The role of topical antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing contaminated head and neck surgery with flap reconstruction

Survival and infection rates of microvascular free flaps in pediatric mandibular reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vascularized free tissue transfer has been established as an effective method in the reconstruction of mandibular defects. However, a limited understanding of its efficacy in pediatric patients persists due to its infrequent presentation. The aim of this study is to systematically consolidate the survival and infection rates of free flaps in pediatric mandibular reconstruction.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted on Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies published up to January 2024. We included peer-reviewed studies reporting on survival and infection outcomes associated with free flap mandibular reconstruction in pediatric patients (<18 years). We performed a random-effects meta-analysis with the inverse-variance weighted approach to estimate survival and infection rates. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2, and publication bias was examined using Egger's test.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies, reporting on 463 free flaps and 439 pediatric patients with a mean age of 10.7 years, were included in our study. Most free flaps originated from the fibula (n = 392/463, 84.7%) and benign tumors were the most common cause for mandibular reconstruction (n = 179/463, 38.7%). The pooled estimate for survival of flaps was 96% (95% CI: 93-97, I2 = 0%), and recipient-site infections were estimated to occur in 9% (95% CI: 6-13, I2 = 0%) of cases. The most common reported complications within the study timeframe were early malocclusion (n = 28/123, 21.4%) and bite abnormalities (18/131, 13.7%).

CONCLUSION

Free tissue transfer for mandibular reconstruction in pediatric patients is effective and safe. Further research is required to explore functionality following mandibular reconstruction in diverse pediatric populations.

Infection Control With Topical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Mucosal Head and Neck Surgery: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess for differences in surgical site infection (SSI) rates and bacterial load after major mucosal head and neck surgery between patients who received topical antimicrobial prophylaxis and those who did not.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to May 20, 2021, with cross-referencing of retrieved studies per PRISMA guidelines.

REVIEW METHODS

Inclusion criteria captured clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies with infectious outcomes of adults who underwent major mucosal head and neck surgery and received perioperative topical antimicrobial therapy to the oral cavity and/or pharynx. Studies of dental procedures were excluded. The primary outcome was SSI rate, and the secondary outcome was bacterial load. Two blinded investigators screened each text.

RESULTS

Of 265 unique citations, 9 studies of 470 total patients were included. Topical treatments included numerous antibiotics and antiseptics directly applied over mucosa. Pooled SSI rates of 252 patients in the intervention cohort and 218 in the control cohort were 8% (95% CI, 3%-14%; I ² = 61.2%) and 29% (95% CI, 16%-43%; I ² = 79.5%), respectively. A meta-analysis of 7 comparative studies totaling 192 patients receiving topical therapy and 218 control patients revealed a pooled relative risk of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.28-0.68; I ² = 0.0%) in favor of the treatment group. The studies demonstrated a short-term decrease in bacterial counts after topical antimicrobial prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

Patients who underwent prophylactic topical antimicrobial therapy had less than half the risk of developing SSI after mucosal head and neck surgery when compared with those who received no topical prophylaxis.

Perioperative Topical Antisepsis and Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Upper Aerodigestive Tract Reconstruction

Importance

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after vascularized reconstruction of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) are associated with considerable morbidity. The association between perioperative prophylaxis practices, particularly topical antisepsis, and SSIs remains uncertain.

Objective

To assess the association between perioperative topical antisepsis and SSIs in patients undergoing vascularized reconstruction of the UADT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included patients from 12 academic tertiary care centers over an 11-month period, from July 1, 2020, to June 1, 2021. Patients undergoing open surgical procedures requiring a communication between the UADT and cervical skin with a planned regional pedicled flap, free flap, or both were included. Patients with an active infection at the time of surgical procedure were excluded.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome measure was an SSI within 30 days of surgery. The association of demographic characteristics, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, surgical technique, and postoperative care with SSIs was assessed using univariable and multivariable analyses. The relative risk ratio and 95% CIs for developing SSI were calculated for each of the variables based on predetermined categories. Variables for which the relative risk 95% CI did not include the value of zero effect (relative risk = 1.00) were included in the multivariable model.

Results

A total of 554 patients (median age, 64 years; range, 21-95 years; 367 men [66.2%]) were included. Cancer ablation was the most frequent reason for surgery (n = 480 [86.6%]). Overall, the SSI rate was 20.9% (n = 116), with most infections involving the head and neck surgical site only (91 [78.4%]). The median time to SSI diagnosis was 11 days (range, 1-28 days). Topical antisepsis mucosal preparation was performed preoperatively in 35.2% (195) and postoperatively in 52.2% (289) of cases. Ampicillin and sulbactam was the most common systemic antibiotic prophylaxis agent used (n = 367 [66.2%]), with 24 hours being the most common duration (n = 363 [65.5%]). On multivariable analysis, preoperative topical antisepsis mucosal preparation (odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30-0.77) and systemic prophylaxis with piperacillin and tazobactam (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21-0.84) were associated with a decreased risk of a postoperative SSI. The use of an osseous vascularized flap was associated with an increased risk of postoperative SSI (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.13-2.75).

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings of this study suggest that preoperative topical antisepsis mucosal preparation was independently associated with a decreased risk of SSIs in a 12-center multi-institutional cohort. Further investigation of the association between individual perioperative practices and the incidence of postoperative SSIs is necessary to develop evidence-based protocols to reduce SSIs after UADT reconstruction.

Impact of the practical guideline on appropriate usage of antimicrobial treatments for surgical site infections in reconstructive surgery of head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES

In 2016, Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and Japan Society for Surgical Infection presented the practical guideline for appropriate usage of antimicrobial agents to prevent postoperative infections. This study aims to exhibit the validity of the guideline as a series of effective strategies for prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs) during reconstructive surgery of the head and neck cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery with free or pedicle flaps in a single institute in Japan between July 2010 and July 2020. We evaluated the incidence of SSIs, patient backgrounds, and microbiological characteristics on the basis of antimicrobial prophylaxis recommended by the guideline.

RESULTS

Enrolled in this study were 102 patients in our institution who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery with free or pedicle flaps between July 2010 and July 2020. In the period between January 2018 to July 2020 after the SSI guideline was advocated (SSI guideline period), the ratio of administration of sulbactam/ampicillin (SBT/ABPC) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) and the duration of prophylactic antimicrobial treatment was significantly shorter than in the period between July 2010 to December 2017 before the SSI guideline was advocated (Pre-SSI guideline period) (P < 0.001). Incidence of SSIs were similar, even when antibiotic use was changed to be short-term single-agent administration in accordance with the practical guideline.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to the current Japanese practical guideline on appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis for SSIs can shorten the duration of usage of antimicrobial treatment without increasing the risk for occurrence of SSIs.

Risk factors for surgical site infection in head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

Surgical site infection (SSI) frequently occurs in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) after tumor resection and can lead to death in severe cases. Moreover, there is no definitive conclusion about the risk factors of SSI. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to study the factors affecting the SSI.

METHODS

The HNC patients included in this study were all from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (CSU), and these patients received surgical treatment in the department from January 2018 to December 2019. The cross tabulation with chi-squared testing and multivariate regression analysis were applied to determine the risk factors of SSI. To identify the key risk factors of SSI, the caret package was used to construct three different machine learning models to investigate important features involving 26 SSI-related risk factors.

RESULTS

Participants were 632 HNC patients who underwent surgery in our department from January 2018 to December 2019. During the postoperative period, 82 patients suffered from SSI, and surgical site infection rate (SSIR) was about 12.97%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that diabetes mellitus, primary tumor site (floor of mouth), preoperative radiotherapy, flap failure, and neck dissection (bilateral) are risk factors for SSI of HNC. Machine learning indicated that diabetes mellitus, primary tumor site (floor of mouth), and flap failure were consistently ranked the top three in the 26 SSI-related risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes mellitus, primary tumor site (floor of mouth), flap failure, preoperative radiotherapy, and neck dissection (bilateral) are risk factors for SSI of HNC.

Effects of topical Vancomycin Dressing on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) positive diabetic foot ulcers

Objective:

To compare the effects of simple saline dressings versus topical vancomycin dressings on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus positive chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods:

It was quasi experimental study conducted in Combined Military Hospital Kohat and PNS-Shifa Hospital Karachi from 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2017. A total of 23 patients were included based on non-probability convenient sampling who had diabetes and presented with foot ulcers for more than two weeks showing positive growth of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. The patients were treated with simple saline soaked dressings and debridement at first for three weeks followed by three weeks of topical vancomycin dressings with debridement. Thus patients served as their own controls

Results:

The average change in surface area with saline dressing was +1.73 ±1.53cm² per week whereas with vancomycin soaked dressing it was --0.06±1.60 cm² per week (p <0.05). The average exudate also decreased from 1.78±1.23 to 0.99±0.72 (p<0.05) and same trend was observed in percentage of slough covering the ulcer from 45% ± 22.3% to 24.3% ±12.90% (p<0.05) with vancomycin dressing. Moreover, fifteen patients had negative culture for MRSA within 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Vancomycin impregnated dressing in MRSA positive Diabetic foot may help achieve early healing as compared to simple conventional dressings with no systemic toxicity.

Systematic review of international guidelines for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in Head & Neck Surgery. A YO-IFOS Head & Neck Study Group Position Paper

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) is defined as an infection that occurs after a surgical incision or organ manipulation during surgery. The frequency reported for clean head and neck surgical procedures without antimicrobial prophylaxis is <1%. In contrast, infection rates in patients undergoing complicated cancer surgery are high, ranging from 24% to 87% of patients without antimicrobial prophylaxis.

METHODS

Guidelines and recommendations about the use of antibiotics in head and neck surgery from 2004 to 2019 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Four guidelines from Oceania, 5 from South America, 5 from North America, 2 from the United Kingdom, 11 from Europe, 1 from Africa, 1 from the Middle East, and 3 from Asia were included. A total of 118 papers were included for analysis and recommendation.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of SSI. However, the risks associated with antibiotic exposure and the risk of antibiotic resistance need to be taken into consideration.

Free jejunal flap transfer containing multiple vascular pedicles for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction in conjunction with anterior mediastinal tracheostomy

BACKGROUND

When pharyngoesophagectomy is performed in conjunction with anterior mediastinal tracheostomy, reconstructing both the trachea and alimentary tract is extremely difficult. We developed a novel 1-stage reconstructive procedure using a single free jejunal flap containing multiple vascular pedicles to decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality. Free jejunal flap transfer with multiple vascular pedicles could offer a viable option for reducing associated life-threatening complications.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 34 patients who underwent free jejunal flap transfer with multiple vascular pedicles in anterior mediastinal tracheostomy and pharyngoesophagectomy due to lesions involving both the airway and esophagus. In all cases, 1-stage reconstruction of the digestive tract and trachea was performed. Technical details and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

All 34 jejunal flaps (100%) survived. Major morbidity classified as Clavien-Dindo grades III and IV occurred in 10 (29.4%) and 0 (0%) patients, respectively during hospitalization. With regard to common complications, anastomotic leakage from transferred jejunal flaps and surgical site infections occurred in 0 (0%) and 7 (20.6%) patients, respectively. Five (14.7%) patients experienced tracheal stoma dehiscence. Donor site morbidity was observed in 2 (5.9%) patients. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 2.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our 1-stage reconstruction procedure achieved low morbidity and low mortality rates following anterior mediastinal tracheostomy and pharyngoesophagectomy. Only 1 jejunal flap transfer is needed to simultaneously reconstruct the trachea and alimentary tract in a safe and reliable manner with this procedure.

Multicenter Assessment of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Spectrum on Surgical Infections in Head and Neck Cancer Microvascular Reconstruction

Objective

To characterize and identify risk factors for 30-day surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients with head and neck cancer who underwent microvascular reconstruction.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study with nested case-control design.

Setting

Nine American tertiary care centers.

Subjects and Methods

Hospitalized patients were included if they underwent head and neck cancer microvascular reconstruction from January 2003 to March 2016. Cases were defined as patients who developed 30-day SSI; controls were patients without SSI at 30 days. Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (POABP) regimens were categorized by Gram-negative (GN) spectrum: no GN coverage, enteric GN coverage, and enteric with antipseudomonal GN coverage. All POABP regimens retained activity against anaerobes and Gram-positive bacteria. Thirty-day prevalence of and risk factors for SSI were evaluated.

Results

A total of 1307 patients were included. Thirty-day SSI occurred in 189 (15%) patients; median time to SSI was 11.5 days (interquartile range, 7-17). Organisms were isolated in 59% of SSI; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9%) were uncommon. A total of 1003 (77%) patients had POABP data: no GN (17%), enteric GN (52%), and antipseudomonal GN (31%). Variables independently associated with 30-day SSI were as follows: female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), no GN POABP (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5-3.3), and surgical duration ≥11.8 hours (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7). Longer POABP durations (≥6 days) or antipseudomonal POABP had no association with SSI.

Conclusions

POABP without GN coverage was significantly associated with SSI and should be avoided. Antipseudomonal POABP or longer prophylaxis durations (≥6 days) were not protective against SSI. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions should be made to limit unnecessary antibiotic exposures, prevent the emergence of resistant organisms, and improve patient outcomes.

Prevention of surgical site infection after oral cancer surgery by topical tetracycline: Results of a multicenter randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

In a pilot study, we showed that topical administration of a tetracycline could decrease oral bacteria levels for 6 hours in patients who underwent oral cancer surgery combined with tracheotomy and flap reconstruction. This multicenter, randomized control trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of topical application of tetracycline ointment for prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) associated with major oral cancer surgery.

METHODS

One hundred seventeen patients who underwent oral cancer resection combined with neck dissection, flap reconstruction, and tracheotomy were divided randomly into an intervention group (n = 56) and a control group (n = 61). The intervention consisted of topical administration of tetracycline ointment on the dorsum of the tongue every 6 hours for 48 hours postoperatively. Factors relating to the occurrence of SSI in both groups were subjected to logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

SSI occurred in 11 patients (19.6%) in the intervention group and 22 patients (36.1%) in the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that a longer operating time and not receiving topical tetracycline were independent risk factors for development of SSI.

CONCLUSION

Administration of topical tetracycline for 48 hours postoperatively is an effective way of preventing SSI after oral cancer surgery.

Surgical Site Infections in Major Head and Neck Surgeries Involving Pedicled Flap Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate surgical site infections (SSI) after pedicled reconstruction in head and neck surgery.

METHODS

Records of patients with pedicled flap reconstructions between 2009 and 2014 at Massachusetts Eye and Ear were reviewed. Onset of SSI or fistula ≤30 days postoperatively was noted. A free flap cohort was reviewed for comparison.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eight pedicled reconstructions were performed for cancer (83%), osteoradionecrosis (7%), and other reasons (10%). Most (72%) cases were clean-contaminated and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification 3 or higher (73%); 63% of patients had prior radiation. The SSIs occurred in 9.1% and were associated with a longer length of stay (P = .004) but no particular risk factors. Seventeen patients developed a fistula (11 without SSI). The SSI rates were not significantly different between pedicled and free flaps, but pedicled flap patients were older, more likely to have had prior surgery and/or radiation, and be methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus positive. In the combined population, multivariate analysis demonstrated clean-contaminated wound classification (P = .03), longer operating time (P = .03), and clindamycin prophylaxis (P = .009) as SSI risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The SSI rate following pedicled flap surgeries was low and similar to free flap surgeries despite a significantly different population. No specific risk factors were associated with developing a pedicled flap SSI.

Surgical prophylaxis with gram-negative activity for reduction of surgical site infections after microvascular reconstruction for head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for surgical site infections in microvascular reconstruction for patients with head and neck cancer.

METHODS

One hundred seventeen patients with head and neck cancer undergoing microvascular reconstruction received postoperative surgical infection prophylaxis and were followed for 30 days. Surgical infection prophylaxis was categorized by empiric spectrum of activity. Risk factors for surgical site infection development and cumulative incidence of surgical site infections were characterized.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients developed surgical site infection (cumulative surgical site infection incidence of 31.6%). Risk factors identified in logistic regression include alcohol use (odds ratio [OR] = 2.704; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.029-7.106), increased surgical duration (OR = 1.403; 95% CI = 1.185-1.661), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class IV (OR = 3.075; 95% CI = 1.000-9.459), and lack of postoperative gram-negative coverage (OR = 15.139; 95% CI = 3.083-74.347).

CONCLUSION

Alcohol use, longer surgical duration, and lack of gram-negative postoperative prophylactic coverage are modifiable risk factors for surgical site infection development. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First-1454, 2016.

Behavior of anastomozed vessels and transferred flaps after anastomosed site infection in head and neck microsurgical reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

This report evaluates the behavior of anastomosed vessels and transferred flaps after anastomosed site infection in head and neck reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eleven free-flap cases after infection at the vascular pedicle site were included, the patency of which was observed macroscopically after re-exploration and pus drainage. Location was in the tongue (5 cases), oropharynx (3 cases), mouth floor (1 case), mandible (1 case), and hypopharynx (1 case). Transferred flaps originated from rectus abdominis (3 cases), anterolateral thigh (3 cases), radial forearm (3 cases), jejunum (1 case), and latissimus dorsi (1 case). Days for infection found were ranged 3-14 days postoperatively. Causes of infection were the salivary fistula formation in 5 cases, and precise etiology was not defined in the other 6 cases.

RESULTS

Disruption of the vascular pedicles occurred with high frequency after infection. Disruption of vein occurred most frequently (5 cases), followed by both artery and vein (2 cases) and artery only (1 case). Of the eight flaps, two flaps failed, but the other six flaps survived despite pedicle disruption, indicating overall survival of nine flaps after pedicle site infection. Five of the nine survived cases were healed with simple washing and ointment application. However, the other four patients, whose cause of infection was a salivary fistula, needed second flap transfer to treat those fistulas.

CONCLUSION

Disruption of anastomosed vessels can occur with high frequency after infection, causing subsequent flap loss. Therefore, surgeons need to deal with pedicle site infection to save the flap. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:658-663, 2016.

Efficacy of topical antibiotic administration on the inhibition of perioperative oral bacterial growth in oral cancer patients: a preliminary study

Parenteral antibiotic prophylaxis is the current standard of therapy in clean-contaminated oral cancer surgery. Nevertheless, the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in oral oncological surgery is relatively high, especially in major surgery with reconstruction and tracheotomy. The aims of this study were to investigate the perioperative condition related to microorganisms in the oral cavity and to examine the efficacy of the topical administration of tetracycline in reducing the number of bacteria in the oropharyngeal fluid during intubation. The number of oral bacteria was measured during intubation in patients undergoing major oral cancer surgery. The efficacy of the topical administration of tetracycline or povidone iodine gel in reducing the bacteria was then investigated. Bacteria in the oropharyngeal fluid grew from 10(6)CFU/ml to 10(8)CFU/ml during the 3h after intubation (CFU, colony-forming units). When tetracycline was applied to the dorsum of the tongue, oral bacteria decreased immediately to 10(5)CFU/ml, and the number of bacteria in the oropharyngeal fluid was maintained below 10(7)CFU/ml for 7h. The concentration of tetracycline in the oropharyngeal fluid was extremely high for several hours after topical administration. The topical administration of tetracycline could reduce oral bacteria in patients undergoing clean-contaminated oral cancer surgery. This method is expected to be effective in the prevention of SSI.

The time course and microbiology of surgical site infections after head and neck free flap surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Determine the time of onset and microbiology of surgical site infections (SSIs) following head and neck free flap reconstructive surgeries.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All 504 free flap surgical cases (484 patients) performed April 1, 2009 to September 30, 2013 were reviewed; SSIs occurring ≤30 days postoperatively were evaluated. Admission screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization was performed on all patients.

RESULTS

Flap-recipient site infections (flap SSIs) occurred in 67 cases (13.3%), one-third week 1 postoperatively, one-third week 2, one-third days 15 to 30; 45% occurred after hospital discharge. Wound cultures were polymicrobial, but 25% grew only normal oral flora, whereas 75% grew pathogens not part of normal oral flora, such as gram-negative bacilli (44% of cases), MRSA (20%), and methicillin-sensitive S aureus (MSSA) (16%). The frequency of these pathogens did not vary significantly by the time of SSI onset. In 67%, cultures included at least one pathogen resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Clindamycin prophylaxis was a significant risk factor for flap SSI and for early partial or complete flap loss from infection. Donor SSIs occurred in 22 cases (4.4%), 95% >1 week postoperatively, and MRSA or MSSA were the primary pathogens in 89%. Of the 25 patients colonized with MRSA on admission, 40% developed a flap or donor SSI, a rate significantly higher than in non-colonized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Gram-negative bacilli, MRSA, and MSSA were significant SSI pathogens, and late onset of infection was common. Better screening, decolonization, and prophylaxis may reduce SSI rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b

Preoperative topical antimicrobial decolonization in head and neck surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality after head and neck surgery. Our primary objective was to determine the efficacy of preoperative topical antimicrobial decolonization before head and neck surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

This study was conducted among 84 patients presenting for head and neck surgery requiring admission to an academic medical center. Preoperative cultures were performed to identify Staphylococcus aureus carriers. Patients were randomized to preoperative topical antimicrobial decolonization with a 5-day regimen of chlorhexidine skin rinses and intranasal mupirocin coupled with standard perioperative systemic antimicrobial prophylaxis, versus standard prophylaxis alone. The main outcome was the incidence of SSIs.

RESULTS

Despite a trend suggesting a decrease in SSIs with perioperative topical antimicrobial decolonization (24% vs. 10%), there was no significant difference (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-1.18; P = .079). Patients with a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (3 vs. 1; P = .02), with more operative blood loss (P = .05), and who required operative takeback (P = .04) had a higher rate of SSIs; there was a trend suggesting a higher rate of SSIs among patients undergoing clean-contaminated surgery compared to clean cases (P = .08) and among those having received prior radiation (P = .07) or chemotherapy (P = .06).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative antimicrobial decolonization did not significantly decrease the incidence of SSIs after head and neck surgery, but might be considered for high-risk groups despite the lack of conclusive evidence confirming efficacy. Risk factors for SSIs after head and neck surgery are identified for the first time in a prospective study.

Comparative study of two cefazolin prophylactic protocols in oncologic surgery of the larynx: A randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

Patients who need major head and neck surgery like laryngectomy are at risk of postoperative wound infection. Although the role of antibiotics in prophylaxis of clean contaminated head and neck surgery has been well documented, controversy exists in the optimal antibiotic regimen.

METHODS

In two tertiary referral hospitals (Imam Khomeini and Amir Alam hospital), 90 patients undergoing laryngectomy were prospectively randomized into two groups receiving cefazolin perioperative prophylaxis either for 2 days or for 5 days from June 2004 to March 2006. Then patients were blindly examined for the development of wound infection.

RESULTS

No wound infection was detected in either group. Two (4.4%) mucocutaneous fistula occurred in the 2-day group, and 3 (6.7%) in the 5-day group. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rate between two groups.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that a 2-day perioperative cefazolin prophylaxis is equally effective as longer therapies. The increased morbidity and cost of the latter are in favor of the 2-day prophylactic regimen.

Topical clindamycin in post-adenotonsillectomy analgesia in children: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy, is one of the most common surgical procedures in pediatric otolaryngology. Pain is the main cause of morbidity in the postoperative period, where it is serious in some cases, leading to odynophagia and resultant complications such as dehydration. We evaluated the effect of topical clindamycin in the reduction of oropharyngeal pain in children who underwent adenotonsillectomy. Secondary outcomes were otalgia, analgesic use, oral bacterial count, type of diet, secondary bleeding, vomiting, fever, and weight loss.

STUDY DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

SETTING

Tertiary hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Eighty-two children of both sexes between four and 12 years of age who underwent adenotonsillectomy were allocated to receive topical clindamycin or placebo in the immediate preoperative, intraoperative, and eight-to-12-hours postoperative periods. Pain was measured using a faces pain scale for five days.

RESULTS

Reduction of oropharyngeal pain was significant with the use of clindamycin only on the first postoperative day (95% confidence interval, 2.22 to 4.41 [clindamycin] vs 4.53 to 6.3 [placebo]; P = .002). No difference was observed in the aerobic and anaerobic counts by tongue swab between premedication and third-postoperative-day samplings. There were no differences with respect to reduction in otalgia, paracetamol use, return to normal diet, variation in weight, secondary hemorrhage, vomiting, and fever.

CONCLUSION

The use of topical clindamycin was beneficial in reducing pain on the first postoperative day, without effect on subsequent days. Future investigations could examine the use of topical clindamycin not only in the first 12 hours but also during five days of follow-up.

Infection, host resistance, and antimicrobial management of the surgical patient

Chemotherapeutic management of the microbial milieu that impacts patients undergoing surgery is profoundly important in surgery involving the head and neck region. This region is a repository for a diverse population of microbes, which stand ready to invade the underlying structures once the barriers have been breached. This article evaluates human resistance to these microorganisms and reviews conditions that may increase susceptibility in patients undergoing surgery.

Analysis of salvage operation in head and neck microsurgical reconstruction

In this study, we examined salvage operations after reexploration in head and neck reconstruction and analyzed ways to solve problems. Free flap reconstruction of the head and neck lesion was carried out for 513 cases in our hospital over the past 12 years. Twenty-one cases of reexploration were caused by postoperative thrombosis (4.1%). We could only salvage seven cases (33.3%) of 21 cases from flap thrombosis. All seven cases were included in the category of venous thrombosis, and they were undertaken within 3 days postoperatively. Our results have shown that once thrombosis occurs, there is little possibility of flap salvage, particularly 3 days after operation and in infectious cases. When no flow phenomena are observed and no flap salvage is deemed possible, aggressive treatment such as a second free flap or next pedicle flap should be chosen as soon as possible to avoid any delay in postoperative treatment.

Endoscopic-assisted reduction of anterior table frontal sinus fractures

In this study, we examined salvage operations after reexploration in head and neck reconstruction and analyzed ways to solve problems. Free flap reconstruction of the head and neck lesion was carried out for 513 cases in our hospital over the past 12 years. Twenty-one cases of reexploration were caused by postoperative thrombosis (4.1%). We could only salvage seven cases (33.3%) of 21 cases from flap thrombosis. All seven cases were included in the category of venous thrombosis, and they were undertaken within 3 days postoperatively. Our results have shown that once thrombosis occurs, there is little possibility of flap salvage, particularly 3 days after operation and in infectious cases. When no flow phenomena are observed and no flap salvage is deemed possible, aggressive treatment such as a second free flap or next pedicle flap should be chosen as soon as possible to avoid any delay in postoperative treatment.

Prevention of Postoperative Infections in Horses

The best defense against postoperative infection is to use multiple strategies to minimize wound contamination, maintain wound tissue health, and provide rational antimicrobial strategies that do not promote the development of resistant bacteria and superinfections.

The use of prophylactic antibiotics in head and neck oncological surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

An overview of best evidence-based current practice in the use of prophylactic antibiotics in elective oncological head and neck surgery is presented.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients undergoing head and neck oncological surgery are at great risk of developing complications following surgery. The incidence of wound infection has been reported to be as high as 87%, often with devastating effects. Prophylactic antibiotics have helped to reduce significantly the risk of infection; however, clinicians managing these patients should also have a thorough understanding of the risk factors leading to postoperative infections and should apply the most basic surgical principles at all times, to minimize infection rates.

SUMMARY

Prophylactic antibiotics usage in clean-contaminated major oncological head and neck surgery is mandatory to reduce the risk of infection. In clean major oncological head and neck surgery their use is also advisable but there is no evidence that in clean surgery for benign disease it offers any advantage. Short antibiotic regimes of four doses per 24 h are as effective as prolonged courses regardless of the complexity of the procedure. A combination of antibiotic agents covering aerobic, anaerobic and Gram-negative bacteria is superior to single agents. High-risk patients should be also given short regimes, as there is no evidence that prolonged courses are of more benefit in these patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection can have devastating consequences for patients undergoing major head and neck surgery. Protocols of prevention and treatment should be in place in all institutions treating patients with head and neck cancer. Close collaboration between surgical, microbiology and infection-control teams is essential.

Prevention and treatment of postsurgical head and neck infections

Postoperative wound infection is an important cause of postsurgical morbidity. Efforts to reduce the incidence of wound infection are enhanced through appropriate preoperative preparation, adherence to excellent surgical technique, and the provision of outstanding postoperative care. Many head and neck surgical procedures are undertaken in an environment contaminated by saliva containing a large inoculum of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Prospective randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis reduces the risk for postoperative wound infection. Effective antibiotic prophylaxis requires that the antibiotic be effective against normal oral flora. Antibiotics should be administered before wound contamination. The dose of the antibiotic should exceed the minimal inhibitory concentration needed for the normal flora. The antibiotic administration can cease within 24 hours of surgery.

Antimicrobial prophylaxis in the surgical patient

The primary prophylactic measure against postoperative infection is antiseptic technique in patient preparation, during surgery, and in postoperative patient care. Antimicrobial prophylaxis against postoperative infection is not indicated for procedures with a low infection rate because the expected benefit of antimicrobial treatment is less than the risk of an adverse medication reaction. Antimicrobial prophylaxis has been demonstrated to be of greater benefit than risk in some procedures with higher infection rates; however, because the problem is complex and the data are limited, extra-polating these findings to the practitioner's setting and the individual patient remains a challenge (Table 1). Although antimicrobial prophylaxis for bacterial endocarditis is not effective for most patients, the seriousness of the potential infection has driven the creation of guidelines recommending prophylaxis for at-risk patients undergoing at-risk procedures. Applying these guidelines appropriately could help to reduce unwarranted use of antimicrobials. In the prophylactic use of antimicrobials, as in many medical interventions, the difficulty is balancing the risks of the intervention with the potential benefits. Although we do not have either the randomized, controlled trials or the detailed, patient-specific information to estimate this balance precisely, there are general guidelines to help the clinician choose treatment for most patients.

Piperacillin/tazobactam: a pharmacoeconomic review of its use in moderate to severe bacterial infections

Piperacillin/tazobactam is a beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against most Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria. Piperacillin/tazobactam is effective and well-tolerated in patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and febrile neutropenia. In comparative clinical trials against various other antibacterial regimens, piperacillin/tazobactam has shown higher clinical success rates, particularly in the treatment of patients with intra-abdominal infections and febrile neutropenia. Cost analyses of piperacillin/tazobactam have been variable, in part, because of differences in specific costs included. Three US cost analyses found that piperacillin/tazobactam had lower total medical costs than clindamycin plus gentamicin or imipenem/cilastatin in intra-abdominal infections, and ticarcillin/ clavulanic acid in community-acquired pneumonia. Piperacillin/tazobactam plus amikacin had lower total costs than ceftazidime plus amikacin in another cost analysis of patients with febrile neutropenic episodes modelled in nine European countries. However, piperacillin/tazobactam plus tobramycin was more costly than ceftazidime plus tobramycin in hospital-acquired pneumonia in a US cost analysis. In cost-effectiveness analyses, all studies of intra-abdominal infections, pneumonia and febrile neutropenic episodes consistently reported lower costs per unit of effectiveness versus comparators. Piperacillin/tazobactam was dominant (greater efficacy and lower costs) versus imipenem/cilastatin in intra-abdominal infections and ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin or meropenem in pneumonia. Piperacillin/tazobactam plus amikacin was dominant over ceftazidime plus amikacin in the treatment of febrile neutropenic episodes. In a cost-effectiveness analysis of skin and soft tissue infection, piperacillin/tazobactam had lower costs per successfully treated patient than ceftriaxone or cefotaxime, but a slightly higher cost-effectiveness ratio than amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. All cost-effectiveness analyses were based on decision-analytical models.

CONCLUSIONS

Piperacillin/tazobactam is likely to reduce overall treatment costs of moderate to severe bacterial infections by increasing initial treatment success, thereby reducing the length of hospital stay and the use of additional antibacterials. Piperacillin/tazobactam has shown clinical and economic advantages over standard antibacterial regimens in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections, LRTIs, febrile episodes in patients with neutropenia, and skin and soft tissue infections, although more complete published data are needed to confirm these results. Present data regarding clinical efficacy, bacterial resistance and costs would support the use of piperacillin/tazobactam as an empirical first-line option in moderate to severe bacterial infections.