Wound complications after gynecologic cancer surgery

Risk Factors for Surgical Wound Infection and Fascial Dehiscence After Open Gynecologic Oncologic Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have identified typical risk factors for surgical site infections (SSI) and fascial dehiscence (FD), but patients with gynecological cancer are often excluded. This study aimed to assess the key risk factors for SSI and FD in gynecological oncological patients undergoing median laparotomy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent median laparotomy for gynecological cancer between January 2017 and December 2020. Machine learning (random forest) was employed to identify interactions among predictors, while multivariable logistic regression was used to develop a model, validated through bootstrapping.

RESULTS

A total of 204 women underwent open surgery for malignant gynecological diseases at our institution. A total of 50 patients developed SSI (24.5%) and 18 of these additionally suffered from FD (8.8%). The duration of the surgical procedure was independently associated with both SSI and FD. However, this association was only significant if the bowel was opened during surgery (either accidentally or intentionally). Conversely, if the bowel was left intact, the duration of the operation had no effect on either SSI (p = 0.88) or FD (p = 0.06). Additionally, a lower age of the patients significantly (p = 0.013) independently influenced the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the SSI rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the importance of duration of surgery in predicting SSI and FD in patients with gynecological cancer. This correlation between operation time and wound complications depends on whether bowel surgery was performed. Additionally, the relevance of obesity as a risk factor is higher in younger than in older patients.

Extended-duration antibiotics are not associated with a reduction in surgical site infection in patients with ovarian cancer undergoing cytoreductive surgery with large bowel resection

OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate whether extended dosing of antibiotics (ABX) after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with large bowel resection for advanced ovarian cancer is associated with reduced incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) compared to standard intra-operative dosing and evaluate predictors of SSI.

METHODS

A retrospective single-institution cohort study was performed in patients with stage III/IV ovarian cancer who underwent CRS from 2009 to 2017. Patients were divided into two cohorts: 1) standard intra-operative dosing ABX and 2) extended post-operative ABX. All ABX dosing was at the surgeon's discretion. The impact of antibiotic duration on SSI and other postoperative outcomes was assessed using univariate and multivariable Cox regression models.

RESULTS

In total, 277 patients underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with large bowel resection between 2009 and 2017. Forty-nine percent (n = 137) received standard intra-operative ABX and 50.5% (n = 140) received extended post-operative ABX. Rectosigmoid resection was the most common large bowel resection in the standard ABX (89.9%, n = 124) and extended ABX groups (90.0%, n = 126), respectively. No significant differences existed between age, BMI, hereditary predisposition, or medical comorbidities (p > 0.05). No difference was appreciated in the development of superficial incisional SSI between the standard ABX and extended ABX cohorts (10.9% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.62). Of patients who underwent a transverse colectomy, a larger percentage of patients developed a superficial SSI versus no SSI (21% vs. 6%, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION(S)

In this retrospective study of patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing CRS with LBR, extended post-operative ABX was not associated with reduced SSI, and prolonged administration of antibiotics should be avoided unless clinically indicated.

Infectious Complications in Laparoscopic Gynecologic Oncology Surgery within an ERAS-Compliant Setting

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) represents a safe and feasible option for the surgical treatment of gynecologic malignancies, offering benefits, including reduced blood loss, lower complications, and faster recovery, without compromising oncological outcomes in selected patients. MIS is widely accepted in early-stage gynecologic malignancies, including endometrial cancer, cervical tumors measuring 2 cm or less, and early-stage ovarian cancer, considering the risk of surgical spillage. Despite its advantages, MIS does not rule out the possibility of adverse events such as postoperative infections. This retrospective study on 260 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery at Parma University Hospital for gynecologic malignancies explores the incidence and risk factors of postoperative infectious complications. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to rank postoperative surgical complications occurring 30 days after surgery and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) recommendations put into practice. In our population, 15 (5.8%) patients developed infectious complications, predominantly urinary tract infections (9, 3.5%). Longer surgical procedures were independently associated with higher postoperative infection risk (p = 0.045). Furthermore, C1 radical hysterectomy correlated significantly with infectious complications (p = 0.001, OR 3.977, 95% CI 1.370-11.544). In conclusion, compared to prior research, our study reported a lower rate of infectious complications occurrence and highlights the importance of adopting infection prevention measures.

Optimizing Surgical Wound Care in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Importance

Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) accounts for at least half of all open abdominal surgeries performed. Rates of surgical wound complications after open procedures in OB/GYN range from 5% to 35%. Therefore, optimizing management of surgical wound complications has the potential to significantly reduce cost and morbidity. However, guidelines addressing best practices for wound care in OB/GYN are limited.

Objective

The objectives of this review are to describe the fundamentals of wound healing and to evaluate available evidence addressing surgical wound care. Based on these data, we provide recommendations for management of extrafascial surgical wound dehiscence after OB/GYN procedures.

Evidence Acquisition

Literature search was performed in PubMed, Medline, OVID, and the Cochrane database. Relevant guidelines, systematic reviews, and original research articles investigating mechanisms of wound healing, types of wound closure, and management of surgical wound complications were reviewed.

Results

Surgical wound complications in OB/GYN are associated with significant cost and morbidity. One of the most common complications is extrafascial dehiscence, which may occur in the setting of hematomas, seromas, or infection. Management includes early debridement and treatment of any underlying infection until healthy granulation tissue is present. For wounds healing by secondary intention, advanced moisture retentive dressings reduce time to healing and are cost-effective when compared with conventional wet-to-dry gauze dressings. Negative pressure wound therapy can be applied to deeper wounds healing by secondary intention. Review of published evidence also supports the use of delayed reclosure to expedite wound healing for select patients.

Conclusions

Optimizing surgical wound care has the potential to reduce the cost and morbidity associated with surgical wound complications in OB/GYN. Advanced moisture retentive dressings should be considered for wounds healing by secondary intention. Data support delayed reclosure for select patients, although further studies are needed.

Anesthesia management and outcomes of gynecologic oncology surgery

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed postoperative mortality, morbidity, and complications associated with anesthesia administration for gynecologic oncology abdominal surgery and investigated the risk factors for the development of these complications.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing the data of patients who underwent elective gynecologic oncology surgery between 2010 and 2017. The demographic data; comorbidities; preoperative anemia; Charlson Comorbidity Index; anesthesia management; complications; preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods; mortality; and morbidity were investigated. The patients were classified as surviving or deceased. Subgroup analyses of patients with endometrial, ovarian, cervical, and other cancers were performed.

RESULTS

We analyzed 416 patients; 325 survived and 91 were deceased. The postoperative chemotherapy rates (p < 0.001), and postoperative blood transfusion rates (p = 0.010) were significantly higher in the deceased group, while the preoperative albumin levels were significantly lower in the deceased group (p < 0.001). Infused colloid amount was higher in the deceased group of endometrial (p = 0.018) and ovarian cancers (p = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative patient management for cancer surgery requires a multidisciplinary approach led by an anesthesiologist and surgeon. Any improvement in the duration of hospital stay, morbidity, or recovery rate depends on the success of the multidisciplinary team.

Enhanced Recovery after Uterine Corpus Cancer Surgery: A 10 Year Retrospective Cohort Study of Robotic Surgery in an NHS Cancer Centre

Simple Summary

Surgical and survival outcomes for uterine corpus cancer following the introduction of robotic surgery to Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust; a large volume United Kingdom teaching hospital and cancer centre. Introduction of the Da Vinci^TM robot was associated with enhanced recovery after surgery with low 30-day mortality (0.1%), low return to theatre (0.5%), a low use of blood transfusion and intensive care (1.8% & 7.2% respectively), low conversion to open surgery (0.5%) and a reduction in median length of stay, with comparable survival to published data, and a three to four fold increase in cases treated. This increased productivity was associated with a highly predicable patient pathway of care, for high-risk patients, with reduced demands on health services.

Abstract

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust introduced robotic surgery for uterine corpus cancer in 2010 to support increased access to minimally invasive surgery, a central element of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway. More than 1750 gynaecological oncology robotic procedures have now been performed at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients undergoing surgery for uterine corpus cancer between the 1 January 2010 and the 31 December 2019 to evaluate its success. Data was extracted from the dedicated gynaecological oncology database and a detailed notes review performed. During this time; 952 patients received primary surgery for uterine corpus cancer; robotic: n = 734; open: n = 164; other minimally invasive surgery: n = 54. The introduction of the Da Vinci^TM robot to Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust was associated with an increase in the minimally invasive surgery rate. Prior to the introduction of robotic surgery in 2008 the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) rate was 33% for women with uterine corpus cancer undergoing full surgical staging. In 2019, 10 years after the start of the robotic surgery program 91.3% of women with uterine corpus cancer received robotic surgery. Overall the MIS rate increased from 33% in 2008 to 92.9% in 2019. Robotic surgery is associated with a low 30-day mortality (0.1%), low return to theatre (0.5%), a low use of blood transfusion and intensive care (1.8% & 7.2% respectively), low conversion to open surgery (0.5%) and a reduction in median length of stay from 6 days (in 2008) to 1 day, regardless of age/BMI. Robotic survival is consistent with published data. Introduction of the robotic program for the treatment of uterine cancer increased productivity and was associated with a highly predicable patient pathway of care, for high-risk patients, with reduced demands on health services. Future health care commissioning should further expand access to robotic surgery nationally for women with uterine corpus cancer.

Relationship between pre‑operative glycated haemoglobin and surgical site infection in patients undergoing elective colon cancer surgery

Surgical site infections remain a significant cause of morbidity following colon cancer surgery. Although diabetes has been recognised as a risk factor, patients with asymptomatic diabetes are likely underdiagnosed. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between preoperative glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C), clinicopathological characteristics and the influence on surgical site infection in a cohort of patients undergoing potentially curative colon cancer surgery. Patients who underwent elective, potentially curative colon cancer surgery between January 2011 and December 2014 were assessed for HbA1C levels (mmol/mol) measured within 3 months preoperatively. Clinicopathological data were recorded in a maintained database. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between HbA1C, clinicopathological characteristics and surgical site infections. A total of 362 patients had HbA1C levels preoperatively recorded. HbA1C was significantly associated with body mass index (BMI), diabetes, smoking status, visceral fat area and skeletal muscle index. As determined by multivariate analysis, preoperative HbA1C levels remained independently associated with an increased risk of surgical site infections (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.05-2.7; P=0.031) together with BMI (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.36-2.67; P<0.001). Notably, in the present study, tumour-based factors, such as tumour location and TNM status, were not associated with infective complications. By contrast, host factors, such as BMI and pre-operative HbA1C were associated with surgical site infections suggesting that these factors were of more importance in determining short-term outcomes. In conclusion, objective measurements of BMI and HbA1C effectively stratified the risk of developing surgical site infection from 8 to 59%; therefore, HbA1C levels should be determined to allow for preoperative optimisation.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram Based on Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index to Predict Surgical Site Infection Among Gynecologic Oncology Patients

Background

The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a commonly used method to assess nutritional risk for predicting potential surgical site infections (SSI) in cancer patients. This study aims to create and verify a simple nomogram and a dynamic web-based calculator for predicting the risk of SSI among gynecologic oncology patients.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was conducted on patients who were admitted into a tertiary hospital in China with confirmed diagnosis of gynecologic cancer between 01 August 2017 and 30 November 2021. A two-piecewise linear regression model with a smoothing function was used to investigate the non-linear association between GNRI and SSI to determine the ideal cut-off point. Three models were developed on the basis of different variables to predict SSI in gynecologic oncology patients. Through a nomogram the concordance index (C-index), the Akaike information criterion (AIC), and the integrated discrimination index (IDI) were used to determine the final model. Finally, the performance of the nomogram was validated using the 1,000-bootstrap resamples method and analyzed using C-index, GiViTI calibration belts, and decision curve. Also, a user-friendly dynamic web-based calculator was developed.

Results

A total of 1,221 patients were included in the analysis. A non-linear association could be observed between GNRI and SSI risk with a GNRI cut-off value of 101.7. After adding GNRI to Model 2 (which comprised Morse Fall Scale score, preoperative length of stay, operation time, and estimated blood loss), the AIC value decreased, the C-index value increased and IDI increased significantly. The nomogram C-index in the development cohort and internal validation cohort demonstrates a moderate-high degree of discrimination. The GiViTI calibrated belt showed a good agreement between the observed and predicted probabilities of SSI. The decision curve validates the clinical feasibility of the nomogram with a threshold value between 0 and 49%.

Conclusion

The GNRI cut-off value of 101.7 allowed for appropriate stratification of patients into distinct SSI risk groups. This study found that including GNRI in the above nomogram (Model 2) would enhance its potential to predict SSI in gynecologic oncology patients.

Assessment of wound perfusion with near-infrared angiography: A prospective feasibility study

•

There are no validated technologies for skin perfusion assessment at time of laparotomy closure.

•

This prospective non-randomized study failed to demonstrate feasibility of skin perfusion measurement using NIR angiography.

•

Successful subjective perfusion assessment with NIR angiography suggests an ongoing role for investigation of this technology.

Objective

To assess the feasibility of quantitatively measuring skin perfusion before and after suture or staple skin closure of vertical laparotomies using indocyanine green (ICG) uptake with near-infrared angiography.

Methods

This was a prospective, non-randomized feasibility study of patients undergoing surgery with a gynecologic oncology service from 2/2018–8/2019. Feasibility was defined as the ability to quantitatively measure ICG uptake adjacent to the wound at the time of skin closure in ≥ 80% of patients. Patients were assigned suture or staple skin closure in a sequential, non-randomized fashion. Skin perfusion was recorded using a near-infrared imaging system after ICG injection and measured by video analysis at predefined points before and after skin closure. Clinicodemographic, pre- and intraoperative details, and surgical secondary events were recorded.

Results

Of 20 participants, 10 were assigned staple closure and 10 suture closure. Two patients (10%) achieved objective quantification of ICG fluorescence before and after laparotomy closure, failing the predefined feasibility threshold of ≥ 80%. Reasons for failed quantification included overexposure (12), insufficient ICG signal uptake (6), and insufficient video quality (2). Near-infrared angiography wound perfusion was subjectively appreciated intraoperatively in 85% (17/20) of patients before and after wound closure.

Conclusions

Objective assessment of laparotomy skin closure with near-infrared angiography–measured perfusion did not meet the pre-specified feasibility threshold. Adjustments to the protocol to minimize overexposure may be warranted. The ability to subjectively appreciate ICG perfusion with near-infrared angiography suggests a possible role for near-infrared angiography in the real-time intraoperative assessment of wound perfusion, particularly in high-risk patients.

Prophylactic subcutaneous retention sutures in the prevention of superficial wound separation of midline laparotomy

OBJECTIVES

This prospective study aimed to determine the effectiveness of prophylactic subcutaneous retention sutures in the prevention of superficial wound separation in women with a confirmed or suspected cancer who had gynecological surgery by midline laparotomy.

METHODS

This was a non-randomized, controlled intervention study including patients who underwent cancer surgery between May 2018 and August 2019. Patients who underwent midline laparotomy with confirmed or suspected cancer were included and patients who had an early post-operative complication or who underwent surgery again before the removal of stitches were excluded. The independent variables that might predict the superficial wound site dehiscence and prolongation of the hospitalization period were analyzed using logistical regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 208 patients were included in the study. Age, presence of comorbid diseases, low pre-operative hemoglobin, low pre-operative albumin, higher weight, higher body mass index (BMI), pre- and post-operative blood transfusion, and absence of retention sutures were associated with higher risk of superficial wound separation. Low pre-operative albumin, weight, and BMI were associated with prolonged length of hospital stay. In a multivariate analysis, BMI (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.28, p<0.001) and retention sutures (OR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.83, p=0.019) retained an independent association with superficial wound separation. In addition, BMI (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.25, p=0.010) and intra-operative complications (OR: 4.10; 95% CI: 1.08 to 15.60, p=0.038) were independent predictors increasing the length of hospital stay, and use of retention sutures (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.66, p=0.009) was an independent predictor decreasing the length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic subcutaneous retention sutures reduced superficial wound separation and shortened hospital stay. Prophylactic subcutaneous retention sutures may be considered in patients who undergo gynecological surgery using a midline laparotomy.

Surgical site infections in gynecology: the latest evidence for prevention and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Surgical site infection (SSI) remains one of the most common postoperative surgical complications. Prevention and appropriate treatment remain paramount.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence-based recommendations include recognition and reduction of preoperative risks including hyperglycemia and smoking, treatment of preexisting infections, skin preparation with chlorhexidine gluconate, proper use of preoperative antibiotics, and implementation of prevention bundles. Consideration should be given to the use of dual antibiotic preoperative treatment with cephazolin and metronidazole for all hysterectomies.

SUMMARY

Despite advancements, SSI in gynecologic surgery remains a major cause of perioperative morbidity and healthcare cost. Modifiable risk factors should be evaluated and patients optimized to the best extent possible prior to surgery. Preoperative risks include obesity, hyperglycemia, smoking, and untreated preexisting infections. Intraoperative risk-reducing strategies include appropriate perioperative antibiotics, correct topical preparation, maintaining normothermia, and minimizing blood loss. Additionally, early recognition and prompt treatment of SSI remain crucial.

Same-day discharge after robotic surgery for endometrial cancer

To assess the safety of same-day discharge (SDD) following robotic-assisted endometrial cancer staging and identify risk factors for postoperative admission in a diverse population. A review of patients who underwent robotic-assisted endometrial cancer staging from April 1, 2017 to April 1, 2019 was performed. Patients were evaluated for SDD if they met the following criteria: tolerating oral intake, voiding spontaneously, ambulating, negative orthostatic vitals, postoperative hemoglobin ≤ 2 g/dL from baseline, pain controlled on oral medications, and desire to be discharged. Risk factors for admission were identified. One hundred eighty-seven patients were identified. SDD criteria were met in 158, of which 132 (83.5%) were discharged same day. Median length of stay was 4.5 h. Reasons for admission despite meeting criteria were late surgery time (n = 15), abnormal vitals (n = 9), and personal concerns (n = 2), with risk factors being age ≥ 68 years (OR 2.72; 95% CI, 1.13-6.59), start time 1400 or later (OR = 11.25; 95% CI, 4.35-29.10), ASA ≥ 4 (OR 23.82; 95% CI, 2.54-223.15), history of CVA/MI (OR 5.61; 95% CI, 1.07-29.52), and operative time ≥ 120 min (OR = 3.83; 95% CI 1.36-10.77). Of the SDD cohort, 2 patients (1.3%) presented to the emergency room within 30 days (postoperative day 5 and 23). SDD following robotic-assisted endometrial cancer staging is safe and feasible. Age ≥ 68 years, surgery start time after 1400, ASA ≥ 4, history of CVA/MI, and operative time ≥ 120 min appear predictive of inpatient admission despite meeting SDD criteria.

ECOG and BMI as preoperative risk factors for severe postoperative complications in ovarian cancer patients: results of a prospective study (RISC-GYN-trial)

BACKGROUND

Accompanying co-morbidities in patients with ovarian cancer are of major relevance for scheduling debulking surgery, especially in the anesthesiological consultations. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of co-morbidities and patient characteristics on postoperative complications.

METHODS

Patients undergoing maximal cytoreductive surgery were prospectively enrolled from October 2015 to January 2017. Various variables were recorded, such as the Charlson comorbidity index, Eastern cooperative oncology group scale of performance status (ECOG PS) and the American society of anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASA PS). Surgical complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo criteria. Logistic regression models were used to analyze risk factors for severe postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Of 106 enrolled patients, 19 (17.9%) developed severe postoperative complications grade ≥ IIIb according to Clavien-Dindo criteria. In the multivariable regression analysis impaired (ECOG PS) > 1 (odds ratio OR) 13.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74-102.30, p = 0.01), body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m² (OR 10.48, 95% CI 2.38-46.02, p = 0.002) along with the use of intraoperative norepinephrine > 0.11 µg/kg/min (OR 4.69, 95% CI 1.13-19.46, p = 0.03) and intraoperative fresh frozen plasma (FFP) > 17 units (OR 4.11, 95% CI 1.12-15.14, p = 0.03) appeared as significant predictors of severe postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that neither the presence of a certain comorbidity nor the summation of the co-morbidities were associated with adverse outcome. Patient characteristics, such as ECOG PS > 1 and obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m²), are highly predictive factors for severe postoperative complications. The analysis of intraoperative data showed that the need for more than > 0.11 µg/kg/min of norepinephrine and transfusions of FFPs more than 17 units were strongly associated with severe postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery for Endometrial and Cervical Cancer

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has many benefits, in the form of reduced postoperative morbidity, improved recovery and reduced inpatient stay. It is imperative, however, when new techniques are adopted, in the context of treating oncology patients, that the oncological efficacy and safety are established rigorously rather than assumed based on first principles. Here we have attempted to provide a comprehensive review of all the contentious and topical themes surrounding the use of MIS in the treatment of endometrial and cervix cancer following a thorough review of the literature. On the topic of endometrial cancer, we cover the role of laparoscopy in both early and advanced disease, together with the role and unique benefits of robotic surgery. The surgical challenge of patients with a raised body mass index and the frail and elderly are discussed and finally the role of sentinel lymph node assessment. For cervical cancer, the role of MIS for staging and primary treatment is covered, together with the interesting and highly specialist topics of fertility-sparing treatment, ovarian transposition and the live birth rate associated with this. We end with a discussion on the evidence surrounding the role of adjuvant hysterectomy following radical chemoradiation and pelvic exenteration for recurrent cervical cancer. MIS is the standard of care for endometrial cancer. The future of MIS for cervix cancer, however, remains uncertain. Current recommendations, based on the available evidence, are that the open approach should be considered the gold standard for the surgical management of early cervical cancer and that MIS should only be adopted in the context of research. Careful counselling of patients on the current evidence, discussing in detail the risks and benefits to enable them to make an informed choice, remains paramount.

The Comparison of Surgical Outcomes following Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and vNOTES Hysterectomy in Obese Patients

AIM

This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and vaginally assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy procedures in obese patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 83 obese women (BMI > 30 kg/m²) who underwent TLH (35 patients) or vNOTES hysterectomy (48 patients) for benign gynecological indications. The duration of surgery, intra/postoperative complications, intra- and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels, hospital stay, Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at the postoperative 6th and 24th hours of the patients were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between TLH and vNOTES groups regarding age (49 vs. 52 years, p = 0.35), parity (2 vs. 3, p = 0.17), and uterine weight (290 vs. 230 g., p = 0.13) The median BMI was 31.6 kg/m² (30-42.2 kg/m²) in the TLH group and 31.9 kg/m² (30-54.6 kg/m²) in the vNOTES group (p = 0.31). The vNOTES hysterectomy group had significantly shorter durations of surgery (67.5 vs. 136 min) and postoperative hospitalization than the TLH group (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Besides, the 6th-hour (6 vs. 7, p = 0.02) and 24th-hour (4 vs. 3, p < 0.001) VAS scores were significantly lower in the vNOTES hysterectomy group. The propensity-matched group analysis showed significantly lower 6th-hour and 24th-hour VAS scores and shorter duration of surgery (80 vs. 135 min, p < 0.001) in the vNOTES hysterectomy group than the TLH group.

CONCLUSION

vNOTES is a feasible technique in obese women who require a hysterectomy and provides favorable outcomes considering the shorter duration of surgery and postoperative hospitalization and lower pain scores.

Risk factors for evisceration in gynecological oncology surgeries

Background/aim

To investigate the risk factors for evisceration in a gynecological oncology population. The secondary aim was to evaluate the impact of evisceration on survival.

Materials and methods

Inclusion criteria consisted of having had an elective surgery performed through a xiphoidopubic incision in our institution and having a gynecological malignancy based on pathology. A total of 198 patients were evaluated, 54 with evisceration and 144 without evisceration. Due to the widely varied prognosis of female genital cancers, the survival was analyzed on a homogenized group, including only 62 patients with primary advanced stage epithelial ovarian-tubal-peritoneal cancer.

Results

The preoperative factors associated with evisceration in the univariate analysis were old age, high body mass index (BMI), hypertension, smoking, comorbidities, high American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score (3 and 4), and low preoperative albumin level. The associated intraoperative factors were bleeding volume, receiving more than two units of erythrocyte suspension or fresh frozen plasma, and having had a major operation. The associated postoperative factors were the albumin transfusion and the antibiotic use in the early postoperative period. In the multivariate analysis, smoking, low levels of preoperative albumin, high BMIs, and high ASA scores (3 and 4) were independent prognostic factors for evisceration. Evisceration was not associated with recurrence and survival in the patients with primary advanced stage epithelial ovarian-tubal-peritoneal cancer.

Conclusion

Smoking, preoperative hypoalbuminemia, obesity, and high ASA scores (3and 4) were the prognostic factors for evisceration. Short-term modifiable factors such as smoking cessation and improved nutritional status should be considered in elective gynecological oncology surgeries. Evisceration had no impact on survival and recurrence in the patients with primary advanced stage epithelial ovarian-tubal-peritoneal cancer.

Palmer's test usefulness in the correct positioning of the Veress needle and the reduction of complications during laparoscopic access maneuvers

AIM

Abdominal cavity access accounts for 50% of complications during laparoscopic surgery. Different safety maneuvers have been used to try to diminish these. Our study aims to establish the usefulness of Palmer's test in the correct positioning of the Veress needle and the reduction of complications during laparoscopic access maneuvers, when used in addition to the determination of intraabdominal pressure.

METHODS

Prospective observational analytic multi-centered cohort study with 370 patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy between July 2014 and November 2019, comparing the additional use of Palmer's test in 185 patients (Palmer-Test-Yes, PTY), with intraabdominal pressure determination alone in 185 patients (Palmer-Test-No, PTN).

RESULTS

Intergroup homogeneity was described for the basic characteristics of both population samples, except for mean age and percentage of previous laparotomy. A total of 19 complications were recorded, 10 in PTY and 9 in PTN, with no significant differences (P = 0.814). No differences were found in the analysis of these complications, except for the rate of conversion to laparotomy, which occurred four times in the PTY group and none in PTN (P = 0.044). Furthermore, no differences were found once fixed for the history of previous laparotomy (P = 514.), nor for the percentage of successful access after the first attempt between both groups (P = 0.753).

CONCLUSION

Palmer's test, when used in addition to intraabdominal pressure determination, has not shown to be effective in preventing failed access to abdominal cavity or reducing complications associated with access maneuvers with the Veress needle. Hence, its systematic use is not justified, since it could generate a sense of false security.

Impact of subcutaneous negative pressure drains on surgical wound healing in ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Subcutaneous negative pressure wound drains have been used to reduce wound complication rates in various surgical procedures. However, research on the benefits of subcutaneous drains on wound healing after ovarian cancer surgery is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of subcutaneous negative pressure drains on wound healing after abdominal surgery for ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery with a midline incision for ovarian cancer between February 2015 and May 2019 were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (group 1; n=99) or absence (group 2; n=213) of subcutaneous wound drains. The primary endpoint was the incidence of wound complications within 8 weeks after abdominal surgery. The secondary endpoints were time interval from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy and survival.

RESULTS

Patients in group 1 were older (mean 58.5 vs 55.4 years; p=0.02), and had higher rates of previous abdominal surgery (66.7% vs 47.9%; p=0.002), bowel surgery (47.5% vs 34.3%; p=0.026), and had a high surgical complexity score (53.5% vs 33.8%; p<0.001) compared with patients in group 2. Median body mass index was not different between the two groups: group 1, 22.9 kg/m2 (range 16.0 to 33.3) and group 2, 22.8 kg/m2 (range 16.4 to 37.5) (p=0.858). A higher rate of clear wound healing (82.8% vs 71.8%; p=0.036) and a lower rate of seroma formation (6.1% vs 16.0%; p=0.015) were observed in group 1 compared with group 2. After multivariate analysis, subcutaneous wound drain placement was identified as an independent predictive factor for preventing wound complications (adjusted odds ratio 0.43; 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.87). Time interval from surgery to adjuvant treatment was significantly longer in patients with wound complications than in those with clear wound healing (mean 23.6 vs 19.2 days; p=0.003). Kaplan-Meier analysis, however, showed no significant differences in progression free or overall survival between the two groups (p=0.35 and p=0.96, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The prophylactic use of subcutaneous negative pressure drains after abdominal surgery for ovarian cancer significantly reduced the incidence of wound complications in this study.

Use of prophylactic closed incision negative pressure therapy is associated with reduced surgical site infections in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection after surgery for gynecologic cancer increases morbidity. Prophylactic closed incision negative pressure therapy has shown promise in reducing infectious wound complications across many surgical disciplines.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether closed incision negative pressure therapy is associated with reduced surgical site infections in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy compared with standard dressings.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective case-control study of patients undergoing laparotomy for known or suspected gynecologic cancer from Jan. 1, 2017, to Feb. 1, 2020. Patients were matched in a 1:3 ratio (closed incision negative pressure therapy to standard dressing) by body mass index, age, diabetes, bowel surgery, smoking, and steroid use. Surgical site infection was defined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multivariable logistic regression using backward selection was performed.

RESULTS

Of the 1223 eligible patients undergoing laparotomy, 64 (5.2%) received closed incision negative pressure therapy dressings and were matched to 192 (15.7%) controls. There were no differences in medical comorbidities (P>.05), site or stage of malignancy (P>.05), duration of surgery (P=.82), or surgical procedures (P>.05). Use of closed incision negative pressure therapy was associated with reduction in all adverse wound outcomes (20.3% vs 40.1%; P<.001). In particular, closed incision negative pressure therapy was associated with a significant reduction in both superficial incisional surgical site infections (9.4% vs 29.7%; P<.001) and deep incisional surgical site infections (0.0% vs 6.8%; P=.04). In multivariable analysis, use of closed incision negative pressure therapy was associated with significant reduction in the incidence of superficial incisional infections alone (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.73; P=.008) and both superficial and deep incisional infections (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.71; P=.007).

CONCLUSION

Use of prophylactic closed incision negative pressure therapy after laparotomy in gynecologic oncology patients was found to be associated with reduced superficial incisional and deep incisional infections compared with standard dressings. Furthermore, closed incision negative pressure therapy was associated with reduction in all other adverse wound outcomes. Closed incision negative pressure therapy may be considered for surgical site infection prevention in high-risk gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy.

Short-term surgical complications after radical hysterectomy-A nationwide cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Centralization has, among other aspects, been argued to have an impact on quality of care in terms of surgical morbidity. Next, monitoring quality of care is essential in identifying areas of improvement. This nationwide cohort study was conducted to determine the rate of short-term surgical complications and to evaluate its possible predictors in women with early-stage cervical cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Women diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer, 2009 FIGO stages IB1 and IIA1, between 2015 and 2017 who underwent radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy in 1 of the 9 specialized medical centers in the Netherlands, were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Women were excluded if primary treatment consisted of hysterectomy without parametrial dissection or radical trachelectomy. Women in whom radical hysterectomy was aborted during the procedure, were also excluded. Occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications and type of complications, developing within 30 days after surgery, were prospectively registered. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of surgical complications.

RESULTS

A total of 472 women were selected, of whom 166 (35%) developed surgical complications within 30 days after radical hysterectomy. The most frequent complications were urinary retention with catheterization in 73 women (15%) and excessive perioperative blood loss >1000 mL in 50 women (11%). Open surgery (odds ratio [OR] 3.42; 95% CI 1.73-6.76), chronic pulmonary disease (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.45-6.79), vascular disease (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.07-3.38), and medical center (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.18-6.77) emerged as independent predictors of the occurrence of complications. Body mass index (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89-1.00) was found as a negative predictor of urinary retention. Open surgery (OR 36.65; 95% CI 7.10-189.12) and body mass index (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.08-1.22) were found to be independent predictors of excessive perioperative blood loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term surgical complications developed in 35% of the women after radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer in the Netherlands, a nation with centralized surgical care. Comorbidities predict surgical complications, and open surgery is associated with excessive perioperative blood loss.

Modified frailty index is predictive of wound complications in obese patients undergoing gynecologic surgery via a midline vertical incision

OBJECTIVES

There are limited methods to identify which obese patients will experience wound complications after undergoing gynecologic surgery. We sought to determine the association between frailty and postoperative wound complications and to develop a prediction model for wound complications in this patient population.

METHODS

We reviewed prospectively collected data of obese patients undergoing laparotomy though midline vertical incisions from 7/2013-3/2016. Modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated using 11 comorbidities previously validated. The primary outcome was the composite rate of postoperative wound complication. Data was analyzed using Fisher exact test or Chi-square and t-tests or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Poisson regression models were used to generate relative risks. Prediction models were created with receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

Of 163 patients included, 56 (34%) were considered frail. Wound complications occurred in 52 patients (31.9%): 28 (50%) frail and 24 (22.4%) non-frail patients (RR 2.23, 95%CI 1.29-3.85). Frail patients had significantly greater frequencies of wound breakdown (37.5% vs 15%, RR 2.51, 95%CI 1.31-4.81). After controlling for BMI, tobacco use, and maximum postoperative glucose, frailty remained an independent predictor of wound complication (aRR 1.88, 95%CI 1.04-3.40). The area under the curve for the predictive model incorporating frailty was 0.73 for wound complications.

CONCLUSION

Frailty is associated with wound complications in obese patients undergoing gynecologic surgery via a midline vertical incision and is a useful tool in identifying the most high risk patients. Further prospective research is necessary to incorporate mFI into preoperative planning and counseling.

Povidone-iodine vs chlorhexidine alcohol for skin preparation in malignant and premalignant gynaecologic diseases: A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES

To compare povidone-iodine with chlorhexidine alcohol solutions for the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) in malignant and premalignant gynaecologic diseases, and to evaluate the effects of temperature on SSI at 25 °C and 37 °C.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a randomized controlled trial of a cohort of 220 patients undergoing surgery for malignant or premalignant conditions. Preoperative skin preparations were performed with 10% povidone-iodine at 25 °C (PI), 10% povidone-iodine at 37 °C (warm PI), 4% chlorhexidine gluconate with alcohol at 25 °C (CH) and 4% chlorhexidine gluconate with alcohol at 37 °C (warm CH) for each group. All women included in the study received 1 g intravenous cefazolin antibioprophylaxis 30 min before skin incision. The primary outcome was SSI within 30 days of surgery, and secondary outcomes were identification of the causative organism and clinical factors that may be associated with SSI.

RESULTS

SSIs were detected in 24 (10.9%) patients. Except for two organ/space-specific SSIs, all were superficial SSIs. The frequency of SSI was significantly lower in the warm PI group than in the PI group (p = 0.032). There were no significant differences in the frequency of SSI between the groups in other binary comparisons. In addition, there was no significant difference between both povidone-iodine groups compared with both chlorhexidine alcohol groups in terms of the development of SSI (10.9% vs 11%, p = 1.00). SSI caused by micro-organisms was found in 18 patients, and Enterococcus faecalis was the most common reproducing organism in wound culture. Patients with SSI were significantly older (58.9 ± 11.4 vs 52.8 ± 12.3 years) and more likely to be readmitted to hospital [15 (62.5%) vs 9 (37.5%)] than patients without SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

SSI rates can be reduced by warming povidone-iodine, but this effect could not be demonstrated with chlorhexidine solutions. When both groups of povidone-iodine were compared with both groups of chlorhexidine alcohol, no significant difference was found in the prevention of SSI in malignant and premalignant gynaecologic operations.

Guidelines for perioperative care in gynecologic/oncology: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society recommendations-2019 update

BACKGROUND

This is the first updated Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society guideline presenting a consensus for optimal perioperative care in gynecologic/oncology surgery.

METHODS

A database search of publications using Embase and PubMed was performed. Studies on each item within the ERAS gynecologic/oncology protocol were selected with emphasis on meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and large prospective cohort studies. These studies were then reviewed and graded according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

All recommendations on ERAS protocol items are based on best available evidence. The level of evidence for each item is presented accordingly.

CONCLUSIONS

The updated evidence base and recommendation for items within the ERAS gynecologic/oncology perioperative care pathway are presented by the ERAS® Society in this consensus review.

Peri- and postoperative management and outcomes of morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m2) with gynaecological disease

INTRODUCTION

For the last two decades, obesity rates have been increasing in both developed and developing countries, with the number of obese women roughly doubling during this period (Stevens et al. in Popul Health Metr 10(1):33, 2012). Obesity represents one of the biggest epidemics of the 21st century. The aim of this retrospective study is to characterise the outcomes of gynaecologic surgeries in cases of extremely obese women with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 kg/m2.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective case control study in a single-centre setting. Our clinical database was searched for gynaecological operations performed on morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m2) between 2009 and 2014 in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Hannover Medical School. We matched these results with random patients of normal body weight who had similar surgical procedures and diseases.

RESULTS

We included 97 obese patients in our case group and 99 patients in the control group. We found an association between a strongly elevated BMI and peri- and postoperative morbidity. Both intraoperative and postoperative complications are significantly increased in morbid obesity with a BMI over > 40 kg/m2. We observed intraoperative complications in 55.6% and postoperative complications in 50.5% of patients with extreme obesity. In contrast, the complication rate in the control group with a normal BMI was 11% intraoperatively (p = 0.0001) and 3% postoperatively (p = 0.0001). The data showed that perioperative and postoperative morbidity could be reduced by laparoscopic surgery in many cases, with a significant lower rate of difficulties with closing the wound, a significant shorter duration of surgery and a significant lower rate of infections combined with a significant lower reoperation rate and shorter hospital stay. In gynaecological-oncological diseases, we could demonstrate a reduced radicality during the operative procedure due to extreme obesity.

DISCUSSION

Dealing with the growing number of obese patients is essential, because the problems emerging from obesity are manifold for the treating hospitals as well as the general health system. For this high-risk patient group, it is indispensable to obtain a thorough overview of the patient's overall situation preoperatively to ensure good perioperative care and complications management.

Patient determinants as independent risk factors for postoperative complications of breast reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Breast reconstruction is an essential component in the treatment of breast cancer. Postoperative complications after breast reconstruction are common and affect patient satisfaction. Determining independent risk factors using patient characteristics could be advantageous for patient assessment and counseling.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 623 consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP), latissimus dorsi flap (LD), lateral thoracodorsal flap (LTDF), or tissue expander with a secondary implant (EXP) in this study. Information on demographic and perioperative factors was collected, as well as information on all postoperative complications. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between possible patient-related risk factors and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Smoking was associated with the highest number of early overall complications [odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-3.37, P=0.0005], followed by body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.13, P=0.017). High BMI was associated with the highest number of late overall postoperative complications (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.11, P=0.042), followed by history of radiotherapy (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.01-2.74, P=0.046). When the risk factors were combined, the risk for postoperative complications rose exponentially.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide evidence that patients should cease smoking and overweight patients should lose weight before undergoing breast reconstruction. Additionally, if the patient has received radiotherapy, the reconstruction method should be carefully chosen. High BMI, history of radiotherapy, and smoking are independent risk factors for many types of both early and late postoperative complications in breast reconstructive surgery. Combining these risk factors multiplies the risk of postoperative complications.

Risk factors and a prediction model for lower limb lymphedema following lymphadenectomy in gynecologic cancer: a hospital-based retrospective cohort study

Background

Lower limb lymphedema (LLL) is a chronic and incapacitating condition afflicting patients who undergo lymphadenectomy for gynecologic cancer. This study aimed to identify risk factors for LLL and to develop a prediction model for its occurrence.

Methods

Pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLA) with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PALA) was performed on 366 patients with gynecologic malignancies at Yaizu City Hospital between April 2002 and July 2014; we retrospectively analyzed 264 eligible patients. The intervals between surgery and diagnosis of LLL were calculated; the prevalence and risk factors were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods. We developed a prediction model with which patients were scored and classified as low-risk or high-risk.

Results

The cumulative incidence of LLL was 23.1% at 1 year, 32.8% at 3 years, and 47.7% at 10 years post-surgery. LLL developed after a median 13.5 months. Using regression analysis, body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m² (hazard ratio [HR], 1.616; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.030–2.535), PLA + PALA (HR, 2.323; 95% CI, 1.126–4.794), postoperative radiation therapy (HR, 2.469; 95% CI, 1.148–5.310), and lymphocyst formation (HR, 1.718; 95% CI, 1.120–2.635) were found to be independently associated with LLL; age, type of cancer, number of lymph nodes, retroperitoneal suture, chemotherapy, lymph node metastasis, herbal medicine, self-management education, or infection were not associated with LLL. The predictive score was based on the 4 associated variables; patients were classified as high-risk (scores 3–6) and low-risk (scores 0–2). LLL incidence was significantly greater in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (HR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.440–3.324). The cumulative incidence at 5 years was 52.1% [95% CI, 42.9–62.1%] for the high-risk group and 28.9% [95% CI, 21.1–38.7%] for the low-risk group. The area under the receiver operator characteristics curve for the prediction model was 0.631 at 1 year, 0.632 at 3 years, 0.640 at 5 years, and 0.637 at 10 years.

Conclusion

BMI ≥25 kg/m², PLA + PALA, lymphocyst formation, and postoperative radiation therapy are significant predictive factors for LLL. Our prediction model may be useful for identifying patients at risk of LLL following lymphadenectomy. Providing an intensive therapeutic strategy for high-risk patients may help reduce the incidence of LLL and conserve the quality of life.

Wound Complication Rates After Staples or Suture for Midline Vertical Skin Closure in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare wound complication rates after skin closure with staples and subcuticular suture in obese gynecology patients undergoing laparotomy through a midline vertical incision.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, women with body mass indexes (BMIs) of 30 or greater undergoing surgery by a gynecologic oncologist through a midline vertical incision were randomized to skin closure with staples or subcuticular 4-0 monofilament suture. The primary outcome was the rate of wound complication, defined as the presence of a wound breakdown, or infection, within 8 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included operative time, Stony Brook scar cosmetic score, and patient satisfaction. A sample size of 162 was planned to detect a 50% reduction in wound complications. At planned interim review (n=82), there was no significant difference in primary outcome.

RESULTS

Between 2013 and 2016, 163 women were analyzed, including 84 who received staples and 79 suture. Women who received staples were older (mean age 59 compared with 57 years), had lower mean BMI (37.3 compared with 38.9), and fewer benign indications for surgery (22 compared with 27). There were no differences in wound complication rates between staple compared with suture skin closure (28 [33%] compared with 25 [32%], relative risk 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-1.64). Women with staples reported worse median cosmetic scores (four of five compared with five of five, P<.001), darker scar color (37 [49%] compared with 13 [18%], relative risk 2.69, 95% CI 1.57-4.63), and more skin marks (30 [40%] compared with three [4%], relative risk 9.47, 95% CI 3.02-29.65) compared with women with suture closure. There was no group difference regarding satisfaction with their scar. Stepwise multivariate analysis revealed BMI (odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% CI 1.07-1.20), maximum postoperative glucose (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01), and cigarette smoking (OR 4.96, 95% CI 1.32-18.71) were correlates of wound complication.

CONCLUSION

Closure of midline vertical skin incisions with subcuticular suture does not reduce surgical site wound complications compared with staples in obese gynecology patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01977612.

Improving wound healing and preventing surgical site complications of closed surgical incisions: a possible role of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. A systematic review of the literature

Advances in preoperative care, surgical techniques and technologies have enabled surgeons to achieve primary closure in a high percentage of surgical procedures. However, often, underlying patient comorbidities in addition to surgical-related factors make the management of surgical wounds primary closure challenging because of the higher risk of developing complications. To date, extensive evidence exists, which demonstrate the benefits of negative pressure dressing in the treatment of open wounds; recently, Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (INPWT) technology as delivered by Prevena™ (KCI USA, Inc., San Antonio, TX) and Pico (Smith & Nephew Inc, Andover, MA) systems has been the focus of a new investigation on possible prophylactic measures to prevent complications via application immediately after surgery in high-risk, clean, closed surgical incisions. A systematic review was performed to evaluate INPWT's effect on surgical sites healing by primary intention. The primary outcomes of interest are an understanding of INPWT functioning and mechanisms of action, extrapolated from animal and biomedical engineering studies and incidence of complications (infection, dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, skin and fat necrosis, skin and fascial dehiscence or blistering) and other variables influenced by applying INPWT (re-operation and re-hospitalization rates, time to dry wound, cost saving) extrapolated from human studies. A search was conducted for published articles in various databases including PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus Database from 2006 to March 2014. Supplemental searches were performed using reference lists and conference proceedings. Studies selection was based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria and data extraction regarding study quality, model investigated, epidemiological and clinical characteristics and type of surgery, and the outcomes were applied to all the articles included. 1 biomedical engineering study, 2 animal studies, 15 human studies for a total of 6 randomized controlled trials, 5 prospective cohort studies, 7 retrospective analyses, were included. Human studies investigated the outcomes of 1042 incisions on 1003 patients. The literature shows a decrease in the incidence of infection, sero-haematoma formation and on the re-operation rates when using INPWT. Lower level of evidence was found on dehiscence, decreased in some studies, and was inconsistent to make a conclusion. Because of limited studies, it is difficult to make any assertions on the other variables, suggesting a requirement for further studies for proper recommendations on INPWT.

Impact of Body Weight and Body Composition on Ovarian Cancer Prognosis

Measures of body weight and anthropometrics such as body mass index (BMI) are commonly used to assess nutritional status in clinical conditions including cancer. Extensive research has evaluated associations between body weight and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, yet little is known about the potential impact of body composition (fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM)) in these patients. Thus, the purpose of this publication was to review the literature (using PubMed and EMBASE) evaluating the impact of body weight and particularly body composition on surgical complications, morbidity, chemotherapy dosing and toxicity (as predictors of prognosis), and survival in ovarian cancer patients. Body weight is rarely associated with intra-operative complications, but obesity predicts higher rates of venous thromboembolism and wound complications post-operatively in ovarian cancer patients. Low levels of FM and FFM are superior predictors of length of hospital stay compared to measures of body weight alone, but the role of body composition on other surgical morbidities is unknown. Obesity complicates chemotherapy dosing due to altered pharmacokinetics, imprecise dosing strategies, and wide variability in FM and FFM. Measurement of body composition has the potential to reduce toxicity if the results are incorporated into chemotherapy dosing calculations. Some findings suggest that excess body weight adversely affects survival, while others find no such association. Limited studies indicate that FM is a better predictor of survival than body weight in ovarian cancer patients, but the direction of this relationship has not been determined. In conclusion, body composition as an indicator of nutritional status is a better prognostic tool than body weight or BMI alone in ovarian cancer patients.

Primary Placement of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy at Time of Laparotomy for Gynecologic Malignancies

OBJECTIVE

Wound complications are an important cause of postoperative morbidity amongst patient with gynecologic malignancies. We evaluated whether the placement of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) at the time of laparotomy for gynecologic cancer surgery reduces wound complication rates.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing laparotomy with primary wound closure performed by a gynecologic oncologist at a single academic institution over a 5-year study period was performed. Patients who had placement of prophylactic NPWT dressing were compared with patients with a standard closure. Postoperative outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 230 patients were identified: 208 women received standard wound care, 22 received NPWT. Groups were similar in age, prevalence of diabetes, tobacco use, and number of previous abdominal procedures. Intraoperative factors including length of procedure and transfusion requirements were similar. Body mass index for patients receiving standard treatment was 30.67 compared with 41.29 for NPWT group (P < 0.001). Incidence of all wound complications was 19.7% for those receiving standard treatment versus 27.3% for NPWT group (P = 0.40). Length of hospital stay was similar between the 2 groups (5.25 vs 6.22 days, P = 0.20). There were 3 hospital readmissions for wound complications-none occurred in women with a prophylactic NPWT dressing.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significantly higher obesity rates, patients with prophylactic NPWT dressing placement had similar rates of wound complications. Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic benefit in the use of prophylactic NPWT for the reduction of wound complications in this high-risk gynecologic oncology patient population.

Association between hypoalbuminemia and surgical site infection in vulvar cancers

OBJECTIVE

To determine if preoperative hypoalbuminemia is associated with postoperative wound complications among patients with vulvar cancer.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for cases of vulvar cancer undergoing vulvectomy with or without lymphadenectomy (LND) from 2008 to 2013. Primary outcome was major wound complication. Secondary outcome was minor wound complication. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as albumin<3.5g/dL. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Of 777 vulvar cancer patients, 514 (66.2%) had vulvar surgery alone and 263 (30.3%) had a LND. Median age was 66 (range 20-90) and median BMI was 28.9kg/m(2) (range 14.3-65.5). The incidence of wound complication was 10.4% (81/777) with 48 minor and 39 major complications. There was no difference in major wound complications when a LND was performed (p=1.0). Preoperative albumin was recorded in 429 patients (55.2%). Patients with hypoalbuminemia were more likely to have a major wound complication (OR 2.9 95% CI 1.1-7.3, p=0.02), even after adjusting for BMI, age, preoperative hematocrit, and diabetes (aOR 2.7 95% CI 1.1-7.1, p=0.04). In bivariable analysis, age, diabetes, and BMI were not associated with wound complication. Patients with a wound infection had 10 times the odds of being readmitted within 30days (OR 9.5, 95% CI 4.9-18.4, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Low preoperative albumin is associated with major postoperative wound complications in women undergoing surgery for vulvar cancer. When obtaining informed consent, patients with low albumin should be counseled regarding higher risks of postoperative wound complication.

Wound Complications after Laparotomy for Endometrial Cancer

This study was conducted to determine the incidence of wound complications after laparotomy for endometrial cancer and significant predictors of risks. Medical records of patients with endometrial cancer undergoing laparotomy for surgical staging at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University between January 2007 and December 2013 were reviewed. Intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis was routinely given 30 minutes before surgery. The primary endpoint was wound complications (including seroma, hematoma, separation, or infection) requiring additional medical and/or surgical management within 4 weeks of laparotomy. During the study period, 357 patients with complete medical records were reviewed. The mean age was 56.9 years. Wound complications were observed in 28 patients (7.84%, 95% CI, 5.27% to 11.14%). Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2, diabetes mellitus (DM), and prior abdominal surgery were observed as significant independent factors predicting an increased risk of wound complications with adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) of 2.96 (1.23-7.16), 2.43 (1.06-5.54), and 3.05 (1.03-8.98), respectively. In conclusion, the incidence of wound complications after laparotomy for endometrial cancer was 7.8%. Significant independent predictors of risk included BMI, DM and prior abdominal surgery.

A retrospective review of the incidence of various complications in different delayed breast reconstruction methods

BACKGROUND

Breast reconstruction is a common standard procedure in many centres after breast cancer surgery. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the incidence of various complications in different reconstruction methods.

METHOD

Six hundred and eighty-five patients were retrospectively classified into five groups: (1) Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP), (2) latissimus dorsi flap (LD), (3) lateral thoracodorsal flap (LTDF), (4) expander with secondary implant (EXP), and (5) direct implant (DI). Demographic and perioperative data, the incidence of complications, and follow-up data were collected.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between groups regarding overall early complications (p < 0.001). The DIEP group had the highest incidence of overall complications (50.0%) (p < 0.05). DIEP also had the highest incidence of fat necrosis (18.3%), skin necrosis (22.1%), and incidence of reoperation for complications (26.9%) compared to the other reconstruction methods. In the entire group of patients, the overall incidence of late complications (occurring >30 days after surgery) that needed surgical corrections was 54.7%. The incidence of late complications was 46.2% for DIEP, 66.4% for LD, 74.8% for LTDF, 44.9% for EXP, and 62.9% for DI. The DIEP group had higher incidences of late local complications (fat necrosis, skin necrosis, haematoma, seroma, and wound rupture combined), and scars requiring treatment than the other reconstruction methods.

CONCLUSION

Meticulous registration of incidence of different complications in five different breast reconstruction methods revealed high complication rates with all methods. The differences in incidence of complications were related to the operation method used. Based on these results, careful individual planning of a breast reconstruction is mandatory.

Post-operative enteral immunonutrition for gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy decreases wound complications

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to determine if peri-operative immune modulating dietary supplements decrease wound complications in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy.

METHODS

In July 2013 we instituted a practice change and recommended pre- and post-operative oral immune modulating diets (IMDs) to patients undergoing laparotomy. We retrospectively compared patients who received IMDs to those who did not for the study period July 2012 to June 2014. Our outcome of interest was the frequency of Centers for Disease Control surgical site infections (CDC SSIs).

RESULTS

Of the 338 patients who underwent laparotomy during the study period, 112 (33%) received IMDs post-operatively. There were 89 (26%) wound complications, including 69 (78%) CDC SSI class 1, 7(8%) class 2 and 13(15%) class 3. Patients receiving IMDs had fewer wound complications than those who did not (19.6% vs. 33%, p=0.049). After controlling for variables significantly associated with the development of a wound complication (ASA classification, body mass index (BMI), history of diabetes mellitus or pelvic radiation, length of surgery and blood loss) consumption of IMDs remained protective against wound complications (OR 0.45, CI 0.25-0.84, p=0.013) and was associated with a 78% reduction in the incidence of CDC SSI class 2 and 3 infections (OR=0.22, CI 0.05-0.95, p=0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-operative IMDs are associated with fewer wound complications in patients undergoing laparotomy for gynecologic malignancy and may reduce the incidence of CDC SSI class 2 and 3 infections.

Benefit of negative pressure drain within surgical wound after cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of subcutaneous negative-pressure wound drains on wound healing after cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer, between 2012 and 2013. The patients were divided into 2 groups, according to using (n = 163) and not using (n = 37) of subcutaneous wound drains, and wound outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients' characteristics were not statistically different, except for the prolonged operative time in patients with wound drains (median, 395 vs 240 minutes; P = 0.001). A lower rate of wound infection (12.9% vs 27.0%; P = 0.032) was observed in the drain group. In the multivariate analysis, placement of subcutaneous wound drain was an independent prognostic factor for reducing wound complications: disruption (odds ratio [OR], 0.367; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.145-0.929; P = 0.034) and wound infection (OR, 0.198; 95% CI, 0.068-0.582; P = 0.003). Bowel surgery at the time of cytoreductive surgery and prolonged operative time (≥360 minutes) were also associated with higher rates of disruption (OR, 2.845; 95% CI, 1.111-7.289; P = 0.029) and wound infection (OR, 4.212; 95% CI, 1.273-13.935; P = 0.019), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Installation of subcutaneous negative-pressure wound drain is an effective method to achieve clearer wound healing and less wound complications after cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer.

Intensive postoperative glucose control reduces the surgical site infection rates in gynecologic oncology patients

OBJECTIVE

SSI rates after gynecologic oncology surgery vary from 5% to 35%, but are up to 45% in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Strict postoperative glucose control by insulin infusion has been shown to lower morbidity, but not specifically SSI rates. Our project studied continuous postoperative insulin infusion for 24h for gynecologic oncology patients with DM and hyperglycemia with a target blood glucose of <139 mL/dL and a primary outcome of the protocol's impact on SSI rates.

METHODS

We compared SSI rates retrospectively among three groups. Group 1 was composed of patients with DM whose blood glucose was controlled with intermittent subcutaneous insulin injections. Group 2 was composed of patients with DM and postoperative hyperglycemia whose blood glucose was controlled by insulin infusion. Group 3 was composed of patients with neither DM nor hyperglycemia. We controlled for all relevant factors associated with SSI.

RESULTS

We studied a total of 372 patients. Patients in Group 2 had an SSI rate of 26/135 (19%), similar to patients in Group 3 whose rate was 19/89 (21%). Both were significantly lower than the SSI rate (43/148, 29%) of patients in Group 1. This reduction of 35% is significant (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed an odd ratio = 0.5 (0.28-0.91) in reducing SSI rates after instituting this protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

Initiating intensive glycemic control for 24h after gynecologic oncology surgery in patients with DM and postoperative hyperglycemia lowers the SSI rate by 35% (OR = 0.5) compared to patients receiving intermittent sliding scale insulin and to a rate equivalent to non-diabetics.

A phase II trial of a surgical protocol to decrease the incidence of wound complications in obese gynecologic oncology patients

OBJECTIVES

Obese women have a high incidence of wound separation after gynecologic surgery. We explored the effect of a prospective care pathway on the incidence of wound complications.

METHODS

Women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m(2) undergoing a gynecologic procedure by a gynecologic oncologist via a vertical abdominal incision were eligible. The surgical protocol required: skin and subcutaneous tissues to be incised using a scalpel or cutting electrocautery, fascial closure using #1 polydioxanone suture, placement of a 7 mm Jackson-Pratt drain below Camper's fascia, closure of Camper's fascia with 3-0 plain catgut suture and skin closure with staples. Wound complication was defined as the presence of either a wound infection or any separation. Demographic and perioperative data were analyzed using contingency tables. Univariable and multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of wound complications. Patients were compared using a multivariable model to a historical group of obese patients to assess the efficacy of the care pathway.

RESULTS

105 women were enrolled with a median BMI of 38.1. Overall, 39 (37%) had a wound complication. Women with a BMI of 30-39.9 kg/m(2) had a significantly lower risk of wound complication as compared to those with a BMI >40 kg/m(2) (23% vs 59%, p<0.001). After controlling for factors associated with wound complications the prospective care pathway was associated with a significantly decreased wound complication rate in women with BMI <40 kg/m(2) (OR 0.40, 95% C.I.: 0.18-0.89).

CONCLUSION

This surgical protocol leads to a decreased rate of wound complications among women with a BMI of 30-39.9 kg/m(2).

Unintended consequences: surgical complications in gynecologic cancer

More than 91,000 women in the USA will be diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy in 2013. Most will undergo surgery for staging, treatment or both. No therapeutic intervention is without consequence, therefore, it is imperative to understand the possible complications associated with the perioperative period before undertaking surgery. Complication rates are affected by a patient population that is increasingly older, more obese and more medically complicated. Surgical modalities consist of abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches, and also affect rates of complications. An understanding of the various approaches, patient characteristics and surgeon experience allow for individualized decision-making to minimize the complications after surgery for gynecologic cancer.

Application of a subcutaneous negative pressure drain without subcutaneous suture: impact on wound healing in gynecologic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the surgical outcome of a subcutaneous negative pressure drain without subcutaneous suture on wound healing in women undergoing abdominal gynecologic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

The medical records of total 322 patients who underwent abdominal surgery, including cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer, between March 2010 and January 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups by the presence of subcutaneous negative pressure drains without subcutaneous suture, or suture without drainage.

RESULTS

Patient's characteristics in the two groups were not statistically different. Among all patients, the 71 patients who had a subcutaneous wound drain achieved a higher rate of clear healing (97.2% vs. 88.8%; p=0.033): 100% vs. 98.0% (not significant) in 126 benign and 95.6% vs. 82.8% (p=0.032) in 196 malignant disease patients. In a multivariate analysis, wound drain placement was an independent prognostic factor affecting the surgical wound outcome; the disruption (OR, 0.100; 95% CI, 0.021-0.485; p=0.004) rate was significantly lower with subcutaneous negative pressure drain. Placement of a subcutaneous negative pressure drain without subcutaneous suture resulted in clinical benefit, such as shorter admission duration (median, 8 vs. 11 days; p=0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Application of subcutaneous negative pressure drain is one of the effective and easy ways for clearer wound healing after major gynecologic surgery for malignant disease.

Risk factors for postoperative complications after fast-track abdominal hysterectomy

BACKGROUND

Fast-track regimen has been shown to reduce postoperative complications in gastrointestinal surgery.

AIMS

We investigated the incidence and type of postoperative complications and associated risk factors after benign abdominal hysterectomy undertaken in a fast-track program.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal cohort study. In five Swedish hospitals, a cohort of 162 women, ASA 1-2, undergoing abdominal hysterectomy in a fast-track program was prospectively studied. Surgery was performed under spinal or general anaesthesia. The fast-track concept was standardised with discharge criteria and a restricted intravenous fluid regimen. Complications were systematically registered during the five-week follow-up period. Risk factors for complications were analysed using multiple logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Forty-one (25.3%) developed postoperative complications, mainly infection and wound healing complications. The majority of the complications developed after discharge and were treated in the outpatient clinics. Four women (2.5%) were readmitted to hospital. Substantial risk factors for postoperative complications were obesity (OR 8.83), prior laparotomy (OR 2.92) and relative increase in body weight on the first postoperative day (OR 1.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Minor infection and wound healing complications seem to be common in healthy women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy in a fast-track program. Obesity is an important risk factor also in fast-track abdominal hysterectomy. A modest increase in postoperative relative weight gain during the first postoperative day seemed to increase the risk of postoperative complications. This factor merits further study. Randomised studies are necessary to determine the impact of fast-track program and perioperative fluid regimens on postoperative complications.