Antibiotic Prophylaxis against Surgical Site Infection after Open Hernia Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis: A Proposal for a Global Evidence-Based Bundle

In the multimodal strategy context, to implement healthcare-associated infection prevention, bundles are one of the most commonly used methods to adapt guidelines in the local context and transfer best practices into routine clinical care. One of the most important measures to prevent surgical site infections is surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP). This narrative review aims to present a bundle for the correct SAP administration and evaluate the evidence supporting it. Surgical site infection (SSI) prevention guidelines published by the WHO, CDC, NICE, and SHEA/IDSA/APIC/AHA, and the clinical practice guidelines for SAP by ASHP/IDSA/SIS/SHEA, were reviewed. Subsequently, comprehensive searches were also conducted using the PubMed®/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases, in order to identify further supporting evidence-based documentation. The bundle includes five different measures that may affect proper SAP administration. The measures included may be easily implemented in all hospitals worldwide and are based on minimal drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics knowledge, which all surgeons should know. Antibiotics for SAP should be prescribed for surgical procedures at high risk for SSIs, such as clean-contaminated and contaminated surgical procedures or for clean surgical procedures where SSIs, even if unlikely, may have devastating consequences, such as in procedures with prosthetic implants. SAP should generally be administered within 60 min before the surgical incision for most antibiotics (including cefazolin). SAP redosing is indicated for surgical procedures exceeding two antibiotic half-lives or for procedures significantly associated with blood loss. In principle, SAP should be discontinued after the surgical procedure. Hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programmes can optimise the treatment of infections and reduce adverse events associated with antibiotics. In the context of a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, it is essential to encourage an institutional safety culture in which surgeons are persuaded, rather than compelled, to respect antibiotic prescribing practices. In that context, the proposed bundle contains a set of evidence-based interventions for SAP administration. It is easy to apply, promotes collaboration, and includes measures that can be adequately followed and evaluated in all hospitals worldwide.

Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospital settings: the WARNING call to action

Antibiotics are recognized widely for their benefits when used appropriately. However, they are often used inappropriately despite the importance of responsible use within good clinical practice. Effective antibiotic treatment is an essential component of universal healthcare, and it is a global responsibility to ensure appropriate use. Currently, pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to develop new antibiotics due to scientific, regulatory, and financial barriers, further emphasizing the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. To address this issue, the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery established an international multidisciplinary task force of 295 experts from 115 countries with different backgrounds. The task force developed a position statement called WARNING (Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance National/International Network Group) aimed at raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance and improving antibiotic prescribing practices worldwide. The statement outlined is 10 axioms, or "golden rules," for the appropriate use of antibiotics that all healthcare workers should consistently adhere in clinical practice.

Six Long-Standing Questions about Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Surgery

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common adverse event occurring in surgical patients. Optimal prevention of SSIs requires the bundled integration of a variety of measures before, during, and after surgery. Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) is an effective measure for preventing SSIs. It aims to counteract the inevitable introduction of bacteria that colonize skin or mucosa into the surgical site during the intervention. This document aims to guide surgeons in appropriate administration of SAP by addressing six key questions. The expert panel identifies a list of principles in response to these questions that every surgeon around the world should always respect in administering SAP.

Hernia mesh infection treatment following the repair of abdominal wall hernias: A single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

The mesh-based repair of abdominal wall hernias is a commonly employed approach as it is easy to implement and associated with low rates of hernia recurrence. However, the occurrence of hernia mesh infections following such repair can be extremely serious, and no clinical consensus regarding the optimal treatment of such infections has been established. This study was thus developed to review the management of hernia mesh infection cases treated at our center, summarizing the demographic and clinical characteristics of affected patients and summarizing our associated therapeutic experiences.

METHODS

Data pertaining to 64 cases of hernia mesh infections treated at our center were retrospectively reviewed. Data were obtained from patient medical records, including general situation, hernia type, prior hernia repair approaches, type of mesh, and postoperative condition. Other reviewed outcomes include bacteriological and imaging findings, as well as treatment outcomes. In cases where conservative management was not successful, the approach to mesh removal (laparoscopic vs. open) was made based on the primary surgical approach and the type of material used for the repair.

RESULTS

In total, 42 patients underwent primary open inguinal hernioplasty (including plug repair, preperitoneal mesh repair, and Lichtenstein repair), while 11 patients underwent laparoscopic repair (9 transabdominal preperitoneal, TAPP and 2 totally extraperitoneal,TEP), and 11 patients with incisional hernias underwent the intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) procedure. Six patients exhibited mesh erosion of the internal organs. Of these patients, 38 underwent mesh removal via open debridement, while 9 underwent laparoscopic exploration and open debridement, and 1 underwent laparoscopic mesh removal. No patients exhibited serious postoperative sequelae, serious complications, or mortality after the treatment of mesh infections.One patient experienced postoperative infection recurrence following partial mesh removal, with the appearance of a small fistula. Hernias recurred in 2 patients following mesh removal, and 1 patient underwent repair via laparoscopic IPOM.

CONCLUSIONS

While conservative treatment can cure early mesh infections, there is nonetheless a risk that these infections will recur. In view of the variety of surgical intervention of abdominal wall hernias at present,treatment of mesh infection should be individualized. Our findings suggest that hernias repaired via the placement of mesh in the preperitoneal space can more readily contribute to internal organ erosion and late-onset infections, with open debridement often being unable to completely remove the mesh without causing collateral damage. Laparoscopic exploration is an effective and minimally invasive approach to detecting internal organ involvement and removing the infected hernia mesh from affected patients.