Wound Healing and Infection in Surgery: The Pathophysiological Impact of Smoking, Smoking Cessation, and Nicotine Replacement Therapy A Systematic Review

Smoking and Risk of Surgical Site Infection after Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of smoking on the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after spinal surgery remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether there is an association between smoking and the risk of SSI and to calculate the relative risk of infections attributable to smoking.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of cohort and case-control studies in the MEDLINE, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to test the robustness of overall estimates of risk and to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity. We further calculated the population-attributable fraction (PAF) to evaluate the proportion of SSIs associated with smoking.

RESULTS

In total, 26 independent observational studies involving 67,405 patients who underwent spinal surgery were analyzed. Smokers had a significantly higher risk of SSI than did nonsmokers (odds ratio [OR] 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.51). Subgroup analysis according to the study design revealed an apparent association between smoking and SSI in the cohort subgroup (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.17-1.66), but not in the case-control subgroup (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.64-1.53). After evaluation of the PAF, the proportion of SSIs associated with smoking increased to 10.37%.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated that smoking increases the risk of SSI after spinal surgery. False-negative associations in other studies may have resulted from defects in the study design. However, because of the heterogeneity among the studies in the present meta-analysis, the results should be interpreted with caution.

Wound Healing Problems in the Mouth

Wound healing is a primary survival mechanism that is largely taken for granted. The literature includes relatively little information about disturbed wound healing, and there is no acceptable classification describing wound healing process in the oral region. Wound healing comprises a sequence of complex biological processes. All tissues follow an essentially identical pattern to complete the healing process with minimal scar formation. The oral cavity is a remarkable environment in which wound healing occurs in warm oral fluid containing millions of microorganisms. The present review provides a basic overview of the wound healing process and with a discussion of the local and general factors that play roles in achieving efficient would healing. Results of oral cavity wound healing can vary from a clinically healed wound without scar formation and with histologically normal connective tissue under epithelial cells to extreme forms of trismus caused by fibrosis. Many local and general factors affect oral wound healing, and an improved understanding of these factors will help to address issues that lead to poor oral wound healing.

Tobacco use is associated with increased rates of infection and revision surgery after primary superior labrum anterior and posterior repair

BACKGROUND

Although the general health consequences of tobacco use have been well defined, the effects of perioperative tobacco use on arthroscopic shoulder procedures remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to use a national database to investigate the relationship between tobacco use and rates of superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) repair failure and postoperative infection after primary SLAP repair compared with matched controls.

METHODS

A national private-payer insurance database was queried for patients who underwent arthroscopic primary SLAP from 2005-2012. These patients were divided into tobacco use and non-tobacco use cohorts using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding. The non-tobacco use patients were then matched to the patients with coded tobacco use. Both cohorts were assessed for postoperative infection within 90 days and subsequent ipsilateral revision SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis within up to 7 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

The incidences of revision SLAP repair or revision to a biceps tenodesis (P = .023) and postoperative infection (P = .034) were significantly higher in patients who used tobacco versus matched controls.

CONCLUSIONS

SLAP repair in patients who use tobacco is associated with significantly increased rates of postoperative infection and revision SLAP repair or conversion to a biceps tenodesis.

The Effects of Smoking and Smoking Cessation on Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Study Design Literature review. Objective The aim of this literature review was to detail the effects of smoking in spine surgery and examine whether perioperative smoking cessation could mitigate these risks. Methods A review of the relevant literature examining the effects of smoking and cessation on surgery was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases. Results Current smokers are significantly more likely to experience pseudarthrosis and postoperative infection and to report lower clinical outcomes after surgery in both the cervical and lumbar spines. Smoking cessation can reduce the risks of these complications depending on both the duration and timing of tobacco abstinence. Conclusion Smoking negatively affects both the objective and subjective outcomes of surgery in the lumbar and cervical spine. Current literature supports smoking cessation as an effective tool in potentially mitigating these unwanted outcomes. Future investigations in this field should be directed toward developing a better understanding of the complex relationship between smoking and poorer outcomes in spine surgery as well as developing more efficacious cessation strategies.

The Impact of Tobacco Smoking Upon Chronic/Recurrent Tonsillitis and Post Tonsillectomy Bleeding

Introduction Smoking has many adverse effects on the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Outcomes may be developing tonsillar infections and predisposing for post tonsillectomy bleeding (PTB).

Objective The objective of our study was to determine whether smokers have more chronic/recurrent tonsillitis indicating for tonsillectomy or develop more PTB episodes.

Methods We conducted a retrospective study on two groups of adults (age ≥18 years). Cohort 1: Smoking among patients who underwent tonsillectomy for recurrent/chronic tonsillitis. Cohort 2: Smoking among patients requiring control of PTB that were operated primarily for recurrent/chronic tonsillitis. Cohort 1 served as a population-reference for the second. We retrieved the data from medical records.

Results Cohort 1: 206 adults aged 18–50 years (mean 26 ± 7.6). 28% (57 patients) were smokers, versus 24% and 20% in the general population (in the years 2000 and 2010; p = 0.5, p = 0.18, respectively). Cohort 2: 114 adults aged 18–73 years (mean 26 ± 7.6). 43% were smokers, double the incidence in the general population (p = 0.004, p = 0.0004, in 2000 and 2010, respectively), and 1.5 times cohort 1 (p = 0.02). Smoking rates among bleeders on post-operative days 8–10 and later than day 10 were 53% and 60% (p = 0.0005 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Five of ten patients presenting a second PTB were smokers. Timing of re-bleedings was similar to their first PTB and dated similarly as first PTB of the entire group, mean 5.6 days (SD ± 3.2).

Conclusion Smokers may encounter more chronic/recurrent tonsillitis episodes, indicating tonsillectomy and significantly are more prone for PTB. Smoking cessation may perhaps diminish recurrent/chronic tonsillitis. Whether pre-operative abstinence or its length would reduce PTB incidence is yet to be determined.

Patient and Surgical Factors Contributing to Perioperative Infection in Complex Lower Extremity Trauma

Infections in the traumatized lower extremity are a significant source of morbidity and expense. Outcomes after vascularized soft tissue reconstruction were analyzed to determine impact on infection rates. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed, including 114 trauma patients requiring soft tissue reconstruction of lower extremity injuries at an urban Level I tertiary referral center from 2008 to 2015. Patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. After trauma, 39 (34.2%) patients developed wound infections, of which 74.4 per cent of infections occurred before soft tissue coverage. Isolated lower extremity injury yielded a 4-fold increase in the incidence of infection. Infection rates doubled in patients who smoked, sustained a fall, had a proximal third of the lower leg wound, or underwent external fixation. Comorbid diabetes, underlying fracture, and wound size were not predictive of infection. Overall, there was a 97.4 per cent rate of limb salvage after soft tissue reconstruction. In patients with infection before soft tissue reconstruction, a salvage rate of 96.6 per cent was achieved. Soft tissue reconstruction in the traumatized and infected lower extremity resulted in high limb salvage success rates, demonstrating vascularized tissue transfer in lower extremity injuries is effective in treating lower extremity infection.

Comparison of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Parameters and Crestal Bone Loss Around Immediately Loaded and Delayed Loaded Implants in Smokers and Non-Smokers: 5-Year Follow-Up Results

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to compare peri-implant soft tissue parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], and probing depth [PD] ≥4 mm) and crestal bone loss (CBL) around immediately loaded (IL) and delayed loaded (DL) implants in smokers and non-smokers.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with IL implants (16 smokers and 15 non-smokers) and 30 patients with DL implants (17 smokers and 13 non-smokers) were included. Personal data regarding age, sex, and duration and daily frequency of smoking were gathered using a questionnaire. Peri-implant PI, BOP, and PD ≥4 mm were recorded, and mesial and distal CBL was measured on standardized digital radiographs. Multiple group comparisons were performed using the Bonferroni post hoc test (P <0.05).

RESULTS

All implants replaced mandibular premolars or molars. Mean scores of PI (P <0.05) and PD ≥4 mm (P <0.05) were statistically significantly higher in smokers compared with non-smokers in patients with IL and DL dental implants. The mean score of BOP (P <0.05) was statistically significantly higher in non-smokers compared with smokers in both groups. CBL (P <0.05) was statistically significantly higher in smokers compared with non-smokers in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in PI, BOP, PD ≥4 mm, and total CBL among smokers with IL and DL implants.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco smoking enhances peri-implant soft tissue inflammation and CBL around IL and DL implants. Loading protocol did not show a significant effect on peri-implant hard and soft tissue status in healthy smokers and non-smokers.

Risk factors for clinical anastomotic leakage after right hemicolectomy

PURPOSE

Anastomotic leakage (AL) after right hemicolectomy is a devastating complication, and risk factors for AL in this setting are rarely investigated exclusively. Recent reports suggest that anastomotic type may influence the rate of AL in ileocolic anastomoses. We investigated risk factors and short-term outcomes in patients subjected to right hemicolectomy.

METHODS

Data from all patients undergoing right hemicolectomy at our institution between 2009 and 2013 were collected in a database. Risk factors for clinical AL, 30-day mortality, hospital and intensive care unit stay were investigated. Stepwise logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding.

RESULTS

22/445 (4.9 %) patients had AL. Median time to AL was 6 days (range 2-11 days). A stapled anastomosis was associated with an increased AL rate compared with the handsewn approach (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.84; 95 % CI 1.14-7.07; P = 0.025). Other risk factors for AL were tobacco use (aOR 2.70; 95 % CI 1.06-6.86; P = 0.037) and diabetes (aOR 5.95; 95 % CI 2.23-15.90; P < 0.001). Anastomotic ischemia was present in 6/13 stapled and 1/9 handsewn leaking anastomoses, P = 0.081, while generalized peritonitis was observed after 4/13 stapled and 7/9 handsewn leaking anastomoses, P = 0.030. Thirty-day mortality was 2/22 (9.1 %) in patients with AL and 23/423 (5.4 %) in patients without AL, P = 0.468, and 13/160 (8.1 %) and 12/285 (4.2 %), P = 0.085, in stapled and handsewn anastomoses, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for AL after right hemicolectomy were diabetes, tobacco use and stapled compared with handsewn anastomoses.

Preoperative Risk Factors and Complication Rates of Thighplasty: Analysis of 1,493 Patients

BACKGROUND

Despite a rise in thighplasties, outcomes and risk factors have not been well described.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of major complications following thighplasty in a large, prospective, multicenter database. It further evaluated the safety of combined procedures.

METHODS

Patients undergoing thighplasty between 2008 and 2013 were identified within the CosmetAssure database (Birmingham, AL). The primary outcome was the occurrence of major complication(s) requiring emergency department visit, hospital admission, or reoperation within 30 days postoperatively. Age, gender, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, type of facility, and combination procedures were evaluated as risk factors.

RESULTS

Among the 129,007 patients enrolled in CosmetAssure, 1493 (0.8%) underwent thighplasty. One thousand and eighty-eight (72.9%) thighplasties were combined with other procedures. Ninety-nine (6.6%) developed at least one complication. The most common complications were infection (2.7%), hematoma (2.1%), suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE) (1.1%), fluid overload (0.5%), and confirmed VTE (0.3%). Thighplasties performed in a hospital had higher complications (8.1%) than ambulatory surgical center (6.2%) and office-based surgical suite (3.1%). When thighplasty was performed alone, smoking was an independent risk factor to develop at least one complication (RR = 9.51) and hematoma (RR = 13.48). Compared to thighplasty alone, complication rate did not increase with the addition of concomitant procedures (4.7% vs 7.4%, P = .079).

CONCLUSION

Infection and hematoma are the most common major complications. In thighplasty alone, smoking is the only independent risk factor for overall complications and hematoma formation. The addition of concomitant cosmetic procedures does not increase complication rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 Risk.

Risk factors for infection after operative fixation of Tibial plateau fractures

INTRODUCTION

Tibial plateau fractures are challenging to treat due to the high incidence of postoperative infections. Treating physicians should be aware of risk factors for postoperative infection in patients who undergo operative fixation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken to identify all patients with tibial plateau fractures over a 10 year period (2003-2012) who underwent open reduction internal fixation. A total of 532 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria. Several patient and clinical characteristics were recorded, and those variables with a significant association (p<0.05) with postoperative infection after a univariate analysis were further analyzed using a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine (11.1%) of the 532 patients developed a deep infection. The average length of follow-up for patients was 19.5 months. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common species, and it was isolated in 26 (44.1%) patients. Open fractures, the presence of compartment syndrome, and a Schatzker type IV-VI were found to be independent risk factors for deep infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of deep infection remains high after operative fixation of tibial plateau fractures. Patients with risk factors for infection should be counseled on the possibility of reoperation, and surgeons should consider MRSA prophylaxis in those patients who are at higher risk.

The tobacco-using periodontal patient: role of the dental practitioner in tobacco cessation and periodontal disease management

Although the prevalence of tobacco use has declined in some parts of the world, tobacco use remains a persistent and, in some cases, growing problem that will continue to be a fundamental challenge facing dental practitioners in the decades ahead. Dental practitioners have a unique opportunity and professional obligation to be a positive influence in reducing the economic and social burden inflicted by tobacco use on dental and general health. In this article, the current noninvasive, evidence-based approaches are presented for dental practitioners to help patients avoid initiating tobacco use, to encourage and assist patients in ceasing tobacco use and to address tobacco-induced damage to periodontal supporting tissues.

Implementation of a quality improvement project on smoking cessation reduces smoking in a high risk trauma patient population

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoking causes about one of every five deaths in the U.S. each year. In 2013 the prevalence of smoking in our institution's trauma population was 26.7 %, well above the national adult average of 18.1 % according to the CDC website. As a quality improvement project we implemented a multimodality smoking cessation program in a high-risk trauma population.

METHODS

All smokers with independent mental capacity admitted to our level I trauma center from 6/1/2014 until 3/31/2015 were counseled by a physician on the benefits of smoking cessation. Those who wished to quit smoking were given further counseling by a pulmonary rehabilitation nurse and offered nicotine replacement therapy (e.g. nicotine patch). A planned 30 day or later follow-up was performed to ascertain the primary endpoint of the total number of patients who quit smoking, with a secondary endpoint of reduction in the frequency of smoking, defined as at least a half pack per day reduction from their pre-intervention state.

RESULTS

During the 9 month study period, 1066 trauma patients were admitted with 241 (22.6 %) identified as smokers. A total of 31 patients with a mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 14.2 (range 1-38), mean age of 47.6 (21-71) and mean years of smoking of 27.1 (2-55), wished to stop smoking. Seven of the 31 patients, (22.5 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI] of 10-41 %) achieved self-reported smoking cessation at or beyond 30 days post discharge. An additional eight patients (25.8 %, 95 % CI 12-45 %) reported significant reduction in smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Trauma patients represent a high risk smoking population. The implementation of a smoking cessation program led to a smoking cessation rate of 22.5 % and smoking reduction in 25.8 % of all identified smokers who participated in the program. This is a relatively simple, inexpensive intervention with potentially far reaching and beneficial long-term health implications. A larger, multi-center prospective study appears warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Study, Level V evidence.

The Impact of Current Smoking and Smoking Cessation on Short-Term Morbidity Risk After Lumbar Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of current smoking or prior smoking cessation on 30-day morbidity risk following lumbar spine surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Prior studies have reported conflicting data regarding the impact of smoking on morbidity risk, and few studies have investigated smoking cessation.

METHODS

A large, multicenter, prospectively collected clinical registry was queried for all adult patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery in 2012 and 2013, and 35,477 cases were identified. Morbidity data are collected by on-site clinical personnel for 30 days postoperatively. Patients were divided into categories of "never-smoker," for patients with no reported cigarette use (n = 27,246), "former smoker," for patients who quit smoking more than 12 months before surgery (n = 562), and "current smoker," for patients still using cigarettes (n = 7669). A univariate analysis was conducted to identify un-adjusted differences in morbidity risk, and a multivariate analysis was conducted in an attempt to control for confounders.

RESULTS

In the multivariate analysis, current smokers had a significantly higher risk of both superficial surgical site infection and overall wound complications, than never-smokers (P < 0.05 for each). Current smokers also had a significantly higher risk of total 30-day morbidity (P = 0.04). There was a trend toward former smokers also having an increased risk, but this did not reach significance in any category. Patients with a pack-year smoking history of 1 to 20 pack-years and more than 40 pack-years both had a significantly higher risk of superficial surgical site infections (P < 0.05 for each).

CONCLUSION

Current smoking is associated with a small but significant increase in systemic morbidity and wound complications following elective lumbar spine procedures. Increasing pack year history was also associated with wound complication risk, suggesting a dose-related effect. The data provide preliminary support for future studies on smoking cessation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Development of a Nutrition Screening Tool for an Outpatient Wound Center

OBJECTIVE

To construct a quickly and easily administered nutrition screening tool using variables believed to be predictive of malnutrition risk in the wound patient population.

DESIGN

A prospective pilot study assessed patients on a list of suspected variables, as well as the Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), chosen as the criterion standard. Variables were analyzed to select the most appropriate items for inclusion on a new nutrition screening tool using preliminary bivariate correlations and χ tests of association. Items significantly associated with malnutrition were dichotomized, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to arrive at a final model. A sum score was computed, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine designation of risk.

SETTING

An outpatient wound center in Northeast Ohio.

PARTICIPANTS

The pilot study included a convenience sample of 105 outpatients with at least 1 active wound.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Malnutrition as assessed by the Scored PG-SGA.

MAIN RESULTS

The final nutrition screening tool, the MEAL Scale, is composed of 4 dichotomous elements: multiple wounds (number of wounds), eats less than 3 meals per day, appetite decrease (eats less than usual), and level of activity. These variables predicted 83.7% of the malnutrition cases assessed by the Scored PG-SGA. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an acceptable area under the curve (0.8581), and a cutoff score of 2 or greater was selected to indicate risk (median sensitivity = 91.4%, median specificity = 60.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although further studies of validity and reliability are necessary to establish the tool before widespread use, the MEAL Scale is a needed step toward nutrition screening in a wound patient population.

Patient-specific risk factors for infection in arthroplasty procedure

All patients are not equally at risk when it comes to postoperative infections, whether the risks are related to the environment or the patient. Patient-specific infection risk factors for arthroplasty should be a focal point during the preoperative consultation as they impact the treatment decision. Eighty percent of patients have at least one modifiable infection risk factor. These risk factors must be corrected preoperatively whenever possible so that the patient is operated under the best possible conditions, with the lowest possible infection risk. The screenings and preoperative preparations are multidisciplinary but must also involve the patient. The information provided to the patient must match the patient's infectious risk profile. This lecture will review every infection risk factor, whether it is modifiable or not, and then suggest how the treatment decision should be adapted to each patient's infection risk.

Do you mind if I vape? Immediate effects of electronic cigarettes on perfusion in buccal mucosal tissue--a pilot study

The association between smoking and postoperative complications is compounded in patients who have oral and maxillofacial operations by an additional local effect, and patients often continue to smoke after operation despite advice to stop. Recent studies have suggested that nicotine may reduce inflammation and improve angiogenesis, so topical application may be beneficial for smokers. The electronic cigarette is increasing in popularity and more patients ask whether they can vape after operation. We investigated the effect of electronic cigarettes (of which half contained nicotine and half did not) on blood flow in the buccal mucosa in 10 volunteers immediately after vaping. Smokers were excluded as this was considered an additional variable in a small pilot study and our Trust has a no-smoking policy. After vaping for 5 minutes, capillary blood flow was measured in the buccal mucosa at 5-minute intervals using a laser Doppler probe, and the results were expressed as arbitrary perfusion units. There was a wide variation in results and a small but significant rise (p=0.008) as a result of nicotine vaping, but these fell to the same levels as before within 30 minutes. Electronic cigarettes may have an effect on blood flow to the oral mucosa, although further studies are needed to show whether they improve healing time after operation. Additional work is also needed to compare them with cigarettes.

Currently known risk factors for hypertrophic skin scarring: A review

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to provide an overview of risk factors for hypertrophic scarring.

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic skin scarring remains a major concern in medicine and causes considerable morbidity. Despite extensive research on this topic, the precise mechanism of excessive scarring is still unknown. In addition, the current literature lacks an overview of the possible risk factors in the development of hypertrophic scars.

METHODS

PubMed searches were performed on risk factors for hypertrophic scar (HTS) formation.

RESULTS

Eleven studies suggesting nine factors associated with HTS formation were found. Studies concerning chemotherapy, age, stretch, infection, and smoking have a moderate to high strength of evidence, but some other factors have not been studied in a convincing manner or are still disputed.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for HTS formation are young age, bacterial colonization, and skin subjected to stretch. Chemotherapy, statins, and smoking seem to play a protective role in HTS formation.

Missing the obvious: psychosocial obstacles in Veterans with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic disparities in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) influence medical treatment. In addition to socioeconomic barriers, the Veteran population suffers from significant psychosocial obstacles. This study identifies the social challenges that Veterans face while undergoing treatment for HCC.

METHODS

One hundred Veterans at the Palo Alto VA treated for HCC from 2009 to 2014 (50 consecutive patients who underwent a surgical procedure; 50 treated with intra-arterial therapy) were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Substance abuse history was identified in 96%, and half were unemployed. Most patients survived on a limited income [median $1340, interquartile range (IQR) 900-2125]; 36% on ≤ $1000/month, 37% between $1001-2000/month and 27% with >$2000/month. A history of homelessness was found in 30%, more common in those of the lowest income (57% of ≤$1K/month group, 23% of $1-2K/month group and 9% of >$2K/month group, P < 0.01). Psychiatric illness was present in 64/100 patients; among these the majority received ongoing psychiatric treatment. Transportation was provided to 23% of patients who would otherwise have been unable to attend medical appointments.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric disease and substance abuse are highly prevalent among Veterans with HCC. Most patients survive on a very meager income. These profound socioeconomic and psychosocial problems must be recognized when providing care for HCC to this population to provide adequate treatment and surveillance.

Flap Failure and Wound Complications in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A National Perspective

PURPOSE

There are many options for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, and data on outcomes are greatly needed for both the patient and the care provider. This study aims to identify the prevalence and predictors of adverse outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction in order to better inform patients and surgeons when choosing a surgical technique.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) and identified each autologous breast reconstruction performed between 2005 and 2012. Of the 6855 autologous breast reconstructions, there were 2085 latissimus dorsi (LD) flap procedures, 2464 pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap procedures, and 2306 free flap procedures that met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of complications in each of the three procedures was calculated and compared using χ(2) analysis for binomial categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent risk factors for adverse outcomes in autologous reconstruction as a whole.

RESULTS

The prevalence of general complications was 10.8% in LD flaps, 20.6% in TRAM flaps, and 26.1% in free flaps for autologous breast reconstruction (p < 0.001). The prevalence of wound complications was 4.3% in LD flaps, 8.1% in TRAM flaps, and 6.2% in free flaps for autologous breast reconstruction (p < 0.001). The prevalence of flap failure was 1.1 % in LD flaps, 2.7% in TRAM flaps, and 2.4% in free flaps for autologous breast reconstruction (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that obesity [odds ratio (OR) 1.495, p = 0.024], hypertension (OR 1.633, p = 0.008), recent surgery (OR 3.431, p < 0.001), and prolonged operative times (OR 1.944, p < 0.001) were independently associated with flap failure in autologous breast reconstruction procedures. When controlling for confounding variables, TRAM flaps were twice as likely (OR 2.279, p = 0.001) and free flaps were three times as likely (OR 3.172, p < 0.001) to experience flap failure when compared to LD flaps.

CONCLUSIONS

Latissimus dorsi flaps are associated with the fewest short-term general complications and free flaps are associated with the most short-term general complications in autologous breast reconstruction. Free flaps are the most likely to experience flap failure, though there is no significant difference when compared to pedicled TRAM flaps. Free and TRAM flaps remain as the widely acceptable forms of breast reconstruction in the patient without many risk factors for flap failure or wound complications. The identified risk factors will aid in surgical planning and risk adjustment for both the patient and the care provider. Though many other factors will be taken into consideration with surgical planning of autologous breast reconstruction, the presence of these identified risk factors may encourage the use of a surgical technique associated with fewer adverse outcomes, like the LD flap.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Gene Expression Profiles of Early Implant Adherent Cells in Smokers and Nonsmokers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of smoking on the early molecular events involved in peri-implant healing at either a micro-roughened or a micro-roughened with superimposed nanofeatures surface implant in humans. Twenty-one subjects, 10 smokers and 11 nonsmokers received 4 mini-implants (2.2 × 5.0 mm; 2 of each surface). After 3 and 7 days, paired mini-implants were retrieved by reverse threading and RNA isolated from implant adherent cells. Whole genome microarrays were used interrogate the gene expression profiles. The study failed to identify differences in the gene expression profiles of implant adherent cells at this early stage of osseointegration (up to day 7) comparing smoker and nonsmoker individuals.

Sural Versus Perforator Flaps for Distal Medial Leg Wounds

Soft tissue coverage of distal medial ankle wounds is a challenging problem in orthopedic surgery because of the limited local tissues and prominent instrumentation. Traditionally, these wounds required free tissue transfer to achieve suitable coverage and subsequent bony union. To better respect the reconstructive ladder and to avoid the inherent difficulty of free flap coverage, rotational flaps have been used to cover these wounds. Both sural fasciocutaneous flaps and rotational fasciocutaneous perforator (propeller) flaps have been described for distal medial soft tissue coverage. The authors performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent distal medial leg coverage with the use of either sural flaps or rotational fasciocutaneous perforator flaps. The authors identified 14 patients by Current Procedural Terminology code who met the study criteria. The average age and degree of medical comorbidities were comparable in the 2 groups. The authors reviewed their medical records to evaluate fracture healing, flap size, complications, and return to normal shoe wear. All 7 sural flaps healed without incident, with underlying fracture healing. Of the 7 perforator flaps, 6 healed without incident, with underlying fracture healing. One perforator-based flap was complicated by superficial tip necrosis and went on to heal with local wound care. All patients returned to normal shoe wear. Both sural artery rotational flaps and posterior tibial artery-based rotational flaps are viable options for coverage of the distal medial leg. Coverage can be achieved reliably without microsurgery, anticoagulation, or monitoring in the intensive care unit.

Current tobacco use is associated with higher rates of implant revision and deep infection after total hip or knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Tobacco smoking is a risk factor for several adverse post-operative outcomes. We aimed to compare the rates of complications in current tobacco users and non-users who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

All patients who underwent primary THA or TKA at the Mayo Clinic from 2010-2013 were included in the study. Current tobacco use was defined as the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco reported at the time of index THA or TKA; current non-users were former users or never users. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the association of current tobacco use status with each post-THA/TKA complication, using hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Tobacco use status was available for 7926 patients (95%) and not available for 446 patients (5%); 565 (7%) were current tobacco users. Compared to non-users, current tobacco users were more likely to be male (p < 0.001), and less likely to be obese (p ≤ 0.008), be older than 60 years, have Charlson score >0 or have undergone TKA rather than THA (p < 0.001 each). The hazard ratios for deep infection (2.37; 95% CI 1.19, 4.72; p = 0.01) and implant revision (1.78; 95% CI 1.01, 3.13; p = 0.04) were higher in current tobacco users than in non-users. No significant differences were noted for periprosthetic fractures or superficial infections.

CONCLUSIONS

We noted that current tobacco use was associated with high risk of deep infection and implant revision after primary THA or TKA. Future studies should determine the optimal time for tobacco use cessation before elective surgeries such as THA and TKA to improve short-term and long-term arthroplasty outcomes.

Curcumin protects against nicotine-induced stress during protein malnutrition in female rat through immunomodulation with cellular amelioration

Nicotine aggravates many chronic inflammatory disorders in females under the protein-malnourished conditions because women are more susceptible to nicotine-induced diseases due to their low innate immunity. Although curcumin have been found to obliterate the nicotine-induced disorders through its anti-nicotinic activity under the protein-malnourished condition, the exact mechanism of protective action of curcumin is still unclear. Female Wister rats maintained under the normal and protein-restricted diets in two separate groups were injected with the effective dose of nicotine-tartrate (2.5 mg/kg body weight/day, subcutaneously) and supplemented with the effective dose of curcumin (80 mg/kg body weight/day, orally) for 21 days. The morphology of red blood cells (RBCs), molecular docking, lipid profile and activities of antioxidant enzymes in tissues, cytokines profiling (T helper cell type 1; and T helper cell type 2), mRNA and protein expression of cytokines, transcription factors (activator protein 1), regulatory molecule (P(53)), growth factors (Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; Transforming growth factor beta) were determined to establish the mechanism of actions of curcumin against the nicotine-mediated stress in the protein-malnourished rats. This study revealed that curcumin bound to the Histidine 87 residues of haemoglobin with a greater binding affinity and significantly protected the RBCs against nicotine-induced damage. Furthermore, the nicotine-mediated disruption of Th1/Th2 balance through upregulation and downregulation of different factors was effectively restored by curcumin under the protein-malnourished conditions. The study demonstrated that curcumin was a potent protective compound against the nicotine-induced stress and offered a probable biochemical and immunomodulatory mechanism of protective action of curcumin.

Safety and Efficacy of Nicotine Replacement Therapy in the Perioperative Period: A Narrative Review

Patients who smoke cigarettes are at increased risk for development of complications both during and after surgical procedures, including respiratory, cardiac, and healing-related complications. Abstinence from smoking can considerably reduce these risks. Pharmacotherapy, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), is an important component of efficacious tobacco use interventions. However, the use of NRT in the perioperative period is controversial. In this narrative review, we discuss the current evidence for the efficacy and safety of NRT in patients scheduled for surgical procedures, with emphasis on evidence from human studies. We performed a literature search for articles published from January 1, 1990, through May 1, 2015, in the PubMed online database using various permutations of the Medical Subject Headings terms surgery; surgical procedures, operative; nicotine; and smoking cessation. Studies were selected for inclusion according to their relevance to the preclinical and clinical evidence pertaining to how NRT affects surgical outcome and long-term rates of abstinence from tobacco. There is strong evidence that NRT enhances the efficacy of tobacco use interventions. Some preclinical studies suggest that nicotine in high doses that exceed those produced by NRT decreases the viability of skin flaps. Although the available data are limited, there is no evidence from human studies that NRT increases the risk of healing-related or cardiovascular complications. Individual clinical trials of tobacco use interventions that include NRT have revealed either no effect or a reduction in complication rates. Therefore, given the benefits of smoking abstinence to both perioperative outcomes and long-term health and the efficacy of NRT in achieving and maintaining abstinence, any policies that prohibit the use of NRT in surgical patients should be reexamined.

Impact of smoking on the surgical outcome of Crohn's disease: a propensity-score matched National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis

AIM

Smoking is known to have a deleterious effect on Crohn's disease (CD). The present study addressed the specific impact of smoking on the outcome of surgery for CD.

METHOD

A review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005-2012) identified 7631 patients with CD who underwent surgical resection. Patients were stratified based on smoking status and were compared with univariate statistical tests. Generalized linear regression and multiple logistic regressions were used to model the impact of smoking on the surgical outcome [length of stay (LOS), mortality, postoperative complications and readmission]. To confirm the validity of the regression models and to evaluate the influence of smoking in comparable patient cohorts, a propensity score match was also performed.

RESULTS

There were 2047 (26.8%) patients with CD identified as current smokers, and 5584 (74.2%) identified as non- or ex-smokers. Smokers were more likely to have a pulmonary comorbidity, preoperative weight loss and a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. No differences in mortality were observed between smokers and non- or ex-smokers in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, smoking status was not significantly associated with LOS. Morbidity (OR 1.20, P = 0.003), particularly infectious (OR 1.30, P < 0.001) and pulmonary (OR 1.87, P < 0.001) complications, and readmission (OR 1.58, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with smoking status. These findings were validated on propensity-score matching analysis.

CONCLUSION

In patients with CD, the detrimental effects of smoking on surgical outcomes are driven by infectious and pulmonary complications, and by an increased likelihood of readmission.

The incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection after clean spinal operations: A prospective cohort study and review of the literature

Background:

Postoperative infection is one of the most common complications after spine surgeries. In our study, surgical site infection (SSI) is described as; superficial (i.e., skin and subcutaneous tissues) and deep (i.e., fascia and muscles) infections occurring in the short term (i.e., 1-month) after spine surgeries (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition 81.00–81.08). To detect the risk factors for the occurrence of such a complication, studies require a large number of patients, a high quality of data and adequate analysis. In this study, we prospectively enrolled 987 patients undergoing spinal surgery over a 3 years period.

Methods:

From November 2010 to November 2013, 987 patients had a variety of spinal operations that included; disc herniation, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, fracture-dislocations, spine and spinal cord tumors, and syringomyelia. Patients under the age of 10, those with a recent history of infection and antibiotherapy, and patients with immunodeficiency disorders were excluded.

Results:

Of the 987 spine procedures performed, 27 (2.73%) developed postoperative infections. Multi-variant data analysis indicated that multiple factors correlated with an increased risk of SSI in descending order; trauma, a past history of diabetes, smoking, being confined to bed, in the perioperative period, mean blood sugar levels above 120 mg/dl, longer lengths of incisions, and longer hospital stay.

Conclusion:

Considering the preventable nature of most of the factors contributing to SSI, it should be possible to reduce these complications.

Prophylactic stoma mesh did not prevent parastomal hernias

PURPOSE

Parastomal herniation is reported in up to 50 % of patients with a colostomy. A prophylactic stoma mesh has been reported to reduce parastomal hernia rates. The aim of the study was to evaluate the rate of parastomal hernias in a population-based cohort of patients, operated with and without a prophylactic mesh at two different time periods.

METHODS

All rectal cancer patients operated with an abdominoperineal excision or Hartmann's procedure between 1996 and 2012 were included. From 2007, a prophylactic stoma mesh was placed in the retro-muscular plane. Patients were followed prospectively with clinical and computed tomography examinations.

RESULTS

There were no differences with regard to age, gender, pre-operative albumin levels, ASA score, body mass index (BMI), smoking or type of surgical resection between patients with (n = 71) and without a stoma mesh (n = 135). After a minimum follow-up of 1 year, 187 (91%) of the patients were alive and available for analysis. At clinical and computed tomography examinations, exactly the same parastomal hernia rates were found in the two groups, viz, 25 and 53%, respectively (p = 0.95 and p = 0.18). The hernia sac contained omentum or intestinal loops in 26 (81%) versus 26 (60%) patients with and without a mesh, respectively (p = 0.155). In the multivariate analyses, high BMI was associated with parastomal hernia formation.

CONCLUSIONS

A prophylactic stoma mesh did not reduce the rate of clinically or computed tomography-verified parastomal hernias. High BMI was associated with an increased risk of parastomal hernia formation regardless of prophylactic stoma mesh.

Validity of subjective smoking status in orthopedic patients

Purpose

In this level 1 diagnostic study, we analyzed the validity of subjective smoking status and, as secondary research question, the smoking cessation adherence in orthopedic patients during a routine hospital stay of nonunion patients by measuring serum cotinine.

Methods

We included patients undergoing revision surgery due to nonunion of long bones. Patients were interviewed about their smoking status. Blood samples were taken from all the patients prior to surgery and for an additional 6 weeks following surgery. Serum levels of cotinine were measured, and coherence between subjective smoking status and objective cotinine analysis was evaluated.

Results

Between March 2012 and August 2014, we enrolled 136 patients. Six of the 26 “previous smokers” (23%) and four of the 65 “nonsmokers” (6%) had serum cotinine above cutoff levels. In self-labeled smokers, serum cotinine levels averaged at 2,367.4±14,885.9 ng/mL (with a median of 100 ng/mL), whereas in previous smokers the levels averaged at 4,270±19,619.4 ng/mL (with a median of 0 ng/mL) and in the nonsmokers group the levels averaged at 12±53.9 ng/mL (with a median of 0.03 ng/mL). Overall, the subjective smoking status matched serum cotinine testing in 88% of the cases. Sensitivity was 79.6% and specificity was 93.1%. Ninety-one percent of the patients with preoperative positive serum values were still positive at follow-up.

Conclusion

In this study, we could show that subjective smoking status in orthopedic patients is predominantly reliable as validated by objective cotinine measurements; however, patients who declare themselves as “previous smokers” are at elevated risk for underreporting continued smoking and patients who smoked preoperatively are at high risk for continuing their habit. In the future, caregivers should consider introducing effective treatments for smoking cessation to smokers and furthermore offer effective treatments to maintain smoking cessation in previous smokers during their routine consultation prior to orthopedic and trauma surgery.

Elements affecting wound healing time: An evidence based analysis

The purpose of this study was to identify the predominant client factors and comorbidities that affected the time taken for wounds to heal. A prospective study design used the Mobile Wound Care (MWC) database to capture and collate detailed medical histories, comorbidities, healing times and consumable costs for clients with wounds in Gippsland, Victoria. There were 3,726 wounds documented from 2,350 clients, so an average of 1.6 wounds per client. Half (49.6%) of all clients were females, indicating that there were no gender differences in terms of wound prevalence. The clients were primarily older people, with an average age of 64.3 years (ranging between 0.7 and 102.9 years). The majority of the wounds (56%) were acute and described as surgical, crush and trauma. The MWC database categorized the elements that influenced wound healing into 3 groups--factors affecting healing (FAH), comorbidities, and medications known to affect wound healing. While there were a multitude of significant associations, multiple linear regression identified the following key elements: age over 65 years, obesity, nonadherence to treatment plan, peripheral vascular disease, specific wounds associated with pressure/friction/shear, confirmed infection, and cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Wound healing is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of influencing elements to improve healing times.© 2015 by the Wound Healing Society.

Surgical site infections in dermatologic surgery: etiology, pathogenesis, and current preventative measures

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after dermatologic surgery continue to represent undesirable complications that affect patients in several aspects. The etiology and pathogenesis of SSIs are not completely understood, and as a result, current preventative measures are debatable.

OBJECTIVE

To review and summarize the current available literature specific to SSIs in dermatologic surgery. The pathogenesis of SSIs, factors contributing to SSIs, current preventative guidelines, and evidence supporting their use are explored.

METHODS

A review of the medical literature.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Most measures used to prevent SSIs in dermatologic surgery are based on studies of wounds in general surgery. Evidence specific to dermatologic surgery is scarce. More research related to the pathogenesis of SSIs is needed to establish effective preventative measures that are key to reducing incidences of SSIs.

Predictors of Spinal Cord Stimulation Success

INTRODUCTION

As many as 30% of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) patients fail to obtain long-term pain coverage, even with the strictest parameters of a successful trial, unremarkable psychological assessment, and ideal placement of the permanent device. Why these patients either never receive adequate benefit or lose benefit remains elusive.

METHODS

We perform a retrospective review of our prospective database of SCS patients undergoing surgery for routine indications. Six-month postoperative follow-up data were available for 57 patients. Two providers who routinely saw the patients were asked to independently grade the patient's outcome in a blinded fashion on a Global Outcome Ratings scale of 1 to 10, with 5 being 50% improvement at 6 months postoperation. A score of less than 5 was deemed a failure. The impact of body mass index (BMI), random drug screen results, workers' compensation status, depression, and smoking were assessed.

RESULTS

We report a phi correlation of 0.350 between smoking and failure (p = 0.017). Smoking status is correlated with both lead migration revisions (phi = 0.269) (p = 0.044) and with revision due to new pain symptoms (phi = 0.241) (p = 0.072). Further, there is a trend of correlation (phi = 0.289) between drug use and patients (N = 3) who underwent device removal (p = 0.045). In this cohort, worker's compensation status, BMI, and depression did not impact outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco use correlates with less success with SCS at 6-month follow-up. Whether that is because of issues with healing and our transmission of signals to the periphery warrants further exploration. These data provide further evidence that tobacco cessation is important to surgical results.

Treatment of peri-implantitis and the failing implant

Appropriate treatment of implants is becoming increasingly important for the general dentist as the number of implants placed per year continues to increase. Early diagnosis of peri-implantitis is imperative; initiating the correct treatment protocol depends on a proper diagnosis. Several risk factors exist for the development of peri-implantitis, which can guide patient selection and treatment planning. Treatment of peri-implantitis should be tailored to the severity of the lesion (as outlined by the cumulative interceptive supportive treatment protocol), ranging from mechanical debridement to explantation. Several surgical and nonsurgical treatment alternatives exist. There is little consensus on superior treatment methods.

Smoking as dominant risk factor for anastomotic leak after left colon resection

BACKGROUND

Some risk factors for anastomotic leak have been identified, but the effect of smoking is unknown.

METHODS

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on clinical leak after left-sided anastomoses. Adult patients who underwent elective left colectomy between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012 were included. Those with stomas and inflammatory bowel diseases were excluded. Primary outcome was anastomotic leak requiring percutaneous drainage or operative intervention within 30 days.

RESULTS

There were 246 patients included; 56% were female. Most had a diagnosis of diverticular disease (53%) or cancer (37%). Anastomotic leak rate was 6.5% (n = 16). The rate in smokers was 17% versus 5% in nonsmokers (P = .01). Smokers had over 4 times greater chance of leak (odds ratio 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 13.5, P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Smoking is a risk factor for leak after left colectomy. Consideration should be given to delaying elective left colectomy until smoking cessation is achieved.