar complication rates.

Lateral incision 1-stage urethroplasty with oral mucosal graft for patients with penile urethral stricture after hypospadias repair-a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: To report our early experience of a novel surgical approach for penile urethral strictures after hypospadias repair, using a lateral incision to keep the ventral tissue and vasculature of the penis intact and to avoid the need for tissue interposition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients underwent lateral incision 1-stage urethroplasty with oral mucosal graft. The median age of the patients was 21 years old (range, 13-47). The median number of prior procedures for hypospadias repair was 3 (range, 1-9) with 18 of 21 patients (85.7%) undergoing greater than 1 prior reconstructive procedure. The mean length of the penile urethral strictures was 4.5 ± 1.7 cm, with a range of 1.0 to 8.0 cm. Selection criteria for lateral incision 1-stage urethroplasty include: non-obliterative stricture, no or mild penile curvature and no urethrocutaneous fistula. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 30 months (range, 6-73). Success was achieved in 17 of 21 patients (80.9%). The 4 (19.0%) patients with treatment failure developed recurrent urethral strictures. Of the 4 men with recurrent strictures, 3 were ultimately treated successfully by DVIU (2) or two-stage urethroplasty (1), and one patient chose repeated dilation. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with penile urethral stricture after hypospadias repair with non-obliterative stricture, no significant penile curvature and no urethrocutaneous fistula, a lateral approach with oral mucosal graft is a simple technique that avoids the need for tissue interposition and keeps the penile ventral tissue and vasculature intact, resulting in a low risk of complications.