Postoperative wound dehiscence: Predictors and associations

Bacteria-Derived Cellulose Membranes Modified with Graphene Oxide-Silver Nanoparticles for Accelerating Wound Healing

This study reports on the modification of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes produced by static fermentation of Komagataeibacter xylinus bacterial strains with graphene oxide-silver nanoparticles (GO-Ag) to yield skin wound dressings with improved antibacterial properties. The GO-Ag sheets were synthesized through chemical reduction with sodium citrate and were utilized to functionalize the BC membranes (BC/GO-Ag). The BC/GO-Ag composites were characterized to determine their surface charge, morphology, exudate absorption, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity by using fibroblast cells. The antimicrobial activity of the wound dressings was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results indicate that the BC/GO-Ag dressings can inhibit ∼70% of E. coli cells. Our findings also revealed that the porous BC/GO-Ag antimicrobial dressings can efficiently retain 94% of exudate absorption after exposure to simulated body fluid (SBF) for 24 h. These results suggest that the dressings could absorb excess exudate from the wound during clinical application, maintaining adequate moisture, and promoting the proliferation of epithelial cells. The BC/GO-Ag hybrid materials exhibited excellent mechanical flexibility and low cytotoxicity to fibroblast cells, making excellent wound dressings able to control bacterial infectious processes and promote the fast healing of dermal lesions.

Robotic-Assisted and Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgeries Still Have Clinically Comparable Outcomes

PURPOSE

Bariatric surgery is considered the main treatment option for patients with severe obesity. The objective of our study is to compare intra- and postoperative outcomes between the robotic and laparoscopic approaches within the sleeve gastrectomy (SG), duodenal switch (DS), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data from the MBSAQIP were collected for patients who underwent SG, DS, and RYGB between 2015 and 2021. The postoperative and procedural outcomes including 30-day morbidity and mortality as well as operation length were analyzed using regression models.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 1,178,886 surgeries with SG comprising the majority (70%) followed by RYGB (28%) and DS (1%). Other than a higher adjusted risk of unplanned reoperation for robotic RYGB (relative risk (RR) 1.07) and a statistically significant higher rate of postoperative wound disruption in robotic SG for robotic surgery (RR 1.56), there were no statistically significant between-approach differences including infection, wound disruption, death, or reoperation for DS, RYGB, or SG. Our data showed no significant difference in anastomotic leak rate between laparoscopic and robotic approaches in either the DS (p = 0.521) or RYGB (p = 0.800) procedures. Across our study period, the median operation lengths decreased significantly per year for both the robotic SG and DS.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic and laparoscopic bariatric surgical procedures have statistically similar 30-day patient outcomes. Robotic bariatric procedures do have significantly longer median operative times than laparoscopic procedures. The decision to use a robotic approach or laparoscopic approach should be made based upon surgeon experience and possibly cost.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Versus Standard of Care Over Closed Abdominal Incisions in the Reduction of Surgical Site Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Background

Surgical site complications (SSCs) pose a significant risk to patients, potentially leading to severe consequences or even loss of life. While previous research has shown that closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) can reduce wound complications in various surgical fields, its effectiveness in abdominal incisions remains uncertain. To address this gap, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the impact of ciNPT on postsurgical outcomes and health care utilization in patients undergoing open abdominal surgeries.

Methods

A systematic literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and QUOSA was performed for publications written in English, comparing ciNPT with standard of care dressings for patients undergoing abdominal surgical procedures between January 2005 and August 2021. Characteristics of study participants, surgical procedures, dressings used, duration of treatment, postsurgical outcomes, and follow-up data were extracted. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. Dichotomous outcomes were summarized using risk ratios and continuous outcomes were assessed using mean differences.

Results

The literature search identified 22 studies for inclusion in the analysis. Significant reductions in relative risk (RR) of SSC (RR: 0.568, P = .003), surgical site infection (SSI) (RR: 0.512, P < .001), superficial SSI (RR: 0.373, P < .001), deep SSI (RR: 0.368, P =.033), and dehiscence (RR: 0.581, P = .042) were associated with ciNPT use. ciNPT use was also associated with a reduced risk of readmission and a 2.6-day reduction in hospital length of stay (P < .001).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that use of ciNPT in patients undergoing open abdominal procedures can help reduce SSCs and associated hospital length of stay as well as readmissions.A previous version of this abstract was presented at the 2023 Conference of the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) in Milan, Italy and posted online at the site listed below. EWMA permits abstracts to be republished with the complete manuscript. https://journals.cambridgemedia.com.au/application/files/9116/8920/7316/JWM_Abstracts_LR.pdf.

Subcuticular Suture Type at Cesarean Delivery and Infection Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Surgical site infections (SSI) are common causes of postoperative morbidity at cesarean delivery (CD). The objective of this study was to compare the risk of SSI and other wound complications associated with different suture materials for subcuticular skin closure at CD.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception to June 3, 2021, and limited our search to English, peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials and cohort studies.

STUDY SELECTION

Of 1541 titles identified, 4 studies met the selection criteria and were included. Studies were included if the population was pregnant individuals undergoing transverse incision primary or repeat, elective or emergent CD with subcuticular skin closure, and if outcomes related to SSI, wound seroma, hematoma, or dehiscence were reported. We completed the assessment using Covidence review management software.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two authors independently reviewed studies and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) and the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools for cohort studies. We compared SSI risk and secondary outcomes of hematoma, seroma, and dehiscence between skin closure with monofilament (poliglecaprone 25 or polypropylene) versus multifilament (polyglactin 910) sutures using a fixed-effects meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic. Monofilament sutures were associated with a reduced risk of SSI (RR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.98, I2 = 0%) compared to multifilament sutures. There was no difference in the risk of secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Monofilament suture for subcuticular skin closure at CD was associated with decreased risk of SSI compared to multifilament suture.

Perioperative Outcomes, Comorbidities, and Complications following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Wheelchair Users: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of a Nationwide Database

Impaired shoulder function hinders the ability of wheelchair users to maintain independence. The current state of the literature delineates the risks and benefits of surgical techniques for the management of shoulder pathologies. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study that has investigated complications following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in wheelchair users. Utilizing the PearlDiver Mariner national administrative database, 72,108 patients were identified who underwent TSA with a concurrent diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear. Two matched cohorts, one of wheelchair users and one of non-wheelchair users, were created. Due to limitations within PearlDiver, one-year outcomes, including comorbidity and complication rates and readmission statistics, were compared between the two cohorts. Each matched cohort of 869 patients underwent TSA with a concurrent diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear. The rate of readmission in wheelchair users was greater than in non-wheelchair users (24.05% vs. 9.55%, OR: 3.00, CI: 2.279, 3.946). Patients in the wheelchair cohort exhibited higher rates of complications and comorbidities (p < 0.001). Among the most likely to be readmitted after TSA were patients with osteoarthritis, pulmonary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypertension (p < 0.05). Significant differences in surgical outcomes existed between wheelchair and non-wheelchair users in terms of preoperative comorbidities, postoperative complications, and readmission rates.

Incidence of wound dehiscence in patients undergoing laparoscopy or laparotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Surgical wound dehiscence (SWD) is a serious complication-with a 40% estimated mortality rate-that occurs after surgical intervention. Since the implementation of advanced recovery protocols, the current global incidence of SWD is unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the worldwide incidence of SWD and explored its associated factors in general surgical patients. Eligible full-text cross-sectional, cohort and observational studies in English, between 1 January 2010 to 23 April 2021, were retrieved from MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Data extraction and quality appraisal were undertaken independently by three reviewers. Random effects meta-analytic models were used in the presence of substantial inconsistency. Subgroup, meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were used to explore inconsistency. Publication bias was assessed using Hunter's plots and Egger's regression test. Of 2862 publications retrieved, 27 studies were included in the final analyses. Pooled data from 741,118 patients across 24 studies were meta-analysed. The 30-day cumulative incidence of SWD was 1% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1-1%). SWD incidence was highest in hepatobiliary surgery, at 3% (95% CI: 0-8%). Multivariable meta-regression showed SWD was significantly associated with duration of operation and reoperation (F=7.93 (2-10); p=0.009), explaining 58.2% of the variance. Most studies were retrospective, predated the agreed global definition for SWD and measured as a secondary outcome; thus, our results likely underestimate the scope of the problem. Wider uptake of the global definition will inform the SWD surveillance and improve the accuracy of reporting.

Incidence and impact of surgical site complications on length of stay and cost of care for patients undergoing open procedures

Background

Surgical site complications (SSCs) can have serious and life-threatening consequences for patients; however, their frequency and impact on healthcare utilization across surgical procedures, particularly for non-infectious SSCs, are unknown. This study examined incidence of overall SSCs and non-infectious SSCs in patients undergoing open surgical procedures in the United States and their effect on length of stay (LOS) and costs.

Methods

This retrospective study utilizing 2019-2020 data from Medicare and Premier Health Database identified patients with SSCs during hospitalization or within 90 days of discharge. Propensity score matching was used to calculate incremental LOS and costs attributable to SSCs. Mean LOS and costs attributable to SSCs for the index admission, readmissions, and outpatient visits were summed by procedure and Charlson Comorbidity Index score to estimate the overall impact of an SSC on LOS and costs across healthcare settings.

Results

Overall and non-infectious SSC rates were 7.3 % and 5.3 % respectively for 2,696,986 Medicare and 6.7 % and 5.0 % for 1,846,254 Premier open surgeries. Total incremental LOS and cost per SSC were 7.8 days and $15,339 for Medicare patients and 6.2 days and $17,196 for Premier patients. Incremental LOS and cost attributable to non-infectious SSCs were 6.5 days and $12,703 and 5.2 days and $14,477 for Medicare and Premier patients respectively.

Conclusions

This study utilizing two large national databases provides strong evidence that SSCs, particularly non-infectious SSCs, are not uncommon in open surgeries and result in increased healthcare utilization and costs. These findings demonstrate the need for increased adoption of evidence-based interventions that can reduce SSC rates.

Prevalence of preoperative opioid usage and its impact on postoperative outcomes: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Preoperative opioid treatment increases postoperative adverse events. This study was aimed to analyze preoperative opioid prevalence in countries with low opioid consumption. Additionally, the effect of low opioid usage on postoperative outcomes was also investigated.

METHODS

We conducted this single center retrospective cohort analysis in a Japanese university-affiliated hospital to investigate opioid usage and its impact on the duration of postoperative hospitalization and in-hospital mortality. Adult patients who underwent general anesthesia between 2015 and 2020 were included. We extracted the patients' characteristics, surgical information and postoperative outcomes. Subgroup analysis to address opioid dose effect was performed in high and low dose opioid subgroups.

RESULTS

Among 20,306 inpatients, 535 (2.63%) patients used opioids preoperatively. Tramadol was the most frequently used opioid. The median morphine equivalent (MME) dose was 15 mg/day. Median duration of hospitalization was 18 and 9 days in the opioid and non-opioid groups, and in-hospital mortality was 2.06% and 0.42%. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that preoperative opioid use was associated with a longer duration of hospitalization and in-hospital mortality. Subgroup analysis demonstrated longer durations of hospitalization in both high (> 30 mg/day MME) and low (≤ 30 mg/day MME) dose opioid groups, while higher in-hospital mortality was seen only in the high dose opioid group.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative opioid usage was one-tenth of the United States average. Despite its low prevalence and small dosage, preoperative opioid usage was associated with poor postoperative outcomes. Dedicated perioperative interventions to prevent opioid-associated adverse events should be developed even in countries with low opioid consumption.

Risk factors for wound healing complications after revascularization for MMD with complete Y-shaped incision

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic occlusive cerebrovascular disease that can be treated with revascularization. Surgery increases the risk of poor wound healing (PWH) due to the impact on the blood supply to the flap. We aimed to analyze risk factors for PWH in MMD with a complete Y-shaped incision. A total of 125 patients with MMD were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The wounds were assessed and measured on the third and seventh days after surgery. The mean age of these patients was 43.3 ± 10.0 years. The ratio of male to female was 1:1.3. 15 (12.0%) patients had incision complications. 5 patients (4.0%) had redness; 2 patients (1.6%) had swelling; 2 patients (1.6%) had fat necrosis; 3 patients (2.4%) had incision infection; and 3 patients (2.4%) had flap necrosis. Student's t test showed significant differences in BMI (P = 0.040) and fever time (P = 0.050). The standard chi-squared test showed significant differences in incision infection (P = 0.010), suture mode (P = 0.047), and cutting off large branch vessels in the flap (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that incision infection (P = 0.026, OR 12.958), using a skin stapler (P = 0.030, OR 4.335), cutting off large branch vessels in the flap (P = 0.009, OR 5.227), and BMI (P = 0.027, OR 1.204) were risk factors. The area under the curve for risk factors for PWH on a receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.853. Incision infection, using a skin stapler, higher BMI, and cutting off large branch vessels in the flap are risk factors for PWH.

An Updated Review of Hypertrophic Scarring

Hypertrophic scarring (HTS) is an aberrant form of wound healing that is associated with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and connective tissue at the site of injury. In this review article, we provide an overview of normal (acute) wound healing phases (hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling). We next discuss the dysregulated and/or impaired mechanisms in wound healing phases that are associated with HTS development. We next discuss the animal models of HTS and their limitations, and review the current and emerging treatments of HTS.

Impact of Age on Surgical Outcomes Following Mandible Fracture Repair

OBJECTIVES

Open repair of mandibular fractures are frequently performed surgical procedures. Increasing rates of such fractures are seen in older adults following falls. This study assesses the impact of older age on early complications following mandible fracture repair.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of national registry.

METHODS

The 2013-2018 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all cases of open mandible fracture repair and cases were categorized into younger (18-40), middle (41-65), and older (>65) age cohorts. Demographics and comorbidities were compared between the age groups. Rates of surgical, medical, and wound complications within 30-days of surgery were determined. Multivariable logistic analyses were performed to assess the relationship between age and complications.

RESULTS

Altogether, 1818 cases were included for analysis, of which 1269 (69.8%) were younger, 459 (25.2%) were middle, and 90 (5.0%) were older age. Increased rates of complications were seen in the older groups, including unplanned reoperation, unplanned readmission, wound disruption, and medical complications (p < 0.01). On unadjusted analysis, the older (>65) age group had an increased odds of experiencing a complication compared to the younger (18-40) group (OR: 4.19, p < 0.001). The older age group continued to have a significantly increased odds of medical complications after multivariable adjustment (adjusted OR: 8.64, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

On this analysis of a national database, advanced age was associated with an increased frequency of early postoperative complications following open mandibular fracture repair. Following multivariable adjustment, advanced age continued to be associated with increased odds of postoperative medical complications within 30 days of surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:287-293, 2023.

Topical vanadate improves tensile strength and alters collagen organisation of excisional wounds in a mouse model

Wound dehiscence, oftentimes a result of the poor tensile strength of early healing wounds, is a significant threat to the post-operative patient, potentially causing life-threatening complications. Vanadate, a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, has been shown to alter the organisation of deposited collagen in healing wounds and significantly improve the tensile strength of incisional wounds in rats. In this study, we sought to explore the effects of locally administered vanadate on tensile strength and collagen organisation in both the early and remodelling phases of excisional wound healing in a murine model. Wild-type mice underwent stented excisional wounding on their dorsal skin and were divided equally into three treatment conditions: vanadate injection, saline injection control and an untreated control. Tensile strength testing, in vivo suction Cutometer analysis, gross wound measurements and histologic analysis were performed during healing, immediately upon wound closure, and after 4 weeks of remodelling. We found that vanadate treatment significantly increased the tensile strength of wounds and their stiffness relative to control wounds, both immediately upon healing and into the remodelling phase. Histologic analysis revealed that these biomechanical changes were likely the result of increased collagen deposition and an altered collagen organisation composed of thicker and distinctly organised collagen bundles. Given the risk that dehiscence poses to all operative patients, vanadate presents an interesting therapeutic avenue to improve the strength of post-operative wounds and unstable chronic wounds to reduce the risk of dehiscence.

Incidence and risk factors for surgical wound complications in women with body mass index >30 kg/m2 following cesarean delivery: a secondary analysis

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVE

STUDY DESIGN

RESULTS

CONCLUSION

Effect of triclosan-coated sutures for abdominal wound closure on the incidence of abdominal wound dehiscence: a protocol for an individual participant data meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Acute abdominal wound dehiscence (AWD) or burst abdomen is a severe complication after abdominal surgery with an incidence up to 3.8%. Surgical site infection (SSI) is the biggest risk factor for the development of AWD. It is strongly suggested that the use of triclosan-coated sutures (TCS) for wound closure reduces the risk of SSI. We hypothesise that the use of TCS for abdominal wound closure may reduce the risk of AWD. Current randomised controlled trials (RCTs) lack power to investigate this. Therefore, the purpose of this individual participant data meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of TCS for abdominal wound closure on the incidence of AWD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a systematic review of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for RCTs investigating the effect of TCS compared with non-coated sutures for abdominal wound closure in adult participants scheduled for open abdominal surgery. Two independent reviewers will assess eligible studies for inclusion and methodological quality. Authors of eligible studies will be invited to collaborate and share individual participant data. The primary outcome will be AWD within 30 days after surgery requiring reoperation. Secondary outcomes include SSI, all-cause reoperations, length of hospital stay and all-cause mortality within 30 days after surgery. Data will be analysed with a one-step approach, followed by a two-step approach. In the one-step approach, treatment effects will be estimated as a risk ratio with corresponding 95% CI in a generalised linear mixed model framework with a log link and binomial distribution assumption. The quality of evidence will be judged using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation approach.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The medical ethics committee of the Amsterdam UMC, location AMC in the Netherlands waived the necessity for a formal approval of this study, as this research does not fall under the Medical Research involving Human Subjects Act. Collaborating investigators will deidentify data before sharing. The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019121173.

Microangiopathy in Inflammatory Diseases-Strategies in Surgery of the Lower Extremity

BACKGROUND

Patients with an inflammatory disease frequently develop chronic angiopathy of the capillaries. Due to this pathology, there is an increased rate of complications in lower extremity surgical procedures. It is not uncommon for microangiopathic wound healing disorders to cause deep infections and fistulas, which lead to prolonged courses and hospitalizations. In addition, adhesions and ossifications of the contractile elements occur regularly. This sometimes results in serious limitations of the mobility of the patients. The study aims to present the results of a combination of vacuum and physical therapy.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A retrospective study of six patients with systemic sclerosis undergoing joint-related procedures of the lower extremity between 2015 and 2020 was performed. In addition to characterization of the patients and therapy, special attention was paid to cutaneous wound healing, affection of the fascia and displacement layers, and sclerosis of the muscle and tendon insertion.

RESULTS

The characterized structures (skin, tendon, fascia) show pathological changes at the microangiopathic level, which are associated with delayed healing and less physical capacity. Early suture removal regularly results in secondary scar dehiscence. With a stage-adapted vacuum therapy with sanitation of the deep structures and later on a dermal vacuum system, healing with simultaneous mobilization of the patients could be achieved in our patient cohort.

CONCLUSION

In the case of necessary interventions on the lower extremity, such as trauma surgery, additional decongestive measures in the sense of regular and sustained lymphatic therapy and adapted physiotherapy are indispensable.

Single use negative pressure wound therapy in vascular patients: clinical and economic outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Surgical site complications (SSCs) such as dehiscence and infection are a common issue within vascular surgeries and are a key concern to payers and clinicians. It is estimated that occurrence of complications in vascular surgery can increment length of stay by 9.72 days and costs by £3776 per episode. The objective of this research was to determine the clinical and economic impact of the prophylactic use of single use negative pressure wound therapy (sNWPT) in postoperative femoral endarterectomy incisions within a single centre in the Netherlands.

METHOD

Data were extracted retrospectively from the medical notes of patients consecutively treated for femoral endarterectomy between January 2013 and December 2019 in a single centre in the Netherlands. Since August 2016, patients were treated with the sNPWT device and their data were compared with that of patients treated before the introduction of the device. Data were extracted on SSCs and associated healthcare resource use, with comparisons made between the two patient groups.

RESULTS

The study included a cohort of 108 patients. Data of patients treated by standard care (n=64) showed 32 (50%) patients developed complications. This reduced significantly in patients treated with the sNPWT device (n=44) of whom eight (18.2%) developed a postoperative complication (p=0.0011). Average postoperative costs per patient were €3119 for those in the standard care group and €2630 where the sNPWT device was used.

CONCLUSION

sNPWT provided clinical and economic benefits over standard care in the treatment of femoral endarterectomy patients, significantly reducing rate of complication and their associated costs.

Enhanced perfusion of elliptical wound closures using a novel adhesive suture retention device

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that a novel adhesive retention suture device (ARSD) can increase perfusion at elliptical wound closures by distributing stress away from the suture site.

METHODS

Stress in the skin around a suture both with and without support from an ARSD was evaluated using a finite element model. A single-center, randomized split-scar comparison trial using laser speckle contrast analysis was used to quantify the perfusion at elliptical wound closures in human patients both with and without an ARSD.

RESULTS

The finite element model revealed that the ARSD promoted load transfer to the skin over a larger area, thus reducing the local stress and deformation in the skin around the suture site. Results from the split-scar study showed a mean improvement of 25% perfusion units with the ARSD, and the improvement was statistically significant (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The reduction in local stress and enhanced perfusion around the suture site reveals the potential benefit of using an ARSD to enable more efficient healing by avoiding complications associated with both low perfusion and skin tearing, such as dehiscence, infection, and cheese wiring.

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

OBJECTIVES

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Unique closure of Gustilo IIIA fracture with a hard-to-heal lower extremity wound

Consistently achieving wound closure requires a broad understanding of wound physiology, anatomy and wound healing phases. The multifaceted principles of wound closure are comprised of: perfusion evaluation; diabetes control; nutritional optimisation; infection control; mechanical stress avoidance; oedema management; wound bed preparation; and community care. Optimisation of each element is crucial to timely and durable resolution of acute and hard-to-heal wounds. This objective is realisable only through an interdisciplinary approach to wound healing. The reconstructive ladder represents the graduation of complex wound management as applied by the specialty of plastic surgery. The approach to reconstruction typically begins with the least invasive option, which is considered reliable. However, there are instances when the most reliable option on the reconstructive ladder is not a viable option and creative solutions for wound closure are required. The following case report demonstrates a unique approach to lower extremity salvage in a subacute compound fracture surgical site infection using a limited reconstructive ladder.

Wound Dehiscence Following Upper Blepharoplasty: A Review of 2,376 Cases

PURPOSE

There have been limited studies evaluating specifically the incidence of wound dehiscence following isolated upper blepharoplasty. This is a large-scale upper blepharoplasty review to evaluate the rate of wound dehiscence, to assess risk factors, and to analyze management outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent upper blepharoplasty at a single surgery center. All incisions were closed using either 6-0 fast-absorbing plain gut or polypropylene suture in a running fashion, with an additional interrupted suture near the lateral wound edge. Incidence of wound dehiscence was determined and further assessed by patient age (≤67 or >67 years), gender, preexisting medical conditions, smoking history, and suture type.

RESULTS

A total of 1,190 patients (2,376 eyelids) met inclusion criteria. In total, there were 34 instances (1.4%) of wound dehiscence in 32 patients at an average 9 days (range, 0-30 days) following surgery. Evaluation of wound dehiscence rates by demographic factors revealed male gender to be a significant predictor of wound dehiscence (p = 0.0062). Age, hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes were not predictors of wound dehiscence. Lifetime smoking history increased risk for wound dehiscence (p < 0.0001). Use of fast-absorbing plain gut suture was also significantly associated with dehiscence, when compared with polypropylene (p = 0.0025). Multivariate analysis revealed male gender and fast-absorbing plain gut suture to be independent risk factors for wound dehiscence. Seventeen eyelids with wound separation were observed for second-intention healing, 1 underwent delayed scar revision. Fourteen eyelids were repaired primarily using suture and 3 with cyanoacrylate surgical skin adhesive. All patients reported satisfaction with their final outcome, and objective final healing was deemed satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

Wound dehiscence following isolated upper blepharoplasty is rare and associated with male gender and fast-absorbing plain gut suture. Patients with wound separation may be successfully managed with individualized care.

Risk factors for evisceration in gynecological oncology surgeries

Background/aim

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

Materials and methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Opportunistic Infections Among Transgender Patients in the Clinical Setting: An All-Payer Electronic Health Record Database Study

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the prevalence of HIV and opportunistic infections among transgender patients in clinical care. Of 10,160 transgender patients identified, 3.9% had a diagnosis of HIV, compared to 0.32% in the non-transgender cohort (p<0.0001). Transgender patients experience the burden of all opportunistic infection compared to non-transgender patients in this analysis, although prevalence of pneumocystis pneumonia was not significant. This cohort-based, all-payer electronic health record study of HIV patients connected to care revealed that transgender patients have a higher prevalence of HIV infection and opportunistic infections compared to the non-transgender cohort.

The Selective Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Agonist Compound 21 Reduces Abdominal Adhesions in Mice

BACKGROUND

Abdominal adhesions (AAs) are post-traumatic fibrous bands that connect visceral and/or peritoneal surfaces, leading to possible long-term complications. The effect of a novel antifibrotic selective angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist, compound 21 (C21) on AA formation was assessed in a murine model.

METHODS

Female BALB/c mice were laparotomized and the cecum and overlying parietal peritoneum abraded. C21 (10 μg/kg) or saline (vehicle) were administered orally or intraperitoneally daily. Mice were sacrificed 8 days after surgery, adhesions graded, and peritoneal fluid collected for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β levels. Laparotomy incisions were excised for immunohistochemistry. In vitro, scratch assays were performed using primary parietal peritoneal fibroblasts and visceral mesothelial cells treated with C21 (10 μM), angiotensin II (1 μM), or both. Western blot analysis of primary cell lysates was performed for total and phosphorylated SMAD 2/3.

RESULTS

Oral and intraperitoneal C21 reduced AA formation and TGF-β levels in peritoneal fluid. Surgical incisions demonstrated decreased α-smooth muscle actin expression in C21-treated animals, but no difference in vascularity, macrophage infiltration, collagen I/III distribution and density, and dermal thickness. Migration and expression of phosphorylated SMAD 2/3 was reduced in parietal peritoneal fibroblasts and visceral mesothelial cells treated with C21.

CONCLUSIONS

Local and systemic C21 administration reduced or completely prevented AA formation. These findings may be attributed to decreased intraperitoneal TGF-β in vivo and decreased migration of peritoneal fibroblasts and visceral mesothelial cells. Importantly, C21 did not have histologically quantifiable effects on laparotomy wounds, suggesting C21 could reduce AA formation without compromising laparotomy healing.

Chronic Opioid Use Is Associated With Surgical Site Infection After Lumbar Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, database review.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between preoperative opioid use and postoperative infection requiring operative wound washout in elective lumbar fusion patients.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Numerous peer-reviewed publications have conducted multivariate analyses of risk factors for surgical site infection. However, few have explored preoperative opioid use. Opioids have been widely prescribed preoperatively for pain management, but their effect on postsurgical infection is currently inconclusive.

METHODS

We retrospectively queried the PearlDiver national insurance claims database and included patients from 2007 to 2017 with a history of lumbar fusion. Any interbody fusion history designated exclusion. We stratified patients by single or multilevel procedures and conducted univariate analyses of previously documented infection risk factors, as well as our variable of interest, chronic preoperative opioid use. Variables associated (P < 0.100) with the outcome measure of 90-day postoperative infection treated with operative irrigation and wound debridement were included in a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 12,519 patients matched our inclusion criteria. Among the single-level cohort, only diabetes was observed to be associated with infection requiring operative wound washout and thus no subsequent regression was performed. For the cohort of patients who underwent multilevel fusion, chronic opioid use, diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypertension trended toward significance in the univariate analysis and were included in a logistic regression model. In the multivariate analysis, chronic opioid use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.435, P = 0.025), diabetes (OR = 1.591 P = 0.003), and congestive heart failure (OR = 1.929, P = 0.003) were identified as independent risk factors for infection requiring operative wound washout.

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, preoperative opioid use was significantly associated with infection requiring operative wound washout in multilevel lumbar fusion patients. Limiting opioid consumption may have the benefit of reducing the risk of infection following spine surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Closed Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy at Flap Suture Line: An Innovative Approach for Improving Outcomes in Suboptimal Wound Conditions

Background  Persistent dead space following flap cover is a frequently encountered challenge following the reconstruction of complex wounds. It may lead to a hematoma, seroma, wound infection, and wound dehiscence. Wound dehiscence could be a devastating complication. Closed incisional negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) over the surgical incisions was found to reduce surgical site infection (SSI) and wound dehiscence. We applied this principle at the closed flap suture line and through this article, we share the indications, technique, and outcomes.

Methods  A retrospective analysis (January 2018–June 2019), in which selected high-risk patients who underwent ciNPWT at the flap suture following complex reconstruction (pedicled or free flap) were included in the study. The indications include deep incisional/organ SSI after debridement and flap coverage, persistent dead space following flap coverage, chronic osteomyelitis. Patients were analyzed in the follow-up period in terms of complications, wound healing.

Results  Nine patients underwent ciNPWT over the flap suture line. The mean age was 32.2 years (range: 10–48 years). The mean duration of the NPWT application was 7.3 days (range: 3–21 days). Three of the nine patients had flap-related minor complications. One patient had marginal flap necrosis and required skin grafting, one patient had minor wound dehiscence (1 cm) which required secondary skin suturing and one patient had chronic discharging sinus related to osteomyelitis of ischium, which subsequently healed with antibiotics and local wound care. None of the patients had NPWT-related complications.

Conclusion  Closed incisional NPWT decreases the untoward effects of dead space following the reconstruction of complex wounds. The incidence of SSI and wound gaping can be reduced.

Using negative pressure wound therapy to prevent surgical site infection

It is estimated that, at the very least, 5% of patients who undergo surgery develop a surgical site infection (SSI). There has been much interest in the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) as a prophylactic treatment to reduce the risk of SSI. Evidence suggests it can accelerate healing times, reduce both the length of hospital stay and the frequency of dressing changes, and improve patients' quality of life. The efficacy of traditional and portable NPWT systems is similar. However, the latter has an advantage in that it increases patient mobility and does not hinder individuals from carrying out activities of daily living. There are also economic data suggesting that portable NPWT devices are associated with long-term cost savings.

Perioperative outcomes among chronic opioid users who receive lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify whether chronic opioid users are at increased risk for complications or hospital readmission following lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

The National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database was queried to identify patients older than age 65 years who received a lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer. Chronic opioid users were identified through Medicare Part D records and were defined as those with >120 cumulative days of opioid supply for the year before surgery. A systematic 1:2 propensity matching was performed among chronic opioid users.

RESULTS

Six thousand four hundred thirty-seven patients were identified, among whom 3627 (56%) were opioid naïve, 1866 (29%) were intermittent opioid users, and 944 (15%) were chronic opioid users. After propensity matching, 30-day mortality and 90-day mortality were nearly 2-fold higher among chronic opioid users compared with nonchronic users. In addition, length of stay and hospital charges were increased among chronic opioid users (median, 6 vs 7 days and mean increase, $12,526, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed that intermittent opioid users and chronic opioid users were associated with an increased risk of 90-day hospital readmission compared with opioid-naïve patients (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.71 and odds ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-2.12, respectively), predominantly burdened by infectious, renal, and pulmonary causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who chronically use opioids before lobectomy represent high-risk patients. The risk of 30- and 90-day mortality, length of stay, hospital charges, and 90-day readmission after lobectomy among chronic opioid users are substantially elevated.

Assessing the National Prevalence of HIV Screening in the United States using Electronic Health Record Data

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend population-based screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at least once in each patient's life. National surveys estimate that 42.5% of the population has been screened; however, these studies have relatively low sample sizes and inherent survey biases. Using a national, de-identified cloud-based electronic health record (EHR) information from over 48 million patients, we found that only 6.4% of Americans over the age of 18 had laboratory evidence of a prior HIV test. Further investigation is necessary to determine if single-item questions on national surveys correlate with objective evidence of HIV testing, as well as addressing the numerous limitations related to the use of EHR data that likely grossly underestimates the prevalence of HIV screening nationally. 

Preadmission use of antidepressants and risk of complications and death after colorectal cancer surgery: a nationwide population-based cohort study

AIM

Few studies have evaluated how preadmission use of antidepressants affects outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after they have undergone surgery. Therefore, our aim is to examine whether preadmission use of antidepressants increased the risk of complications and death in patients who underwent CRC surgery.

METHOD

Using the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group Database we identified patients who underwent CRC surgery in Denmark from 2005 to 2012. We identified prescriptions for antidepressants redeemed within 1 year prior to surgery and categorized patients as current users (≤ 90 days), former users (91-365 days) and nonusers. All patients were followed from surgery to 30 days thereafter or to death. We calculated 30-day rates of complications, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality and compared these between users and nonusers using logistic and Cox regression adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of 27 374 patients, 8.9% were current users and 3.0% were former users. Antidepressant users were older and had more comorbidity but a similar cancer stage. Compared with nonusers, current users had a higher risk of postoperative reoperation [adjusted odds ratio (aORs) = 1.15 (95% CI 1.02-1.30)], medical complications [aORs = 1.41 (95% CI 1.25-1.60)] and increased ICU admission rate [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.32 (95% CI 1.21-1.45)]. The 30-day mortality was 11.4% for current users, 9.1% for former users and 6.2% for nonusers [aHR = 1.34 (95% CI 1.17-1.53) for current vs nonusers].

CONCLUSION

Patients with preadmission use of antidepressants had a higher risk of complications and ICU admission, and higher 30-day mortality following CRC surgery than nonusers.

Postoperative wound dehiscence after laparotomy: a useful healthcare quality indicator? A cohort study based on Norwegian hospital administrative data

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative wound dehiscence (PWD) is a serious complication to laparotomy, leading to higher mortality, readmissions and cost. The aims of the present study are to investigate whether risk adjusted PWD rates could reliably differentiate between Norwegian hospitals, and whether PWD rates were associated with hospital characteristics such as hospital type and laparotomy volume.

DESIGN

Observational study using patient administrative data from all Norwegian hospitals, obtained from the Norwegian Patient Registry, for the period 2011-2015, and linked using the unique person identification number.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients undergoing laparotomy, aged at least 15 years, with length of stay at least 2 days and no diagnosis code for immunocompromised state or relating to pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium. The final data set comprised 66 925 patients with 78 086 laparotomy episodes from 47 hospitals.

OUTCOMES

The outcome was wound dehiscence, identified by the presence of a wound reclosure code, risk adjusted for patient characteristics and operation type.

RESULTS

The final data set comprised 1477 wound dehiscences. Crude PWD rates varied from 0% to 5.1% among hospitals, with an overall rate of 1.89%. Three hospitals with statistically significantly higher PWD than average were identified, after case mix adjustment and correction for multiple comparisons. Hospital volume was not associated with PWD rate, except that hospitals with very few laparotomies had lower PWD rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Norwegian hospitals, there is considerable variation in PWD rate that cannot be explained by operation type, age or comorbidity. This warrants further investigation into possible causes, such as surgical technique, perioperative procedures or handling of complications. The risk adjusted PWD rate after laparotomy is a candidate quality indicator for Norwegian hospitals.

Association between postoperative opioid use and outpatient surgical adverse events

BACKGROUND

Opioid-related adverse drug events are common following inpatient surgical procedures. Little is known about opioid prescribing after outpatient surgical procedures and if opioid use is associated with short term risks of outpatient surgical adverse events (AEs).

METHODS

VA Corporate Data Warehouse was used to identify opioid use within 48 h for FY2012-14 chart-reviewed cases from a larger VA study of AEs in outpatient surgeries. We estimated a multilevel logistic regression model to determine the effect of opioid exposure on risk of AEs between 2 and 30 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of the 1730 outpatient surgical cases, 628 (36%) had postoperative opioid use and 12% had an AE. Opioid use following outpatient surgery was not significantly associated with higher surgical AE rates after controlling for relevant covariates (OR = 1.1 95% CI 0.79-1.54). Only procedure RVUs were associated with higher odds of postoperative AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative opioid use following outpatient surgery is not a significant driver of postoperative AEs.

Suture choice to reduce occurrence of surgical site infection, hernia, wound dehiscence and sinus/fistula: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There are many options and little guiding evidence when choosing suture types with which to close the abdominal wall fascia. This network meta-analysis investigated the effect of suture materials on surgical site infection, hernia, wound dehiscence and sinus/fistula occurrence after abdominal surgery. The aim was to provide clarity on whether previous recommendations on suture choice could be followed with confidence.

METHODS AND METHODS

In February 2017, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, EMBASE and Science Citation Index Expanded were searched for randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of suture choice on these four complications in closing the abdomen. A reference search of identified trials was performed. Prisma guidelines and the Cochrane risk of bias tool were followed in the data extraction and synthesis. Two review authors screened titles and abstracts of trials identified. A random effect model was used for the surgical site infection network based on the deviance information criterion statistics.

RESULTS

Thirty-one trials were included (11,533 participants). No suture material reached the predetermined 90% probability threshold for determination of 'best treatment' for any outcome. Pairwise comparisons largely showed no differences between suture types for all outcomes measured. However, nylon demonstrated a reduction in the occurrence of incisional hernias with respect to two commonly used absorbable sutures: polyglycolic acid (odds ratio, OR 1.91; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.01-3.63) and polyglyconate (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.17-4.07).

CONCLUSIONS

No suture type can be considered the 'best treatment' for the prevention of surgical site infection, hernia, wound dehiscence and sinus/fistula occurrence.

Elevated Venous Thromboembolism Risk Following Colectomy for IBD Is Equal to Those for Colorectal Cancer for Ninety Days After Surgery

BACKGROUND

The risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism is high in patients with colon cancer and IBD. Although The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons suggests posthospital prophylaxis after surgery in patients with colon cancer, there are no such recommendations for patients with IBD.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze the incidence and risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective review using the Explorys platform.

SETTINGS

Aggregated electronic medical records from 26 major health care systems across the United States from 1999 to 2017 were used for this study.

PATIENTS

Patients who underwent colon surgery were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients were followed up to 90 days postoperatively for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

RESULTS

A total of 75,620 patients underwent colon resections, including 32,020 patients with colon cancer, 9850 patients with IBD, and 33,750 patients with diverticulitis. The 30-day incidence of venous thromboembolism was higher in patients with cancer and IBD than in patients with diverticulitis (2.9%, 3.1%, and 2.4%, p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The 30-day incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients with ulcerative colitis is greater than in patients with Crohn's disease (4.1% vs 2.1%, p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of venous thromboembolism increased from 1.2% at 7 days after surgery to 4.3% at 90 days after surgery in patients with cancer, and from 1.3% to 4.3% in patients with IBD. In multivariable analysis, increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism was associated with cancer diagnosis, IBD diagnosis, age ≥60, smoking, and obesity.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective nature and by the use of the aggregated electronic database, which is based on charted codes and contains only limited collateral clinical data.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the elevated and sustained risk of postoperative thromboembolism, patients with IBD, especially ulcerative colitis, might benefit from extended thromboembolism prophylaxis similar to that of patients with colon cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A544.

Early assessment of post-surgical outcomes with pre-pectoral breast reconstruction: A literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pre-pectoral breast reconstruction is an emerging surgical approach. This study provides an early assessment of outcomes with the technique.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was performed through searches of PubMed^® /MEDLINE^® to identify studies on pre-pectoral reconstruction. Patient characteristics and outcomes were extracted from studies and pooled. Linear relationships between complication rates and patient characteristics with pre-pectoral reconstruction were analyzed. A meta-analysis compared complication rates between pre-pectoral and dual-plane reconstruction.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies (406 women/654 breasts) were included. The most common complications with pre-pectoral reconstruction were flap necrosis (7.8%), seroma (6.7%), capsular contracture (5.8%), and explantation (4.6%). No hyperanimation was reported. Significant correlation between previous radiation and flap necrosis, post-operative chemotherapy and infection, hypertension and flap necrosis, diabetes and dehiscence, and smoking and explantation were found. A meta-analysis of four studies comparing pre-pectoral (135 women/219 breasts) and dual-plane (230/408) reconstruction found no significant difference for likelihood of infection (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-1.30), explantation (0.83; 0.29-2.38), necrosis (1.61; 0.77-3.36), seroma (1.88; 0.71-5.02), dehiscence (1.84; 0.68-4.95), or capsular contracture (0.14; 0.02-1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Complication rates are comparable following pre-pectoral and dual-plane reconstruction, indicating the pre-pectoral technique may be a feasible option for appropriate patients.

Longitudinal observational study of hidradenitis suppurativa: impact of surgical intervention with adjunctive biologic therapy

BACKGROUND

Hidradenitis supppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the apocrine sweat glands affecting 1-4% of the population. While surgical excision is a mainstay of therapy, lesions often recur. Biologic therapies, including tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-12/23 inhibitors, are effective for mild to moderate HS. However, longitudinal studies investigating biologic therapy in conjunction with surgery are limited. The purpose of this analysis was to investigate impact of surgery and biologic therapy on HS disease activity.

METHODS

Data from 68 HS patients were analyzed. Outcome measures included hidradenitis suppurativa Sartorius Score (HSS), active nodule (AN) count, Hurley stage, and probability of achieving 75% reduction in active nodule count (AN75).

RESULTS

Mean age was 40 ± 14 years; 66% were female and 72% were African American. Mean disease duration was 10 years, and Hurley stage III disease was seen in 63% of patients. Patients who received biologics had a larger drop in HSS and AN count than those who never received biologics (P = 0.002). Biologic treatment was associated with average reduction in 22 (15-29) HSS points (P < 0.0001). The effect of biologics was greater in patients who also underwent surgery (P = 0.013). Timing of biologics relative to surgery did not impact efficacy. Patients who received HS surgery with biologic therapy were most likely to achieve the AN75 (P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

In this diverse cohort of patients with severe HS, biologic therapy was associated with a more rapid decline in disease activity, with the greatest effect in patients who also underwent HS surgery.

Comparison of two surgical suture techniques in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty

BACKGROUND

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP) are two standard surgical procedures for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. In a prospective clinical trial, we compared a standard simple interrupted suture technique for closure of the tonsillar pillars with a running locked suture.

METHODS

Each suture technique was randomly assigned either to the left or the right tonsillar pillars in 28 patients. During the first week, patients were daily checked for suture dehiscence and again on days 10 and 21, the end of followup. Time to perform the sutures was measured intraoperative and surgical complications were recorded.

RESULTS

During followup, suture dehiscence was observed in 15/28 interrupted and 16/28 running sutures (p > 0.5). If a dehiscence occurred during the observation period, the median day of dehiscence was 10 (1 and 3 quartile: 5.75 and 17) days for the interrupted suture and 10 (5-11) days for the running locked suture technique (p > 0.05). The mean (± SD) surgical time for the interrupted suture was 5.2 ± 1.9 and 3.5 ± 1.8 min for the running locked suture (p < 0.001). Postoperative bleedings occurred in 4/28 running sutures and 2/28 interrupted sutures.

CONCLUSION

The running locked suture technique is an equally safe and time saving way of wound closure in UPPP and ESP.

Review of local wound management for scleroderma-associated digital ulcers

Digital ulcers (DU) are a common clinical problem in systemic sclerosis (SSc); however, there is no standardization of local wound care protocols for management of these lesions. There is a well-recognized need to develop and standardize non-pharmacological management of DU in patients with SSc, and to adopt these protocols in future clinical trials that focus on DU healing. The purpose of this review is to outline the types of DU that occur in SSc, and provide an update on the principles of wound management for these lesions based on the current literature and expert opinion.

Lone Pediatric Atrial Fibrillation in the United States: Analysis of Over 1500 Cases

Little is known about lone atrial fibrillation (AF) in pediatrics and its risk factors due to low prevalence. We sought to determine risk factors and estimate recurrence rates in children with lone AF using a large clinical database. Using the Explorys clinical database, we retrospectively identified patients who were below 20 years of age at the time of their AF diagnosis. Patients with congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, prior open heart surgery, or thyroid disease were excluded. Out of 7,969,230 children identified, 1910 had AF and 1570 met the definition of lone AF. The prevalence of lone AF was 7.5 per 100,000 children. In comparison to young children (0-4 years), risk for lone AF increased with age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.2 [95% CI 0.9-1.5, P = 0.21] in those 5-9 years, aOR 1.7 [95% CI 1.3-2.1, P < 0.001] in those 10-14 years, and aOR 10.7 [95% CI 8.7-13.2, P < 0.001] in those 15-19 years). Risk of lone AF was also higher in males than females (aOR 1.7 [95% CI 1.5-1.9, P < 0.001]), and was higher in obese children (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) versus children with normal BMI (aOR 1.3 [95% CI 1.1-1.5], P < 0.001), but there was no difference between overweight (BMI = 85th-94th percentile) and normal (P = 0.14). One-month recurrence rate was 15%, and increased with age. In this large pediatric cohort, the prevalence of lone AF was low, but risk was higher in males and increased with age and obesity. Older children with lone AF had higher rates of recurrence.

Building a Multidisciplinary Hospital-Based Wound Care Center: Nuts and Bolts

BACKGROUND

A hospital-based wound care center provides an important platform for the multidisciplinary approach to wound care. The colocation of specialists is an ideal working environment for the efficient delivery of quality care of the complex wound through daily communication and shared resources.

METHODS

We describe the critical components necessary in building a hospital-based wound care center. Furthermore, the experience at the authors' institution in developing the multidisciplinary approach is discussed.

RESULTS

Readily available ancillary services, specially trained personnel, continuum of care from the outpatient clinic to admission to surgery, and inpatient and outpatient post operative care all contribute to a process that is especially amenable to the care of the complex wound.

CONCLUSIONS

The final goal is to return the patient to the best quality of life achievable given his or her wound or disability. The aim of this study is to present the authors' experiences and provide insight for others who may want to build this model within their institutions.

Relationship between opioid treatment and rate of healing in chronic wounds

Opioids are routinely used analgesics in patients with chronic wounds; however the impact of opioid exposure on wound healing is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between opioid exposure and wound outcome in the Wound Etiology and Healing study. This longitudinal observational study was conducted on 450 subjects enrolled in the Wound Etiology and Healing biorepository. Data were collected prospectively including baseline characteristics, pain score, longitudinal opioid exposure, and total wound surface area (tWSA). Data were analyzed using static multivariate models, fixed-effects mixed models, and time to event analysis. Using fixed-effects models, opioid dose was significantly associated with tWSA after accounting for the effects of pain score and baseline co-variates (p < 0.0001). For each 1-unit increase in ln(opioid dose + 1) the ln(tWSA + 1) increased by 0.16 units (95% confidence interval 0.13-0.19, p < 0.0001). Visits where opioids were present had ln(tWSA + 1) 0.48 units larger (95% confidence interval 0.38-0.58, p < 0.0001) than visits with no opioid exposure. Using time-to-event analysis, patients who never received opioids healed faster than those who received opioids (log-rank chi-square 11.00, p  = 0.0009). Using Cox regression analysis, patients with mean opioid dose ≥10 mg were significantly less likely to heal than those with no opioid (HR 0.67 [0.49-0.91], p = 0.011) after adjusting for wound size. Patients with opioid dose >0 to <10 mg had a similar hazard of not healing as those with no opioid exposure (HR 0.88 [0.65-1.19], p = 0.40). In conclusion, opioid analgesics are commonly prescribed to patients with chronic wounds; however, the data presented suggest that opioid exposure is associated with reduced likelihood of healing in patients with chronic wounds. Whether this is a causal relationship will require further study.

Vasculitic and autoimmune wounds

OBJECTIVE

Chronic wounds are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Approximately 20% to 23% of nonhealing wounds that are refractory to vascular intervention have other causes, including vasculitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and other autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this article was to review the literature across medical and surgical specialties with regard to refractory chronic wounds associated with vasculitis and autoimmune diseases and to delineate clinical outcomes of these wounds in response to vascular and other interventions.

METHODS

An electronic search encompassing MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus was completed using the following search terms: rheumatoid arthritis; systemic sclerosis; systemic lupus erythematosus; antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis; mixed connective tissue disease; antiphospholipid syndrome; pyoderma gangrenosum; thromboangiitis obliterans; cryoglobulinemia; hydroxyurea; sickle cell; atrophie blanche; livedoid vasculitis; cholesterol emboli; calciphylaxis; antiphospholipid antibodies; prothrombotic; combined with the terms: chronic wound and leg ulcer. Full-text articles published in English up to March 1, 2016, that investigated the clinical outcomes of chronic wounds associated with autoimmune diseases were included. Review articles and evaluations of management of chronic wounds were also reviewed. Primary outcomes included in the review were amputation, ulcer healing, reduction in wound size, overall survival, and freedom from reintervention. Owing to the heterogeneity of data reporting among articles, qualitative analysis is also reported.

RESULTS

Vasculitis and autoimmune diseases play a role in 20% to 23% of patients with chronic lower extremity ulcers. Furthermore, patients with autoimmune disease have a significantly high rate of split thickness skin graft failure (50% compared to 97% in patients without autoimmune disease; P = .0002). The management of leg ulcers associated with autoimmune diseases is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Autoimmune and vasculitic causes should be considered in patients with chronic wounds who do not respond to appropriate vascular intervention and standard local wound care. A multidisciplinary approach with the involvement of rheumatologists allows investigation for underlying systemic disease and improves clinical outcomes for many of these challenging patients.

Vasculitic Diseases and Prothrombotic States Contributing to Delayed Healing In Chronic Wounds

PURPOSE

Autoimmune diseases are a common cause of delayed wound healing and should be considered in patients with chronic wounds who do not respond to local wound care or who fail skin grafting in the absence of infection.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epidemiologic studies have shown that, of patients with chronic wounds evaluated in specialized wound healing clinics, 20-23% have autoimmune etiologies for their wounds including vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, pyoderma gangrenosum and other autoimmune diseases.

SUMMARY

In this article autoimmune diseases known to be associated with chronic wounds and delayed wound healing are reviewed and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for patients with chronic wounds, with involvement of rheumatology and dermatology is highlighted. This approach allows for investigation of underlying systemic disease and improves clinical outcomes for many of these challenging patients.

Does pregnancy increase the risk of abdominal hernia recurrence after prepregnancy surgical repair?

BACKGROUND

By increasing intraabdominal pressure, pregnancy may increase the risk of abdominal hernia recurrence. Current data are limited to studies with small sample size and thus the impact of pregnancy on recurrence is unclear.

OBJECTIVE(S)

The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the impact of pregnancy on clinically significant abdominal hernia recurrence in a large multicenter cohort.

STUDY DESIGN

A multiinstitution deidentified electronic health record database, EPM: Explore (Explorys Inc, Cleveland, OH) was utilized to perform a retrospective cohort study of women aged 18-45 years with a history of an abdominal hernia repair from 1999 through 2013. Abdominal hernia was defined to include ventral and incisional hernias, and other types were excluded. The presence or absence of a pregnancy following primary hernia repair was elucidated from the database. Subjects were excluded if a hernia repair occurred during pregnancy. The rate of hernia recurrence, defined as reoperation, was calculated. The association between pregnancy and hernia recurrence was evaluated with logistic regression, both unadjusted and adjusted for diabetes, obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m(2)), tobacco abuse, and wound complication at the time of initial hernia repair.

RESULTS

A total of 11,020 women with a history of hernia repair were identified, of whom 840 had a subsequent pregnancy. Overall, 915 women in the cohort had a hernia recurrence (8.3%). Women with a history of pregnancy following primary hernia repair were more likely to have a body mass index >30 kg/m(2), a history of tobacco abuse, and a wound complication at the time of primary repair. In an unadjusted analysis, pregnancy was associated with an increase in the risk of hernia recurrence (13.1% vs 7.1%, odds ratio, 1.96, 95% confidence interval, 1.60-2.42). The association between pregnancy and hernia recurrence was attenuated but persisted after adjusting for confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio, 1.73, 95% confidence interval, 1.40-2.14).

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of abdominal hernia recurrence after adjusting for confounding factors. The magnitude of this association is likely underestimated, given that the risk of recurrence was defined as reoperation, which captures only the most clinically significant group of recurrences. This information will facilitate counseling for reproductive-aged women planning elective ventral or incisional hernia repair. The risk of recurrence and subsequent reoperation should be balanced against the risk of incarceration and emergent surgery during pregnancy. As such, the desire for future pregnancy and/or contraception should be considered when planning asymptomatic hernia repair for women of reproductive age.

Buried absorbable polyglactin 910 sutures do not result in stronger wounds in porcine full thickness skin incisions

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that the mechanical strength of wounds closed with a combination of buried dermal absorbable sutures and superficial nonabsorbable nylon sutures will be higher than wounds closed with only superficial nonabsorbable nylon sutures.

METHODS

Four Yucatan pigs were anesthetized and each received four 4.5cm full thickness incisions on their dorsal surfaces, placed 8cm apart. Half of all incisions were randomly allocated and repaired with 3-0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl(™)) buried dermal absorbable sutures and superficial 3-0 nylon sutures, using a simple interrupted pattern. The other half received only 3-0 nylon sutures. Two pigs were humanely euthanized at day 10, with specimen harvest for mechanical testing; the other two pigs had superficial nylon sutures removed at day 10, as per current clinical practice, and were humanely euthanized at day 42, with specimen harvest for mechanical testing. Tensile loads were applied perpendicularly to the wounds with a displacement rate of 40mm per minute.

RESULTS

Wounds at day 42 were >9 times stronger than wounds at day 10 (p<0.0001). There was no difference in average wound strength at either day 10 or day 42 between wounds with and without buried dermal absorbable sutures.

SIGNIFICANCE

Buried dermal absorbable sutures failed to provide additional wound support at either 10 or 42 days. This result may have immediate implications for clinicians who perform cutaneous surgery and keep superficial sutures in for at least 10 days. Future research will be directed to shorter time studies, other buried dermal absorbable suture materials, and alternatives to buried dermal absorbable sutures.

Wound Disruption Following Colorectal Operations

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative wound disruption is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify the risk factors and outcomes of wound disruption following colorectal resection.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to examine the clinical data of patients who underwent colorectal resection from 2005 to 2013. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of wound disruption.

RESULTS

We sampled a total of 164,297 patients who underwent colorectal resection. Of these, 2073 (1.3 %) had wound disruption. Patients with wound disruption had significantly higher mortality (5.1 vs. 1.9 %, AOR: 1.46, P = 0.01). The highest risk of wound disruption was seen in patients with wound infection (4.8 vs. 0.9 %, AOR: 4.11, P < 0.01). A number of factors are associated with wound disruption such as chronic steroid use (AOR: 1.71, P < 0.01), smoking (AOR: 1.60, P < 0.01), obesity (AOR: 1.57, P < 0.01), operation length more than 3 h (AOR: 1.56, P < 0.01), severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (AOR: 1.36, P < 0.01), urgent/emergent admission (AOR: 1.31, P = 0.01), and serum Albumin Level <3 g/dL (AOR: 1.27, P < 0.01). Laparoscopic surgery had significantly lower risk of wound disruption compared to open surgery (AOR: 0.61, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Wound disruption occurs in 1.3 % of colorectal resections, and it correlates with mortality of patients. Wound infection is the strongest predictor of wound disruption. Chronic steroid use, obesity, severe COPD, prolonged operation, non-elective admission, and serum albumin level are strongly associated with wound disruption. Utilization of the laparoscopic approach may decrease the risk of wound disruption when possible.

Heart failure in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: Epidemiology and management disparities

BACKGROUND

Persons living with HIV are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease despite effective antiretroviral therapy and dramatic reductions in AIDS-related conditions. We sought to identify the epidemiology of heart failure (HF) among persons living with HIV in the United States in an era of contemporary antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

Explorys is an electronic healthcare database that aggregates medical records from 23 healthcare systems nationwide. Using systemized nomenclature of medicine-clinical terms (SNOMED-CT), we identified adult patients (age>18), who had active records over the past year (September 2014-September 2015). We described the prevalence of HF in HIV patients by demographics and treatment and compared them to HIV-uninfected controls.

RESULTS

Overall, there were 36,400 patients with HIV and 12,208,430 controls. The overall prevalence of HF was 7.2% in HIV and 4.4% in controls (RR 1.66 [1.60-1.72], p<0.0001). The relative risk of HF associated with HIV infection was higher among women and younger age groups. Patients receiving antiretroviral therapy had only marginally lower risk (6.4% vs. 7.7%, p<0.0001) of HF compared to those who were untreated. Compared to uninfected patients with HF, HIV patients with HF were less likely to receive antiplatelet drugs, statins, diuretics, and ACE/ARBs (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). For patients with HIV and HF, receiving care from a cardiologist was associated with higher use of antiplatelets, statins, betablockers, ACE/ARBs, and diuretics.

CONCLUSIONS

Persons with HIV are at higher risk for HF in this large contemporary sample that includes both men and women. Although the prevalence of heart failure is higher in older HIV patients, the relative risk associated with HIV is highest in young people and in women. HIV patients are less likely to have HF optimally treated, but cardiology referral was associated with higher treatment rates.

Closed incision negative pressure therapy: international multidisciplinary consensus recommendations

Surgical site occurrences (SSOs) affect up to or over 25% of patients undergoing operative procedures, with the subset of surgical site infections (SSIs) being the most common. Commercially available closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) may offer surgeons an additional option to manage clean, closed surgical incisions. We conducted an extensive literature search for studies describing ciNPT use and assembled a diverse panel of experts to create consensus recommendations for when using ciNPT may be appropriate. A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using key words ‘prevention’, ‘negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)’, ‘active incisional management’, ‘incisional vacuum therapy’, ‘incisional NPWT’, ‘incisional wound VAC’, ‘closed incisional NPWT’, ‘wound infection’, and ‘SSIs’ identified peer‐reviewed studies published from 2000 to 2015. During a multidisciplinary consensus meeting, the 12 experts reviewed the literature, presented their own ciNPT experiences, identified risk factors for SSOs and developed comprehensive consensus recommendations. A total of 100 publications satisfied the search requirements for ciNPT use. A majority presented data supporting ciNPT use. Numerous publications reported SSI risk factors, with the most common including obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²); diabetes mellitus; tobacco use; or prolonged surgical time. We recommend that the surgeon assess the individual patient's risk factors and surgical risks. Surgeons should consider using ciNPT for patients at high risk for developing SSOs or who are undergoing a high‐risk procedure or a procedure that would have highly morbid consequences if an SSI occurred.