Epidemiology and outcomes of deep surgical site infections following lung transplantation

We conducted a retrospective study of deep surgical site infections (SSIs) among consecutive patients who underwent lung transplantation (LTx) at a single center from 2006 through 2010. Thirty-one patients (5%) developed SSIs at median 25 days after LTx. Empyema was most common (42%), followed by surgical wound infections (29%), mediastinitis (16%), sternal osteomyelitis (6%), and pericarditis (6%). Pathogens included Gram-positive bacteria (41%), Gram-negative bacteria (41%), fungi (10%) and Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycoplasma hominis and Lactobacillus sp. (one each). Twenty-three percent of SSIs were due to pathogens colonizing recipients' native lungs at time of LTx, suggesting surgical seeding as a source. Patient-related independent risk factors for SSIs were diabetes and prior cardiothoracic surgery; procedure-related independent risk factors were LTx from a female donor, prolonged ischemic time and number of perioperative red blood cell transfusions. Mediastinitis and sternal infections were not observed among patients undergoing minimally invasive LTx. SSIs were associated with 35% mortality at 1 year post-LTx. Lengths of stay and mortality in-hospital and at 6 months and 1 year were significantly greater for patients with SSIs other than empyema. In conclusion, deep SSIs were uncommon, but important complications in LTx recipients because of their diverse microbiology and association with increased mortality.

Economic evaluation of chlorhexidine cloths on healthcare costs due to surgical site infections following total knee arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall annual healthcare cost savings of adding a pre-operative chlorhexidine cloth preparation protocol. We used reports from the National Healthcare Safety Network and previously published reports to determine a range of surgical site infection rates following total knee arthroplasty and the cost per revision procedure. The savings listed are potential, but may be less. The cost benefit of using chlorhexidine at our institution per 1,000 total knee arthroplasty patients was a net savings of approximately $2.1 million. The annual healthcare savings ranged from $0.78 to $3.18 billion. This epidemiologic evaluation of using chlorhexidine prior to undergoing total knee arthroplasty has demonstrated the potential to decrease healthcare costs primarily by decreasing the incidence of surgical site infections.

Randomized controlled trial: comparison of two surgical techniques for closing the wound following ileostomy closure: purse string vs direct suture

AIM

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following ileostomy closure with a frequency of up to 40%. This prospective randomized controlled trial was initiated to compare two surgical techniques - direct suture (DS) and purse-string suture (PSS) - used to close the wound following ileostomy closure. The primary end-point was the SSI rate. Secondary end-points were cosmetic outcome [using two validated scales: the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ)] and the influence of other factors on the SSI rate.

METHOD

Of a total of 99 patients screened, 84 were included in this study. Forty-three patients were randomized into the PSS group and 41 were randomized into the DS group. Follow up was performed within 3 days after surgery, at discharge, and 30 days and 6 months after the operation.

RESULTS

In the PSS group there were no cases of SSI compared with 10 (24%) cases in the DS group (P = 0.0004). There were no statistically significant differences in cosmetic outcome between the two groups. No other statistically significant factors influencing the incidence of SSI could be identified.

CONCLUSION

The rate of SSI is significantly lower following PSS than following DS, and both techniques have a similar cosmetic outcome. PSS closure should be considered as standard of care for wound closure after ileostomy reversal.

Prevention of sternal wound infection in pediatric cardiac surgery: a protocolized approach

BACKGROUND

Sternal wound infections (SWIs) are a costly complication for children after cardiac surgery, increasing morbidity, mortality, and financial cost. There are no pediatric guidelines to reduce the incidence of SWI in this vulnerable population.

METHODS

A quality improvement, multidisciplinary team was formed, and a protocol to prevent SWI was developed. A prospective review of patients who underwent pediatric cardiac surgery was conducted over a two-year period to follow adherence to the protocol and incidence of SWI. The Centers for Disease Control definitions for surgical site infections were used to determine the depth and presence of infection.

RESULTS

Three hundred and eight children <18 years of age had sternotomies during the study period. There was a reduction in all SWI between the first and second years of the study (odds ratio [OR] = 0.35; confidence interval [CI] 95% 0.12-1.01; P = .059). Delayed sternal closure (DSC) was associated with increased risk of SWI (OR = 5.4; CI 95% 2.13-14.9; P ≤ .001). Institution of a protocol in patients with DSC was associated with decreased infections during the second year (first year: n = 7 (14%), second year: n = 2 (4%), P = .14).

CONCLUSIONS

Institution of a protocol was associated with a decreased number of infections in children. A multicenter study of a bundled protocol approach to SWI prevention is needed. Children with DSC had a significantly higher risk of developing a wound infection. Initiating strategies to reduce SWI with a focus on children with DSC may result in improved overall infection rates.

Does topical rifampicin reduce the risk of surgical field infection in hernia repair?

OBJECTIVE

Inguinal hernia operations are common procedures in general surgery. There have been many approaches in the historical development of hernia repair; tension free repair with mesh being the most commonly used technique today. Although it is a clean wound, antibiotic use is still controversial due to concerns about infection related to synthetic mesh. We aimed to determine the probable role of topical rifampicin in patients with tension-free hernia repair and mesh support.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The charts of patients who underwent tension-free inguinal hernia repair were retrospectively analyzed. Information and operative notes on patients, in whom synthetic materials were used, were identified. The patients were divided into two groups, placebo group (G1) and patients with application of topical rifampicin on the mesh (G2). Infection rates between the groups in the early postoperative period were compared.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 278 patients who were included in the study was 49.6±15.39 and the female/male ratio was 10/268. There were recurrent hernias in four patients and superficial wound infections in 22 patients in the early period. One patient had testicle torsion and underwent an orchiectomy. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age and gender. The types of hernia and body mass index were homogenous between the two groups. In the early postoperative period the infection rates were 16/144 (11.1%) and 6/134 (4.48%) in the groups, respectively, with the difference being statistically significant (p=0.041).

CONCLUSION

We suggest that applying rifampicin locally can decrease surgical site infection in hernia operations where meshes are used.

Prevention and management of nonhealing perineal wounds

Complex perineal wounds are at risk for nonhealing. High-risk procedures include proctectomy for Crohn disease, anal cancer and radiated distal rectal cancers. A basic understanding of both patient and procedural risk factors is helpful in planning and executing operative procedures for these conditions and to minimize associated wound complications. Diabetes, obesity, and malnutrition may contribute to wound breakdown and failure to heal. Delaying operative intervention, adding nutritional supplementation, and employing intestinal diversion as well as myocutaneous flaps may help optimize conditions for wound healing.

Adjuvant vancomycin for antibiotic prophylaxis and risk of Clostridium difficile infection after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased rapidly over the past decade; patients undergoing major surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), are at particular risk. Intravenous vancomycin exposure has been identified as an independent risk factor for CDI, but this is controversial. It is not known whether vancomycin administered for surgical site infection prophylaxis increases the risk of CDI.

METHODS

Using data from the Premier Perspective Comparative Database, we assembled a cohort of 69,807 patients undergoing CABG surgery between 2004 and 2010 who received either a cephalosporin alone (65.1%) or a cephalosporin plus vancomycin (34.9%) on the day of surgery. Patients were observed for CDI until discharge from the index hospitalization. In these groups, we evaluated the comparative rate of postoperative CDI with Cox models; confounding was addressed using propensity scores.

RESULTS

In all, 77 (0.32%) of the 24,393 patients receiving a cephalosporin plus vancomycin and 179 (0.39%) of the 45,414 patients receiving a cephalosporin alone had postoperative CDI (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56-0.95). After adjusting for confounding variables with either propensity score matching or stratification, there was no meaningful association between adjuvant vancomycin exposure and postoperative CDI (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.61-1.19; and HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.63-1.15, respectively). Results of multiple sensitivity analyses were similar to the main findings.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjustment for patient and surgical characteristics, a short course of prophylactic vancomycin was not associated with an increased risk of CDI among patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Use of antibacterial sutures for skin closure in controlling surgical site infections: a systematic review of published randomized, controlled trials

Objective: The objective of this article is to systematically analyse the randomized, controlled trials that compare the use of antibacterial sutures (ABS) for skin closure in controlling surgical site infections.

Methods: Randomized, controlled trials on surgical patients comparing the use of ABS for skin closure in controlling the surgical site infections were analysed systematically using RevMan® and combined outcomes were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD).

Results: Seven randomized, controlled trials evaluating 1631 patients were retrieved from electronic databases. There were 760 patients in the ABS group and 871 patients in the simple suture group. There was moderate heterogeneity among trials (Tau² = 0.12; chi² = 8.40, df = 6 [P < 0.01]; I² = 29%). Therefore in the random-effects model, the use of ABS for skin closure in surgical patients was associated with a reduced risk of developing surgical site infections (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.37, 0.99; z = 2.02; P < 0.04) and postoperative complications (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32, 0.98 z = 2.04; P = 0.04). The durations of operation and lengths of hospital stay were similar following the use of ABS and SS for skin closure in patients undergoing various surgical procedures.

Conclusion: Use of ABS for skin closure in surgical patients is effective in reducing the risk of surgical site infection and postoperative complications. ABS is comparable with SS in terms of length of hospital stay and duration of operation.

A methodological, systematic review of evidence-based independent risk factors for surgical site infections after spinal surgery

OBJECTIVE

To identify the independent risk factors, based on available evidence in the literature, for patients developing surgical site infections (SSI) after spinal surgery.

METHODS

Non-interventional studies evaluating the independent risk factors for patients developing SSI following spinal surgery were searched in Medline, Embase, Sciencedirect and OVID. The quality of the included studies was assessed by a modified quality assessment tool that had been previously designed for observational studies. The effects of studies were combined with the study quality score using a best-evidence synthesis model.

RESULTS

Thirty-six observational studies involving 2,439 patients with SSI after spinal surgery were identified. The included studies covered a wide range of indications and surgical procedures. These articles were published between 1998 and 2012. According to the quality assessment criteria for included studies, 15 studies were deemed to be high-quality studies, 5 were moderate-quality studies, and 16 were low-quality studies. A total of 46 independent factors were evaluated for risk of SSI. There was strong evidence for six factors, including obesity/BMI, longer operation times, diabetes, smoking, history of previous SSI and type of surgical procedure. We also identified 8 moderate-evidence, 31 limited-evidence and 1 conflicting-evidence factors.

CONCLUSION

Although there is no conclusive evidence for why postoperative SSI occurs, these data provide evidence to guide clinicians in admitting patients who will have spinal operations and to choose an optimal prophylactic strategy. Further research is still required to evaluate the effects of these above risk factors.

Randomized, blinded study to assess the effect of povidone-iodine on the groin wound of patients undergoing primary varicose vein surgery

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of povidone-iodine on the groin wounds of patients undergoing primary varicose vein surgery.

METHODS

This is a prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study on patients undergoing primary saphenofemoral ligation. Patients were randomized to a povidone-iodine (Betadine; Pfizer, West Ryde, Australia)-soaked surgical gauze placed in the open wound or a saline-soaked gauze placed in the wound. Patients were then followed up weekly for 6 weeks to observe for signs of wound infection.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight legs in 49 patients were recruited. Thirty-seven groin wounds were randomized to saline and 32 to Betadine. There was a reduced incidence of groin wound infections in those randomized to Betadine (3 versus 1), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.4).

CONCLUSION

Although there may be a trend towards a lower wound infection rate when povidone-iodine is use in surgical wounds, this is not significant for varicose vein surgery.

Stress-induced hyperglycemia as a risk factor for surgical-site infection in nondiabetic orthopedic trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between stress-induced hyperglycemia and infectious complications in nondiabetic orthopedic trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

DESIGN

: This study was a retrospective review.

SETTING

The study was conducted at an academic level-1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

One hundred and eighty-seven consecutive trauma patients with isolated orthopedic injuries were studied.

INTERVENTION

: Blood glucose values during initial hospitalization were evaluated. The admission blood glucose (BG) and hyperglycemic index (HGI) were determined for each patient.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Perioperative infectious complications: pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), surgical-site infection (SSI), sepsis were the outcome measures.

RESULTS

An average of 21.5 BG values was obtained for each patient. The mean ICU and hospital length of stay was 4.0 ± 4.9 and 10.0 ± 8.1 days, respectively. Infections were recorded in 43 of 187 patients (23.0%) and SSIs specifically documented in 16 patients (8.6%). Open fractures were not associated with SSI (8/83, 9.6% vs. 8/104, 7.7%). There was no difference in admission BG or HGI and infection. However, there was a significant difference in HGI when considering SSI alone (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 1.2 ± 1.1). Patients with an SSI received a greater amount of blood transfusions (14.9 ± 12.1 vs. 4.9 ± 7.6). No patient was diagnosed with a separate infection (ie, pneumonia, UTI, bacteremia) before SSI. There was no significant difference in injury severity score among patients with an SSI (11.1 ± 4.0 vs. 9.6 ± 3.0). Multivariable regression testing with HGI as a continuous variable demonstrated a significant relationship (odds ratio: 1.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-2.5) with SSI after adjusting for blood transfusions (odds ratio: 1.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-1.2).

CONCLUSIONS

: Stress-induced hyperglycemia demonstrated a significant independent association with SSIs in nondiabetic orthopedic trauma patients who were admitted to the ICU.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Changes in tissue oxygenation following caudal epidural blockade in infants and children

BACKGROUND

Adequate tissue oxygenation is required for effective white blood cell function and bactericidal activity. Decreased tissue oxygenation has been shown to be a risk factor for perioperative wound infections. Regional anesthetic techniques result in a functional sympathetic block and may increase tissue oxygenation. The purpose of the current study is to prospectively evaluate changes in tissue oxygenation using a non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device following caudal epidural block in infants and children.

METHODS

Following standard anesthetic induction and general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway, the NIRS sensors were placed on two sites. One sensor was placed at a site affected by the caudal block (lower extremity), and the other sensor was placed on the arm, a site unaffected by the caudal block (upper extremity). The NIRS value was recorded at baseline and then again at 15, 30, and 45 min after the block. The caudal block was performed, after anesthetic induction and NIRS sensor placement, using bupivacaine 0.25% with epinephrine 1 : 200,000 or ropivacaine 0.2% with epinephrine 1 : 200,000 at a dose of 1 ml · kg(-1). The inspired oxygen concentration after induction was held constant at 30%, and anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane at 1 MAC. No other pharmacologic agents were administered.

RESULTS

Following the caudal epidural block, there was a statistically significant increase in the tissue oxygenation from the affected site. The NIRS value increased from a baseline of 83 ± 4 to 87 ± 3 at 15 min (P = 0.0001 vs baseline), 88 ± 4 at 30 min (P < 0.0001 vs baseline), and 87 ± 4 at 45 min (P < 0.0001 vs baseline). No change was noted on the unaffected site (upper extremity).

CONCLUSION

There was a statistically significant increase in tissue oxygenation as measured by NIRS following caudal anesthesia in infants and children. Although the magnitude of the change was less, this study confirms the results of previous studies in adults showing an increase in tissue oxygenation following regional blockade.

Risk factors for surgical site infection in pediatric cardiac surgery patients undergoing delayed sternal closure

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in congenital heart surgery (CHS) patients undergoing delayed sternal closure (DSC) and to evaluate risk factors for SSI.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was performed within a cohort of CHS patients undergoing DSC at our institution between 2005 and 2009. Cases met 2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for SSI; control subjects were matched based on year of surgery. Uni- and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify SSI risk factors.

RESULTS

Of 375 patients who underwent DSC, 43 (11%) developed an SSI. The analysis included 172 patients (43 cases, 129 controls); 118 (69%) were neonates, 80 (47%) had undergone Norwood procedure, and 150 (87%) had DSC initiated in the operating room. Case and control subjects were similar based on pre- and intraoperative characteristics. Duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and mortality were significantly greater in patients with an SSI. Multiple periods of DSC, longer duration of DSC, greater dependence on parenteral nutrition, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were significantly associated with SSI in univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that multiple periods of DSC (adjusted odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-20.1) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (adjusted odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.6) remained independent risk factors for SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

For CHS patients undergoing DSC, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and multiple periods of DSC are independent risk factors for SSI. New strategies for prevention and prophylaxis of SSI may be indicated for these high-risk patients who have worse outcomes and greater health care resource utilization.

Surgical site infection rate and risk factors among obstetric cases of jimma university specialized hospital, southwest ethiopia

Background

Surgical Site infections are the second most frequently reported infections of all nosocomial infections among hospital patients. Among surgical patients in obstetrics, Surgical Site Infections were the most common nosocomial infections and the rate is higher in sub-Saharan Africa. There has not been a study which documented the extent of the problem in the study area; hence the objective of this study was to determine the surgical site infection rate among women having surgery for delivery in obstetrics of Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH) from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010.

Methods

A prospective descriptive study design was conducted with the aim of determining the surgical site infection rate on all 770 women who had surgery for delivery from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 in obstetric ward of the Hospital. Data on history of the patient, patient specific demographic information on potential risk factors and the occurrence of Surgical Site infections in the first 30 days following surgery were collected using pretested data collection form. In addition, relevant data were also abstracted from the operation logbook of the cases. Then data were cleaned, edited and fed to computer and analyzed using SPSS for window version 16.0. Finally Statistical test for significance was employed using chi-squared (X ²) where appropriate at 5% level of significance.

Results

The mean (±SD) of the subjects' age was 26(±7) years and the majority of the women were from the rural areas (72.7%). The overall surgical site infection rate was 11.4%. Of those who had surgical site infections, 64.8% had clean-contaminated wound and 35.2% had contaminated /dirty wounds. Wound class at time of surgery has a statistically significant association with Surgical Site infections (p <0.001).The Surgical Site infections rate was similar for cesarean section and abdominal hysterectomy but higher for destructive delivery under direct vision. Majority of the operations were made for emergency Obstetric conditions (96.6%) and the Surgical Site Infections rate was two times higher compared to that of elective surgery. Chorioamnionitis, presence of meconium, large intraoperative blood loss and Perioperative blood transfusion were associated with increased severity of SSIs with p < 0.001. Absence of antenatal care follow up was also associated with increased severity of Surgical Site Infections.

Conclusion

It has been revealed that Surgical Site Infections rates are higher than acceptable standards indicating the need for improving Antenatal care, increasing the number of skilled birth attendants at the local clinics, increasing basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care services, applying improved surgical techniques and improving infection prevention practices to decrease infection rate to acceptable standard.

Indoor air bacterial load and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates in operating rooms and surgical wards at jimma university specialized hospital, southwest ethiopia

Background

Surgical site infection is the second most common health care associated infection. One of the risk factors for such infection is bacterial contamination of operating rooms' and surgical wards' indoor air. In view of that, the microbiological quality of air can be considered as a mirror of the hygienic condition of these rooms. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the bacterial load and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates in operating rooms' and surgical wards' indoor air of Jimma University Specialized Hospital.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted to measure indoor air microbial quality of operating rooms and surgical wards from October to January 2009/2010 on 108 indoor air samples collected in twelve rounds using purposive sampling technique by Settle Plate Method (Passive Air Sampling following 1/1/1 Schedule). Sample processing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done following standard bacteriological techniques. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 and interpreted according to scientifically determined baseline values initially suggested by Fisher.

Results

The mean aerobic colony counts obtained in OR-1(46cfu/hr) and OR-2(28cfu/hr) was far beyond the set 5–8cfu/hr acceptable standards for passive room. Similarly the highest mean aerobic colony counts of 465cfu/hr and 461cfu/hr were observed in Female room-1 and room-2 respectively when compared to the acceptable range of 250–450cfu/hr. In this study only 3 isolates of S. pyogenes and 48 isolates of S. aureus were identified. Over 66% of S. aureus was identified in Critical Zone of Operating rooms. All isolates of S. aureus showed 100% and 82.8% resistance to methicillin and ampicillin respectively.

Conclusion

Higher degree of aerobic bacterial load was measured from operating rooms' and surgical wards' indoor air. Reducing foot trafficking, improving the ventilation system and routine cleaning has to be made to maintain the aerobic bacteria load with in optimal level.

Surgical site infections following colorectal cancer surgery: a randomized prospective trial comparing common and advanced antimicrobial dressing containing ionic silver

BACKGROUND

An antimicrobial dressing containing ionic silver was found effective in reducing surgical-site infection in a preliminary study of colorectal cancer elective surgery. We decided to test this finding in a randomized, double-blind trial.

METHODS

Adults undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery at two university-affiliated hospitals were randomly assigned to have the surgical incision dressed with Aquacel Ag Hydrofiber dressing or a common dressing. To blind the patient and the nursing and medical staff to the nature of the dressing used, scrub nurses covered Aquacel Ag Hydrofiber with a common wound dressing in the experimental arm, whereas a double common dressing was applied to patients of control group. The primary end-point of the study was the occurrence of any surgical-site infection within 30 days of surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients (58 in the experimental arm and 54 in the control group) qualified for primary end-point analysis. The characteristics of the patient population and their surgical procedures were similar. The overall rate of surgical-site infection was lower in the experimental group (11.1% center 1, 17.5% center 2; overall 15.5%) than in controls (14.3% center 1, 24.2% center 2, overall 20.4%), but the observed difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.451), even with respect to surgical-site infection grade 1 (superficial) versus grades 2 and 3, or grade 1 and 2 versus grade 3.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized trial did not confirm a statistically significant superiority of Aquacel Ag Hydrofiber dressing in reducing surgical-site infection after elective colorectal cancer surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00981110.

The incidence of infection after posterior cervical spine surgery: a 10 year review

Background The incidence of infection after posterior cervical spine surgery ranges from 0 to 18%. Higher rates have been reported after posterior procedures compared with anterior procedures, but these studies have been for small series. We report on our rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after posterior cervical spine surgery and the risk factors that influence these infections. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 90 consecutive patients who underwent posterior cervical spine procedures at a major spinal referral center between 1998 and 2007. The main indications for surgery were trauma and degenerative conditions. Tumors and primary infections were excluded. Medical records of these patients were examined for evidence of SSI as diagnosed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Results Using stringent criteria for diagnosing SSI, we found 15 infected patients (16.67%). The postoperative use of a Philadelphia hard collar was found to be a significant risk factor for SSI with a relative risk of 15.30 (95% confidence interval 2.10 to 111.52). Almost half of infected patients (47%) required reoperation for wound debridement, with four requiring skin flap closure. All 15 patients had successful outcomes with complete resolution of their infection. Conclusions This study confirms a high incidence of SSI after posterior cervical surgery. The most significant risk factors for SSI were found to be a traumatic etiology and postoperative use of a collar. We believe it is important to develop strategies to minimize the risk of infection after posterior cervical surgery, which include questioning the postoperative use of collars.

Surgical site infection after pediatric spinal deformity surgery

The incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal deformity surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis ranges from 0.5-6.7%. The risk of infection following spinal fusion in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis is greater, with reported rates of 6.1-15.2% for cerebral palsy and 8-41.7% for myelodysplasia. SSIs result in increased patient morbidity, multiple operations, prolonged hospital stays, and significant financial costs. Recent literature has focused on elucidating the most common organisms involved in SSIs, as well as identifying modifiable risk factors and prevention strategies that may decrease the rates of infection. These include malnutrition, positive urine cultures, antibiotic prophylaxis, surgical site antisepsis, antibiotic-loaded allograft, local application of antibiotics, and irrigation solutions. Acute and delayed SSIs are managed differently. Removal of instrumentation is required for effective treatment of delayed SSIs. This review article examines the current literature on the prevention and management of SSIs after pediatric spinal deformity surgery.

Predictors of surgical site infection after liver resection: a multicentre analysis using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data

BACKGROUND

  Postoperative infections are frequent complications after liver resection and have significant impact on length of stay, morbidity and mortality. Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common nosocomial infection in surgical patients, accounting for 38% of all such infections.

OBJECTIVES

  This study aimed to identify predictors of SSI and organ space SSI after liver resection.

METHODS

  Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database for patients who underwent liver resection in 2005, 2006 or 2007 in any of 173 hospitals throughout the USA were analysed. All patients who underwent a segmental resection, left hepatectomy, right hepatectomy or trisectionectomy were included.

RESULTS

  The ACS-NSQIP database contained 2332 patients who underwent hepatectomy during 2005-2007. Rates of SSI varied significantly across primary procedures, ranging from 9.7% in segmental resection patients to 18.3% in trisectionectomy patients. A preoperative open wound, hypernatraemia, hypoalbuminaemia, elevated serum bilirubin, dialysis and longer operative time were independent predictors for SSI and for organ space SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

  These findings may contribute towards the identification of patients at risk for SSI and the development of strategies to reduce the incidence of SSI and subsequent costs after liver resection.

Long-term outcomes in elderly surgical patients

Anesthesia has developed to the point where long-term outcomes are important endpoints. Elderly patients are becoming an increasingly large part of most surgical practices, consistent with demographic shifts. Long-term outcomes are particularly important for this group. In this review, we discuss functional outcomes in the elderly. We describe the areas of cognitive change and frailty, both of which are specific to the elderly. We also discuss prevention of surgical infections and emerging evidence around hemodynamic alterations in the operating room and their impact on long-term outcomes.

Antimicrobial sutures and prevention of surgical site infection: assessment of the safety of the antiseptic triclosan

This article is based on a second Hygienist Panel meeting held in London on 16-17 June 2010. The Panel discussed the current use of antimicrobials and care bundles in the prevention of surgical site infection; the need to comply with good antibiotic stewardship, to reduce the risk of antibiotic-resistant and emergent organisms; and the need to revisit the use of antiseptics. The discussion was driven by concerns of the use of triclosan, which had been raised by a publication from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products of the Directorate General for Health and Consumers, European Commission. Uncertainties that excessive use of triclosan for preservation and in cosmetics could select naturally resistant environmental organisms or induce reduced triclosan-susceptibility or antibiotic resistance were considered. It was concluded that the uses of triclosan with demonstrable health benefits, as in some medical applications (such as antimicrobial sutures), need to be distinguished from those where there is no proven benefit, such as its use in certain consumer products. The addition of triclosan to a product must be substantiated in any claim of preventive or therapeutic health benefit. Triclosan is the most widely studied biocide and this same level of information should be available for other topically used antimicrobials, which are widely used in surgical practice and chronic wound care.

Impact of obesity on surgical site infection in colon and rectal surgery

Obesity affects over 30% of the United States population. Over the past 10 years, there has been increased recognition of the prevalence of obesity and its contribution to worse outcomes among medical and surgical patients. In particular, obesity has been validated as a risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI) among patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with some reports demonstrating an increased risk of SSI as high as sixty percent (60%) among obese patients. For patients undergoing elective colon and rectal surgery, a higher incidence of SSI (up to 45%) has been reported in comparison to outcomes of other surgical procedures. Obesity, as well as numerous other variables, have been implicated as a potential source for this increased incidence. Although the pathophysiology of obesity-related SSI has been suggested (decreased wound oxygen tension, impaired tissue antibiotic penetration, altered immune function, etc.), the true effect of obesity has not been clearly described. The purpose of this review is to examine the growing epidemic of obesity and its specific impact on SSI for both general and colorectal surgical patients. The proposed mechanisms for why obesity increases the risk of SSI will be briefly discussed, as well.

Local application of gentamicin collagen implants in the prophylaxis of surgical site infections following gastrointestinal surgery: a review of clinical experience

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common type of healthcare-associated infection in gastrointestinal (GI) surgical procedures, which often has major consequences for patient recovery and increased healthcare costs due to prolonged hospital stay. This article provides an overview of the efficacy and safety of prophylactic application of resorbable gentamicin-containing collagen implants (GCI) in the prevention of SSI following high-risk GI surgical procedures.

METHOD

Nine publications were identified using the PubMed online database and search terms 'gentamicin collagen implant' plus 'surgical site infection', 'wound infection' and 'gastrointestinal surgery'.

RESULTS

Data from 483 patients treated prophylactically have demonstrated that GCI can reduce the wound infection rate in high-risk GI surgical procedures and improve wound healing after pilonidal sinus excision. In a study of 221 patients who underwent colorectal surgery, the wound infection rate was reduced to 5.6% in the GCI group compared to 18.4% in the control group (P < 0.01). GCI also positively influences the post-operative course for patients undergoing particularly risky procedures e.g. abdominoperineal resection (APR) combined with neoadjuvant radiotherapy. In one such patient series, GCI reduced the wound infection rate by over 70% and the length of hospital stay by 40%. Few side effects of GCI were noted in the 9 clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This review demonstrates that GCI can have a positive effect on wound infection rates in high-risk GI surgery and can also improve wound healing after pilonidal sinus excision.

Comparative evaluation of prophylactic single-dose intravenous antibiotic with postoperative antibiotics in elective urologic surgery

BACKGROUND

Unrestricted antibiotic use is very common in Iran. As a result, emergence of resistant organisms is commonplace. Antibiotic prophylaxis in surgery consists of a short antibiotic course given immediately before the procedure in order to prevent development of a surgical site infection. The basic principle of prophylaxis is to maintain effective concentrations of an antibiotic active against the commonest pathogens during the entire surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively investigated 427 urologic surgery cases in our department between August 2008 and September 2009 (Group 1). As reference cases, we retrospectively reviewed 966 patients who underwent urologic surgery between May 2004 and May 2008 (Group 2) who were administered antibiotics without any restriction. Prophylactic antibiotics such as cefazolin were administered intravenously according to our protocol. Postoperative body temperature, peripheral white blood cell counts, urinalysis, and urine culture were checked.

RESULTS

To judge perioperative infections, wound condition and general condition were evaluated in terms of surgical site infection, as well as remote infection and urinary tract infection, up to postoperative day 30. Surgical site infection was defined as the presence of swelling, tenderness, redness, or drainage of pus from the wound, superficially or deeply. Remote infection was defined as occurrence of pneumonia, sepsis, or urinary tract infection. Perioperative infection rates (for surgical site and remote infection) in Group 1 and Group 2 were nine of 427 (2.6%) and 24 of 966 (2.5%), respectively. Surgical site infection rates of categories A and B in Group 1 were 0 and two (0.86%), respectively, while those in Group 2 were 0 and five (0.92%), respectively. There was no significant difference in infection rates in terms of remote infection and surgical site infection between Group 1 and Group 2 (P = 0.670). The amounts, as well as the prices, for intravenously administered antibiotics decreased to approximately one quarter.

CONCLUSION

Our protocol effectively decreased the amount of antibiotics used without increasing perioperative infection rates. Thus, our protocol of prophylactic antibiotic therapy can be recommended as an appropriate method for preventing perioperative infection in urologic surgery.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in obstetric procedures

OBJECTIVE

To review the evidence and provide recommendations on antibiotic prophylaxis for obstetrical procedures.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes evaluated include need and effectiveness of antibiotics to prevent infections in obstetrical procedures.

EVIDENCE

Published literature was retrieved through searches of Medline and The Cochrane Library on the topic of antibiotic prophylaxis in obstetrical procedures. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Searches were updated on a regular basis and articles published from January 1978 to June 2009 were incorporated in the guideline. Current guidelines published by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology were also incorporated. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

VALUES

The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the Infectious Diseases Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada under the leadership of the principal authors, and recommendations were made according to guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1).

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Implementation of this guideline should reduce the cost and harm resulting from the administration of antibiotics when they are not required and the harm resulting from failure to administer antibiotics when they would be beneficial. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: 1. Available evidence does not support the use of prophylactic antibiotics to reduce infectious morbidity following operative vaginal delivery. (II-1) 2. There is insufficient evidence to argue for or against the use of prophylactic antibiotics to reduce infectious morbidity for manual removal of the placenta. (III) 3. There is insufficient evidence to argue for or against the use of prophylactic antibiotics at the time of postpartum dilatation and curettage for retained products of conception. (III) 4. Available evidence does not support the use of prophylactic antibiotics to reduce infectious morbidity following elective or emergency cerclage. (II-3) RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. All women undergoing elective or emergency Caesarean section should receive antibiotic prophylaxis. (I-A) 2. The choice of antibiotic for Caesarean section should be a single dose of a first-generation cephalosporin. If the patient has a penicillin allergy, clindamycin or erythromycin can be used. (I-A) 3. The timing of prophylactic antibiotics for Caesarean section should be 15 to 60 minutes prior to skin incision. No additional doses are recommended. (I-A) 4. If an open abdominal procedure is lengthy (>3 hours) or estimated blood loss is greater than 1500 mL, an additional dose of the prophylactic antibiotic may be given 3 to 4 hours after the initial dose. (III-L) 5. Prophylactic antibiotics may be considered for the reduction of infectious morbidity associated with repair of third and fourth degree perineal injury. (I-B) 6. In patients with morbid obesity (BMI>35), doubling the antibiotic dose may be considered. (III-B) 7. Antibiotics should not be administered solely to prevent endocarditis for patients who undergo an obstetrical procedure of any kind. (III-E).

Antimicrobial Use in Surgical Intensive Care

Intensive care has evolved over its 50-year history to yield previously unimaginable recovery from major trauma, multi-organ system failure, and extensive surgery, including organ transplantation. Antimicrobial therapy plays an essential role in combating invasive infections in the intensive care population that are often the ultimate causes of death. However, a parallel evolution of antimicrobial compensation has occurred, engendering resistance and virulence mechanisms to circumvent each new antimicrobial agent. The surgical intensive care unit provides the ultimate microcosm of antimicrobial resistance selection, combining complex and severe underlying illness with invasive devices, bypassed defenses, compromised tissues, and proximity to other high-risk patients, all in one intimate environment. New resistance mechanisms may be introduced from referring institutions or can emerge in response to treatments, and then may spread to others within or outside the ICU. Multidrug-resistant organisms have become a dominant issue in modern health care; a strategic response is essential to short- and long-term success.

Relationship between perioperative glycemic control and postoperative infections

Perioperative hyperglycemia in critically ill surgery patients increases the risk of postoperative infection (POI), which is a common, and often costly, surgical complication. Hyperglycemia is associated with abnormalities in leukocyte function, including granulocyte adherence, impaired phagocytosis, delayed chemotaxis, and depressed bactericidal capacity. These leukocyte deficiencies are the cause of infection and improve with tight glycemic control, which leads to fewer POIs in critically ill surgical patients. Tight glycemic control, such as intensive insulin therapy, has a risk of hypoglycemia. In addition, the optimal targeted blood glucose range to reduce POI remains unknown. Since 2006, we have investigated tight perioperative blood glucose control using a closed-loop artificial endocrine pancreas system, to reduce POI and to avoid hypoglycemia. In this Topic Highlight, we review the relationship between perioperative glycemic control and POI, including the use of the artificial pancreas.

Improving surveillance system and surgical site infection rates through a network: A pilot study from Thailand

Background:

Surveillance of surgical site infections (SSI) provides data upon which interventions to improve patient safety can be based. In Thailand, however, SSI surveillance has not yet been standardized.

Objectives:

To develop a standardized SSI surveillance system and to monitor SSI rates after introduction of such a system.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective study among 17,752 patients who underwent surgery in ten hospitals in Thailand from April 2004 to May 2005. The SSI rates were computed and benchmarked with the US rates, reported in terms of standardized infection ratio (SIR). We estimated the incidence rate ratio of surgical site infections by comparing the incidence in the last study period with the incidence in the first study period.

Results:

The study included 17,869 operations and identified 248 SSIs, yielding an SSI rate of 1.4 infections/100 operations and a corresponding SIR of 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.5–0.7). During the study period the overall SSI rate decreased from 1.8 infections/100 operations to 1.2 infections/100 operations, yielding an incidence rate ratio of 0.65 (95% CI = 0.47–0.89).

Conclusion:

Our study highlighted that a standardized SSI surveillance in a developing country can be initiated through a network and may be followed by a decrease in SSI rates.

The efficacy of postoperative prophylactic antibiotics in orthognathic surgery: a prospective study in Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy

PURPOSE

This study examined the efficacy of the postoperative prophylactic antibiotics used in orthognathic surgery. The prevalence of surgical site infections (SSIs) was determined according to the use of postoperative prophylactic antibiotics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-six patients were divided into 2 groups. Each patient intravenously received 1.0 g of a third-generation cephalosporin (Cefpiramide) 30 minutes before surgery. Among them, 28 patients in the control group received 1.0 g Cefpiramide twice daily until the third day after surgery. The postoperative wounds were examined regularly for the presence of infectious signs.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative wound infections between patients who had received postoperative prophylactic antibiotic administration and those who had not (p = 0.639).

CONCLUSION

Prolonged prophylactic antibiotic use after orthognathic surgery may not be necessary, provided that there are no other significant factors for wound infections.

The role of prophylactic antibiotics in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy has a low risk for infectious complications, but many surgeons still use prophylactic antibiotics. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the necessity and test the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics on postoperative infection complications in low-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Low-risk patients were randomly placed into 2 groups: 68 patients (group 1) received cefazolin 1g intravenously after induction of anesthesia, and 76 patients (group 2) were not given prophylactic antibiotics. In both groups, septic complications were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

Positive bile culture and gallbladder rupture did not significantly increase the rate of surgical site infections. In group 1, there were 3 (4.41%) cases of wound infection, 3 (4.41%) cases of pulmonary infections, and 1 (1.47%) case of urinary tract infection. In group 2, there were 2 (2.63%) cases of wound infection, 2 (2.63%) case of pulmonary infections, and 3 (3.95%) cases of urinary tract infection. No significant difference existed in the complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our data, the use of prophylactic antibiotics does not decrease the rate of postoperative infection complications and surgical-site infections and is not necessary in low-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Autologous platelet gel in coronary artery bypass grafting: effects on surgical wound healing

Stimulating the body's natural healing at the cellular level can be achieved through the application of growth factors located within platelets. Once combined with a mixture of calcium and thrombin, this substance, now referred to as autologous platelet gel (APG), can be applied to surgical wound sites for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of APG on surgical site infection, post-operative pain, blood loss, and bruising. After 30 mL platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was processed, 10 mL PRP was distributed on the sternum after re-approximation and 7 mL PRP before skin closure. Ten milliliters PRP was used on the endoscopic leg harvest (EVH) site. The remaining 3 mL was sent to the laboratory for hematologic testing. Both the control (CTR) and treatment (TRT) groups were well matched, with the exception of ejection fraction and pre-operative platelet count, which was significantly higher in the TRT group. Average platelet count yield was 4.2 +/- 0.5 x 103/mcL, white blood count (WBC) yielded 1.9 +/- 0.7 x 103/mcL, and fibrinogen yielded 1.2 +/- 0.2 mg/dL above baseline. There were no deep or superficial sternal infections. However, one patient from each group did experience a leg infection at the EVH site, which occurred after hospital discharge. More patients in the TRT group experienced less pain on postoperative day (POD) 1 and at the post-operative office follow-up. Blood loss and bruising was less in the TRT group on POD 2; however, there was no statistical significance. The application of APG seems to confer beneficial effects on pain, blood loss, and bruising. However, further studies with a greater sample size are needed to power significant differences.

Postoperative spinal wound infections and postprocedural diskitis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Postprocedural infections are a significant cause of morbidity after spinal interventions.

METHODS

Literature review. An extensive literature review was conducted on postprocedural spinal infections. Relevant articles were reviewed in detail and additional case images were included.

RESULTS

Clinical findings, laboratory markers, and imaging modalities play important roles in the detection of postprocedural spinal infections. Treatment may range from biopsy and antibiotics to multiple operations with complex strategies for soft tissue management.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection and aggressive treatment are paramount in managing postprocedural spinal infections and limiting their long-term sequelae.

Surgical site infection - a European perspective of incidence and economic burden

This retrospective review of reported surgical site infection (SSI) rates in Europe was undertaken to obtain an estimated scale of the problem and the associated economic burden. Preliminary literature searches revealed incomplete datasets when applying the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System criteria. Following an expanded literature search, studies were selected according to the number of parameters reported, from those identified as critical for accurate determination of SSI rates. Forty-eight studies were analysed. None of the reviewed studies recorded all the data necessary to enable a comparative assessment of the SSI rate to be undertaken. The estimated range from selected studies analysed varied widely from 1.5-20% - a consequence of inconsistencies in data collection methods, surveillance criteria and wide variations in the surgical procedures investigated - often unspecified. SSIs contribute greatly to the economic costs of surgical procedures - estimated range: 1.47-19.1 billion Euro dollars. The analysis suggests that the true rate of SSIs, currently unknown, is likely to have been previously under-reported. Consequently, the associated economic burden is also likely to be underestimated. A significant improvement in study design, data collection, analysis and reporting will be necessary to ensure that SSI baseline rates are more accurately assessed to enable the evaluation of future cost-effective measures.