Preoperative evaluation of micro-organisms in non-operated cleft in soft palate: impact on use of antibiotics

Detection of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the nasal cavities and evaluation of sinus disorders in patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy

INTRODUCTION

Orthognathic surgery can lead to sinus alterations, including sinusitis, attributed to the exposure of maxillary sinuses during Le Fort I osteotomy. Furthermore, being a hospital-based procedure, there is potential risk of complications arising from bacteria prevalent in such environments. This study evaluated maxillary sinusitis occurrence and the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the nasal cavity before and after orthognathic surgery.

METHODS

Ten patients with dentofacial deformities underwent Le Fort I osteotomy. Clinical evaluations using SNOT-22 questionnaire were performed, and nasal cavity samples were collected pre-surgery and 3-6 months post-surgery to quantify total mesophilic bacteria and detect Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was performed pre- and post-operatively, and the results were evaluated using the Lund-Mackay system. This study was registered and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of PUCRS (No. 4.683.066).

RESULTS

The evaluation of SNOT-22 revealed that five patients showed an improvement in symptoms, while two remained in the same range of interpretation. One patient developed post-operative maxillary sinusitis, which was not detected at the time of evaluation by SNOT-22 or CBCT. CBCT showed a worsening sinus condition in three patients, two of whom had a significant increase in total bacteria count in their nasal cavities. The Brodsky scale was used to assess hypertrophy in palatine tonsils, where 60% of the subjects had grade 1 tonsils, 20% had grade 2 and 20% had grade 3. None of the patients had grade 4 tonsils, which would indicate more than 75% obstruction. Two patients harboured S. aureus and K. pneumoniae in their nasal cavities. Notably, K. pneumoniae, which was multidrug-resistant, was present in the nasal cavity of patients even before surgery, but this did not result in maxillary sinusitis, likely due to the patients' young and healthy condition.

CONCLUSION

There was an improvement in signs and symptoms of maxillary sinusitis and quality of life in most patients after orthognathic surgery. However, some patients may still harbour multidrug-resistant bacteria, even if they are asymptomatic. Therefore, a thorough pre-operative assessment is essential to avoid difficult-to-treat post-operative complications.

Characterizing the microbiota of cleft lip and palate patients: a comprehensive review

Orofacial cleft disorders, including cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), are one of the most frequently-occurring congenital disorders worldwide. The health issues of patients with CL/P encompass far more than just their anatomic anomaly, as patients with CL/P are prone to having a high incidence of infectious diseases. While it has been previously established that the oral microbiome of patients with CL/P differs from that of unaffected patients, the exact nature of this variance, including the relevant bacterial species, has not been fully elucidated; likewise, examination of anatomic locations besides the cleft site has been neglected. Here, we intended to provide a comprehensive review to highlight the significant microbiota differences between CL/P patients and healthy subjects in various anatomic locations, including the teeth inside and adjacent to the cleft, oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, and ear, as well as bodily fluids, secretions, and excretions. A number of bacterial and fungal species that have been proven to be pathogenic were found to be prevalently and/or specifically detected in CL/P patients, which can benefit the development of CL/P-specific microbiota management strategies.

Characterization of Bacterial Differences Induced by Cleft-Palate-Related Spatial Heterogeneity

Background: Cleft palate (CP) patients have a higher prevalence of oral and respiratory tract bacterial infections than the general population. Nevertheless, characteristics of bacterial differences induced by CP-related anatomical heterogeneity are unknown. Methods: In this study, we systematically described the characteristics of bacteria in the oral and nasal niches in healthy children, CP children, healthy adolescents, CP adolescents, and postoperative adolescents by 454-pyrosequencing technology (V3−V6) to determine bacterial differences induced by CP. Results: Due to the CP-induced variations in spatial structure, the early establishment of microecology in CP children was different from that in healthy children. Nasal bacterial composition showed greater changes than in the saliva. Moreover, such discrepancy also appeared in CP and postoperative adolescents who had even undergone surgery > 10 years previously. Interestingly, we found by Lefse analysis that part of bacterial biomarkers in the nasal cavity of CP subjects was common oral flora, suggesting bacterial translocation between the oral and nasal niches. Therefore, we defined the oral−nasal translocation bacteria as O-N bac. By comparing multiple groups, we took the intersection sets of O-N bacs selected from CP children, CP adolescents, and postoperative adolescents as TS O-N bacs with time−character, including Streptococcus, Gemella, Alloprevotella, Neisseria, Rothia, Actinomyces, and Veillonella. These bacteria were at the core of the nasal bacterial network in CP subjects, and some were related to infectious diseases. Conclusions: CP would lead to significant and long-term differences in oral and nasal flora. TS O-N bacs migrating from the oral to the nasal might be the key stone causing nasal flora dysbiosis in the CP patients.

Microbial contamination profile change over a 4-year period in nonoperated cleft soft palate

AIMS

Surgical site infection is a major concern in cleft soft palate. Knowledge of the type, number and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens present preoperatively contribute to treatment success. The aim of this study is to determine whether or not the microbial contamination (diversity) preoperatively has changed since 2015.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Swabs were taken from the surgical site in 103 consecutive patients who presented for primary repair of the soft palate cleft. These were sent for microscopy, culture and sensitivity testing. Swabs were taken before disinfecting the site. Results were tabled and compared with two previous studies from the same facility. Out of 103 patients, 100 patients showed positive cultures with 42 different pathogenic micro-organisms identified. Most dominant pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae, 45.6%, increased by 28% from the previous two studies, with 93.6% of these pathogens resistant to one or more antimicrobials. Most of the other identified pathogens showed an alarming increase in occurrence, with a wide resistance to antimicrobials.

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in number and diversity of microbial contamination as well as their resistance to antimicrobials is a real concern. Ways of preventing postoperative infection in a natural way need to be explored.

SIGNIFICANCE

Surgeons need to be aware of constant changes in micro-organisms.

Oral Flora and Perioperative Antimicrobial Interventions in Cleft Palate Surgery: A Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

The role of perioperative antibiotics in cleft palate remains a topic of debate. Advocates stress their importance in preventing local and systemic infections and decreasing the incidence of oronasal fistula formation. However, few studies to date have directly evaluated the role of antibiotics and other antimicrobial measures in cleft palate surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence surrounding the use of perioperative antibiotics and other antimicrobial interventions in cleft palate surgery. Additionally, we review the literature on the oral flora unique to the cleft palate patient population.

METHODS

This was accomplished utilizing PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library with MeSH and generic terms. Articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

This review highlights the lack of higher level evidence on perioperative antibiotic use and other antimicrobial interventions in cleft palatoplasty and calls for further research on the matter.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature appears to support the use of preoperative antibiotics for cleft palatoplasty, but the benefits of prolonged postoperative antibiotic use remain questionable.

Antibacterial Bio-Based Polymers for Cranio-Maxillofacial Regeneration Applications

Cranio-maxillofacial structure is a region of particular interest in the field of regenerative medicine due to both its anatomical complexity and the numerous abnormalities affecting this area. However, this anatomical complexity is what makes possible the coexistence of different microbial ecosystems in the oral cavity and the maxillofacial region, contributing to the increased risk of bacterial infections. In this regard, different materials have been used for their application in this field. These materials can be obtained from natural and renewable feedstocks, or by synthetic routes with desired mechanical properties, biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity. Hence, in this review, we have focused on bio-based polymers which, by their own nature, by chemical modifications of their structure, or by their combination with other elements, provide a useful antibacterial activity as well as the suitable conditions for cranio-maxillofacial tissue regeneration. This approach has not been reviewed previously, and we have specifically arranged the content of this article according to the resulting material and its corresponding application; we review guided bone regeneration membranes, bone cements and devices and scaffolds for both soft and hard maxillofacial tissue regeneration, including hybrid scaffolds, dental implants, hydrogels and composites.

Lessons from American Board of Plastic Surgery Maintenance of Certification Tracer Data: A 16-Year Review of Clinical Practice Patterns and Evidence-Based Medicine in Cleft Palate Repair

BACKGROUND

As a component of the Maintenance of Certification process from 2003 to 2019, the American Board of Plastic Surgery tracked 20 common plastic surgery operations. By evaluating the data collected over 16 years, the authors are able to examine the practice patterns of pediatric/craniofacial surgeons in the United States.

METHODS

Cumulative tracer data for cleft palate repair was reviewed as of April of 2014 and September of 2019. Evidence-based medicine articles were reviewed. Results were tabulated in three categories: pearls, or topics that were covered in both the tracer data and evidence-based medicine articles; topics that were covered by evidence-based medicine articles but not collected in the tracer data; and topics that were covered in tracer data but not addressed in evidence-based medicine articles.

RESULTS

Two thousand eight hundred fifty cases had been entered as of September of 2019. With respect to pearls, pushback, von Langenbeck, and Furlow repairs all declined in use, whereas intravelar veloplasty increased. For items not in the tracer, the quality of studies relating to analgesia is among the highest of all areas of study regarding cleft palate repair. In terms of variables collected by the tracer but not studied, in 2019, 41 percent of patients received more than 1 day of antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

This article provides a review of cleft palate tracer data and summarizes the research in the field. Review of the tracer data enables cleft surgeons to compare their outcomes to national norms and provides an opportunity for them to consider modifications that may enhance their practice.

Perioperative Management in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate

In cleft care, perioperative treatment strategies like ear nose and throat (ENT) diagnostics as well as postoperative antibiotics, feeding, and duration of inpatient stay are nonstandardized procedures varying between different centers. Likewise, intraoperative choice of suture materials and time of suture removal are performed inconsistently. Therefore, we wanted to collect information on protocols focusing on these topics to summarize and subsume currently approved treatment strategies of centers around the world. We ask members of international cleft centers for their respective treatment strategies and performed descriptive statistics.Absorbable suture material is used for reconstruction of the outer lip skin in 20 of 70 centers. Removal of skin sutures is conducted after 7.0 ± 1.5 days. Suturing of the orbicularis oris muscle, the enoral and nasal mucosa, as well as the palatal musculature is predominantly performed with absorbable suture materials. Intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is applied in 82.9% of the participating centers. In contrast, 31.9% of the departments do not apply any antibiotic postoperatively. Postoperative feeding is performed in 27 centers via a nasogastric tube for 4.6 ± 2.3 days on average. Mean length of postoperative inpatient stay is 4.1 ± 2.6 days in children after cleft lip surgery and 4.5 ± 2.7 days after cleft palate surgery. ENT consultation before surgery is routinely conducted in 52.8% of the centers and 82.9% of ENT colleagues investigate middle ear pathologies in the same operation in which cleft repair is performed.Closure of the lip skin is predominantly performed with nonabsorbable suture material followed by a suture removal after 1 week. Intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis as well as inpatient hospital stay of 4 to 5 days in combination with oral feeding and a preoperative consultation and intraoperative cooperation with the ENT department seems to be well-proven concepts in cleft lip palate patient care. However, this analysis illustrated the variations and differing approaches in perioperative care emphasizing the need to verify perioperative management concepts in cleft surgery-preferably in the context of multicenter studies.

The spectrum of intraoral bacteria seen in patients with cleft palates in an African setting

Dehiscence or palatal fistula formation following palatoplasty is a complication that has grave consequences for the patient that include tissue loss, emotional distress to the parents and patient, and further medical costs. Palatal dehiscence or fistula formation is multifactorial following surgery—tension of wound closure, poor patient adherence to postoperative orders and wound infection are the most common causes for this. Oral colonization with pathogenic organisms could play a role in wound healing complications. Identification of intraoral bacteria among patients with cleft palates has thus far not been performed. To identify the spectrum of intraoral bacteria in cleft palate patients in an African setting; a retrospective, chart review was performed at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital—a quaternary hospital in Durban, South Africa. All patients with unrepaired cleft palates who underwent palatoplasty in 2015 were included. Fifty‐two patients were included. Preoperative throat/palatal swabs were taken prior to palatoplasty. The various bacteria cultured from the aforementioned swabs were cataloged. Various bacteria were cultured. In total, 23 patients (44.2%) had positive swab cultures. Eighteen cultures (34.6%) had gram‐positive growth only, four cultures (7.7%) had gram‐negative growth only, while one patient (1.9%) cultured both a gram‐positive and a gram‐negative organism. Streptococcus viridans was the most commonly cultured organism (19.2%) while beta‐hemolytic streptococci were cultured from only 4 swabs (7.7%). Our study cataloged the commonly occurring bacteria found in unrepaired cleft palate patients in Africa. Further research into the clinical significance of each bacteria is advised.

A Descriptive Study of Chlorhexidine as a Disinfectant in Cleft Palate Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Chlorhexidine is seen as the golden standard of disinfectants. It is widely used to clean surgical sites; however, many studies indicate resistance of pathogens to chlorhexidine. One study indicated that pathogenic microorganisms were isolated from the soft palate cleft region in 57% of patients with facial clefts. The objectives of our study were to determine (1) if chlorhexidine application is effective in removing pathogens from the surgical site in these patients, and (2) if any pathogens are isolated, determine if they are resistant to other antimicrobials.

DESIGN

A descriptive observational study.

SETTINGS

A private practice that specializes in facial cleft surgery, with a country-wide patient base. All procedures were executed by one oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients (N=50) who presented for primary repair of the soft palate cleft were included in the study.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

written consent from parent(s), and patient cleared as systemically healthy by a pediatric physician.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

patient(s) with systemic infections (eg, flu) and/or any local infections (eg, tonsillitis). There were 25 males and 25 females with an average age of 7 months and 16 days included in the study.

METHODS

Swabs were taken from the surgical site of all 50 patients with cleft soft palate and were sent for culture, identification and antimicrobial sensitivity. The swabs were taken before disinfecting the site as well as after 2 minutes of disinfecting the surgical site with chlorhexidine. Results were compared against each other.

RESULTS

Positive cultures with 28 different pathogenic microorganisms that were identified in 47 patients before cleaning the surgical site with the chlorhexidine. The most dominant pathogens were K. pneumonia (n=22), H. influenza (n=18) and S. aureus (n=10). Of the pathogens found, 13 (46%) were still present on the swabs taken after disinfecting with chlorhexidine. K. pneumonia (n= 13), H. influenza (n=11) and S. aureus (n=9) were still the most prevalent pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that 61 of the total of 113 pathogens isolated (54%), survived after 2 minutes of disinfecting the surgical and surrounding area with chlorhexidine, thus intensifying the chances of post-operative infection.